Port St. Lucie Reduces Millage Rate in Response to Property Tax Concerns
Port St. Lucie City Council Approves Lower Millage Rate as Homeowners Express Concerns Over Property Taxes
PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. — In response to growing concerns over higher property taxes forcing homeowners out of their homes, the Port St. Lucie City Council voted on Monday night to lower their millage rate. Homeowners have acknowledged that the increases in home evaluations are the main drivers of the property tax increases. However, they believe that the city has the potential to further lower the millage rate, which is used to calculate property taxes, in order to provide additional relief. This comes as the city is expanding its workforce by adding approximately 82 positions and experiencing a larger tax base due to growth. City staff has emphasized the necessity of these additions to meet the increase in services prompted by this growth, as stated in a memo addressed to council members.
Cathi Habemehl, a resident of Port St. Lucie, has voiced her concerns about the rising property tax bills that are becoming increasingly difficult for her to pay. As a senior living on a fixed income, she has witnessed the amount owed almost double in less than two years. The financial strain is making it challenging for her to afford her Port St. Lucie home as well as assisted living services for her husband. Habemehl expressed her frustration, stating, “It’s just frustrating. It’s just very, very frustrating. Every year, everything goes up.”
Navigating the process to comprehend her property tax bill has proven to be a daunting task for Habemehl. Fortunately, she has received assistance from fellow retiree John Moler, who is also frustrated with his property tax bill increasing at a higher rate than anticipated. Moler has highlighted that the community is filled with retirees facing similar circumstances and who are reluctant to reenter the workforce. “You’re on a fixed income,” he explained. “We’re all retirees. I’m 76 years old. I’m not going back to work.”
Data from the United States Census Bureau reveals that the median price of a home in Port St. Lucie was approximately $250,000 between 2017 and 2021. However, real estate websites like Redfin now indicate that the price has surged to around $330,000. Council members have acknowledged the need to make Port St. Lucie more affordable and have been working towards this goal by consistently reducing the millage rate for the past seven years. However, the city also requires additional funds to support the growing population and provide essential services.
As per the U.S. Census Bureau, the estimated population of Port St. Lucie currently stands at 231,790. This marks a significant increase from the estimated population of 164,603 in 2010. The city council recognizes the challenges posed by this population growth and is striving to strike a balance between affordability and necessary services.
The approval of the lower millage rate by the Port St. Lucie City Council demonstrates their commitment to addressing the concerns raised by homeowners regarding escalating property taxes. By alleviating the burden on residents, the council aims to ensure that homeowners can continue to afford their homes and maintain their quality of life.
