Nassau County schools 1 mil property tax referendum

Nassau County voters will be asked whether or not to approve a 1 mill increase in property taxes to raise money to attract and retain high-quality teachers and staff, and enhance art, athletics, safety and security for students. If approved, the county expects it would raise $13.7 million each year.

A 1 mill increase equals $1 for every $1,000 of assessed value, minus the $25,000 homestead exemption. For example, a home with a value of $300,000 will pay $275 more each year, or about $23 a month.

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Argument for tax increase

“While the state provided an increase in starting teacher salaries, it resulted in our most experienced teachers making the same or slightly more. Many of these teachers are going to other districts or moving into higher-paying, less stressful jobs. Nassau County’s average teacher salary ranks 44th out of 67 Florida districts, in a state that ranks 48th out of 50 in the nation. Salaries are cited as one of the main reasons there is a national teacher shortage, which is now impacting Nassau County vacancy rates.

"Most of the $13.7 million raised each year will go toward teacher compensation. People who support the schools, such as security, counseling, and maintenance personnel, will also receive a boost in pay. Additional funding will go to improve the arts and athletic facilities, along with some safety and security upgrades.

”...The state has mandated a steady decline in the Required Local Millage rate each year from 5.8 in 2012 to 3.6 mills today. This was done to offset increases in property values, but it reduced the district’s ability to keep up with growth and inflation. If the 1 mill passes, it’s still well below the 2012 rate. This is the primary source of funding for school operations, including salaries.”

- The Nassau County School District