VILLAGE OF INDIANTOWN:

BUDGET

Indiantown’s first budget is in. The initial millage rate will be 1.25%. The ad valorem taxes that will be collected are $2,519,993. The Village will begin to manage their storm water and discontinue contributing to that MSTU. The Village will contract with the County for waste collection, parks, and perhaps roads. The total income for the Village including fees, permits and other taxes will be $3,783,582.00.

The proposed expenses for the Village will be $1,401,992 with the balance of collections ($2,381,590) going into reserves. In a normal budget the reserves are not larger than the operating amount. But, in a new municipality without any other funds, this could be a good idea. You will never be able to take over Fire or Parks without having the money needed for equipment etc.

Before deciding whether you want to incorporate, you better be sure that the additional expense is worth it. I would venture to say that, without offering all municipal services thereby eliminating as many MSTUs as possible, having local self-government is expensive. This Council needs to move forward and become a complete government within the next decade. This requires a plan to do so. Otherwise paying a Council to make a few policy choices and a manager with one or two employees is not in the best interest of the residents.

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