PROPOSED PROPERTY TAX INCREASE

One of the leading issues in this housing crisis is the local Tallahassee government passing legislation to increase the property tax rate. On September 27th, the commissioners passed a $1.12 billion budget three to two that includes an 8.5 percent property tax increase.  According to city commissioner Jeremy Matlow–who is adamantly against this bill–stated that this will directly affect the vast amount of people who are already struggling to meet their high rent payments. With the price of a college education being at an all-time high, partnered with the reeling effects of brand-new highs in inflation, university students are already financially struggling. 

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“When people are already struggling, when we know it’s going to impact rents. And we can say it’s $3.50, but that’s not including the value of their house going up and what that’s going to add to their tax bill. It’s not including the value of their house going up and what the county portion is going to add to their tax bill. And also, it’s more than $3.50 that people are going to pay.” Jeremy Matlock–city commissioner

Those who are against the bill, like myself, believe that the government can find money in other places than their already cash-strapped citizens. For example, Matlow recommended the city attempt to slow funding to departments such as Strategic Innovation and Luxury Travel, which are not as valuable to the average residents of Tallahassee.