House Set To Approve Property Tax Overhaul
April 29, 2011
Despite strong opposition from cities and counties, the House is set to approve on Friday a proposed constitutional amendment that grants business owners, landlords and investors a lower limit on how much their property tax bills can increase.
The proposed amendment (HJR 381) would allow Florida voters to decide whether to offer owners of non-homestead property, essentially anyone who owns a business, second home or rental property, a cap on their property taxes. It was amended Thursday to match the Senate version, which has a proposed cap on tax increases of 5 percent.
That is a big reduction from current law, which says that for non-homestead properties property taxes can go up no more than 10 percent a year. But counties and cities oppose the measure because it could drain their revenue stream, causing them to levy higher taxes on all property owners to make up the difference.
“If you purchased a home, a second home or business you would be realizing no benefit,” said bill sponsor Rep. Chris Dorworth, R-Lake Mary, while the person next door might pay far less in property taxes.
The bill also gives a special tax discount to first-time homebuyers. The measure was amended Thursday to offer a first-time homebuyer tax discount of 50 percent of the home’s value, not to exceed 50 percent of the median home price in that county. This was a less generous discount than originally proposed under the bill.
“The main goal is really to bring more fairness to Florida’s system,” said John Sebree, a lobbyist for the Florida Association of Realtors. Under the “Save Our Homes” law, owner-occupied homes have their property tax increases capped at 3 percent. But owners of vacation homes or rental property have 10 percent caps.
Realtors argue that renters also suffer from the cap difference because landlords may see their property taxes rise and pass it on in the form of higher rent. Of all the residential properties in Florida, about a third are occupied by renters or second-home owners, according to the Realtors.
A companion implementing bill (HB 1163) would put this issue on the presidential primary ballot in 2012.
A similar measure was approved by the Legislature in 2009, but was struck down by the courts for its confusing ballot language. If approved by Florida voters, it could impact people who bought homes this year.
“Since negotiations have been going on, we have been firm on 7 percent,” said League of Cities lobbyist Amber Hughes. “We think that is an appropriate cap on non-homestead. It would give the stability the proponents of the bill are after and still mitigate some of the concerns we have.”
A Senate staff analysis of the proposal says cities and counties could see a $452 million hit on tax revenue just in the 2013-2014 fiscal year alone. The Senate version (SJR 658) never passed its final two committee stops.
That may not spell doom for the bill’s outcome, because Senate President Mike Haridopolos, R-Merritt Island, said Thursday that bills that did not make it out of the Budget committee could be heard on the floor.
By Lilly Rockwell
The News Service of Florida
Cattlemen Sue Over EPA Rules
April 29, 2011
The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association and the Florida Cattlemen’s Association on Thursday became the latest groups to file lawsuits challenging Environmental Protection Agency rules establishing numeric nutrient criteria for Florida’s fresh water bodies.
The lawsuit was filed in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District in Tallahassee and asks the court to throw out the federal standards as arbitrary and in violation of the state’s Administrative Procedures Act.
The state’s attorney general and agriculture commissioner have also sued over the rule, as have local governments and business interests. All the plaintiffs say the federal government is overstepping in dictating standards for clean water to Florida when the state can do it itself.
The EPA says the rules will cost Florida about $35 million a year but opponents of the rules, including the Cattlemen, say they’ll cost far more – hundreds of millions a year.
Gulf Power Helping With Power Restoration Following Alabama Tornadoes
April 28, 2011
A Gulf Power storm restoration team of 81 employees headed to Alabama this morning to assist Alabama Power, following the deadly storms that swept across most of that state last night.
As of 7 a.m., Alabama Power had more than 340,000 customers without power.
Forty-seven line personnel, 16 support staff and 2 vegetation team members will assist Alabama Power in the Tuscaloosa area, heavily damaged by several tornadoes. In addition, Gulf Power is sending a 16-man evaluator team. These employees will help assess the damage and determine equipment needed to restore power. The crews are prepared to work for up to 2 weeks in the Alabama Power region and will assist wherever they are needed.
Gulf Power already has assisted Alabama Power and Georgia Power this winter and spring as an ice storm and numerous thunderstorms knocked out power to customers in those states.
“We’re glad to be able to help our fellow Southern Company utility after this devastating storm,” said Jeff Rogers of Gulf Power. “Our crews are some of the most highly-trained restoration experts in the world. It’s common for utilities to help each other and we’re just glad to be part of the effort.
Alabama Tornado Death Toll Surpasses 200
April 28, 2011
The death toll from Alabama’s tornado outbreak on Wednesday has risen to 204.
Emergency crews worked since last night to free people trapped in the rubble from Tuscaloosa to Birmingham and beyond — and to recover the bodies of the victims. A state of emergency has been declared by Alabama Gov. Robert Bentley, and Pres. Obama has done the same. Nearly 1,500 Alabama National Guardsmen have been activated to assist.
