A Buck Saved in Taxes, How Would You Spend It?

The Hillsborough County Board of County Commissioners last month reconciled a budget that reduces the millage rate by 4.24 percent from the aggregate roll-back millage rate, according to a report from county officials.

What does that mean for you?

• The millage rate is the tax rate applied to property.

• Each mill represents $1 of tax assessment per $1,000 of assessed property value.

• This means residents with a home valued at $165,000 with a homestead exemption can expect less than a $1 reduction in their property taxes.

Here's some more things to know about the board's July 31 budget reconciliation workshop:

• This is the 18th year the commission has continued to reduce the county’s total millage rate. 

• The recommended budget totals $3.06 billion.

• County commissioners will hold final budget hearings Wednesday, Sept. 12 and Thursday, Sept. 20 on the second floor of County Center, 601 E. Kennedy Blvd., in downtown Tampa.

• After the Sept. 20 public hearing, commissioners will adopt the Fiscal Year 2013 Budget.

For more:

• The Fiscal Year 2013 Recommended Budget is posted online. The site includes as well a calendar of workshops and public hearings, a taxpayer's guide and a "budget-in-brief" review.