DUVAL COUNTY, Fla. – It’s still not clear when Duval County homeowners will get a higher tax bill to fund higher pay for teachers. Voters approved the property tax rate hike on Tuesday, but the details of when it will take effect are still not clear.
Duval County school board chairman Daryl Willie told News4JAX he hopes the change is implemented as soon as possible so teachers can get the raise this year -- and taxpayers will get a new proposed bill, called a trim notice, of what their property tax will actually be.
A home appraised at $300,000 with a homestead exemption will see a $275 increase. The school board must approve its budget by Sept. 6. They could use the new rate for the current bill, or wait until next year.
Many property owners are wondering if they will be paying that potential $300 or more in taxes this year or next year.
Duval County property appraiser Jerry Holland said homeowners will be notified by his office of the final decision.
“Just like we sent a trim notice now letting you know what the proposed millage rate is. If there is a change, regardless if you hear about it or not, we will be sending out a new trim notice if the school board makes a decision to move forward on the one mill on this year’s tax,” Holland said.
More meetings are taking place and the city lawyers are getting involved, because if it goes on the current tax bill, those new notices are costly to send out and will need approval. There should be an answer by Sept 6, if not sooner.