As Amendment 3, “Limitation on Property Taxes”, heads to the November ballot, I understand why many homeowners find the idea of lower property taxes appealing. But, after years of working with municipal budgets and now volunteering in Manatee County’s Children’s Services funding review, I worry deeply about what this amendment could mean for the services our community relies on.
Property taxes support far more than people realize. In Manatee County, they fund transportation, environmental lands, mosquito control, fire and rescue districts, libraries, parks, and the Children’s Services millage. School funding, which makes up a large portion of the tax bill, cannot be reduced.
My greatest concern is the Children’s Services tax, a 0.3333 millage that has supported more than 70 nonprofits since before 1990. I’ve seen firsthand how these agencies help vulnerable children and families, providing behavioral‑health care, literacy programs, foster‑care support, early‑learning readiness, food and shelter assistance, and services for court‑involved teens. These programs stabilize families and save lives.
No clear plan has been offered for how cuts will be handled. At a recent candidate forum, Commissioner Amanda Ballard stated that nonprofits “will just have to cut back” if Amendment 3 passes. As someone who works directly with these agencies, I know that “cutting back” means fewer counselors, fewer safe spaces, fewer interventions, and fewer supports for children in crisis. That is not a small adjustment; it is a real human impact.
Before voting, residents deserve clear, honest information from state and county leaders. Please study the issue carefully, ask questions, and seek reliable sources. Our children, and our community, depend on informed decisions.
Carolann Garafola is a Bradenton resident who served 23 years as an elected official in Warren, New Jersey, including six years as mayor, and was liaison to the township budget department. She also served as Executive Director of a private apartment community for adults with special challenges.
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rayfusco68
Thank you for your insight on some of the ramifications of this amendment. Sadly many voters will be short sited and see nothing but false tax savings. Amendment 3 will put the power of the purse in Tallahassee instead of local control. There is no such thing as a free lunch, local approved projects will be cut and Tallahassee will impose other forms of taxation to make up for the loss of revenue by the Counties. This is a power grab, not a boon for tax payers.
Wednesday, August 26 Report this
LindaM8490
I share the concern of many about what Amendment 3 will do for local funding for such services as the Children's Services funding resource. It is a vital source of funding for young families here in Manatee County. Not for profits provide numerous supports for families who are raising children in this county. I was on the Children's Services committee for a number of years and understand the careful review process this group goes through to assure funding for services that are high in quality and which provide support to these families. Services for children are not the only resources that will be impacted. Many others such as veterans services could also be impacted. Check your tax statements for the types of programs and resources in Manatee County supported by our property taxes before voting on this ill-conceived amendment.
Wednesday, August 26 Report this
san.gander
Provides incentives for homeowners to put more money into their pockets, without telling them what public services will disappear as a result! If an emergency ambulance is needed and they are privat- pay ones, better have better expensive private insurance; if your nice suburban house catches fire, and there is no county fire service to call. What then? And if there are more un-employed or under paid parents, that privat charities are overwhelmed, who will feed those when those shelves are emptied. If you keep hitting that same othole in your public street - where is the pubic tax money to pay for fixing it? You mechnics bill to re-align your front end will certainly cost you more! Vote NO on Amendment 3. It is a tax cut that will do more harm than good!
Wednesday, August 26 Report this