Over 1,700 people were injured.
Authorities are saying the death tolls is only expected to rise in the coming days.
The video at the top of the page shows damage near McFarland Boulevard in Tuscaloosa. The video below shows the storm live on Birmingham television.
Ballpark Warns Of Possible Scam
April 28, 2011
The president of the Molino Ballpark is issuing a warning to the community about a possible scam.
Jayson Ging said late Wednesday night that Molino Ballpark officials had learned that someone may be claiming to sell fruit baskets or raffle tickets for the park or a team, but none of the Molino teams are currently conducting such a fundraiser.
“I know that a few people have been scammed already,” Ging said. He said that Molino ball teams do conduct fundraisers, but they mostly take place at the ballpark. “This one is a individual without any connection with the park taking advantage of people.”
The possible fraud is under investigation by the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office. Anyone with any information about the possible fraud, or anyone that believes they may be a victim, should call the Sheriff’s Office at (850) 436-9620.
Molino Couple Pleads Not Guilty In Cancer Scam Case
April 28, 2011
The Molino couple accused in a fake cancer scam that raised thousands of dollars have both pleaded not guilty to the charges against them.
Sonja Marsell Luker, 42, and Gerald Christopher “Chris” Luker, 43, were due to appear in court today before Judge Joel Boles for an arraignment hearing on felony charges of fraud and grand theft. Through their attorneys, both Lukers waived arraignment and pleaded not guilty prior to today’s hearings, according to the State Attorney’s Office.
But the Lukershave requested a trial by jury. A trial date has not yet been set.
According to the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office, numerous fundraisers were held between May 2004 and October 2010 that raised over $19,000. Evidence shows that about $14,000 was used to avoid foreclosure on their home in 2009 and about $4,000 in cash was used by Chris Luker to purchase a 1997 Harley motorcycle.
The Sheriff’s Office investigation found that Chris and Sonja Luker personally received money from friends, family, church members and co-workers under a “scheme” that Sonja Luker was being treated for cancer. Investigators believe both Chris and Sonja Luker are guilty of fraud in the scheme; witnesses said the couple was observed together at fundraisers talking about her cancer treatments.
For an earlier story about the arrests, click here.
Pictured above: Sonja and Chris Luker (in black shirts) are seen in a 2009 NorthEscambia.com photo from a motorcycle ride fundraiser that benefited her alleged fight against cancer. NorthEscambia.com file photos, click to enlarge.
Northview, Jay Both Lose In Region 1-2A Quarterfinals (With Photo Gallery)
April 28, 2011
The Northview Chiefs and the Jay Royals are both out of the Region 1-2A tournament after disappointing losses Wednesday.
The Northview Lady Chiefs (15-10) lost to the Sneads Pirates 6-2 in a Bratt quarterfinal game. Sophomore Misty Doran pitched all seven innings for Northview, allowing seven hits, six runs and striking out three. Northview hitters included Shawna Montgomery 2-4 with a double and RBI, Doran and Ashley Digmon who was 3-4.
On the road in Bonifay, the Jay Lady Royals lost to Holmes County 8-6.
Sneads and Holmes County will battle it out Friday night for the regional championship.
For a photo gallery from the Northview vs. Sneads game, click here.
Pictured top: Senior Shawna Montgomery at bat for the Lady Chiefs. Pictured inset: Senior Ashely Digmon make a catch for an out Thursday evening in Bratt. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
House Balking At Higher Fla. Medicaid Reimbursements
April 28, 2011
The Senate’s top health-budget writer fired back Wednesday night at House opposition to a plan that would funnel more money to physicians who treat Medicaid patients. Senate budget negotiators released a revised proposal to increase Medicaid rates by $243.7 million for primary-care physicians.
That was lower than a $338 million Senate proposal earlier in the day.
But House negotiators balked at increasing the payment rates, linking the issue to the House’s refusal to carry out last year’s federal health-care overhaul. That federal law calls for similar physician-rate increases in 2013 and 2014.
Negron, however, said many doctors do not want to treat Medicaid patients because of low rates. He said the Senate has long wanted increases — regardless of the federal law.
“We’ve been talking about this for a long time before that,’’ Negron said. The physician issue is one of several major differences between the House and Senate as they try to agree on a health and human-services budget. Senate negotiators tinkered Wednesday night with one of those issues — slightly reducing a proposal to slash funding for adult mental-health programs.
But House Health Care Appropriations Chairman Matt Hudson, R-Naples, made clear that negotiating teams might not be able to resolve the major differences. If that is the case, top House and Senate leaders would have to negotiate the issues, which also include cutting nursing-home and hospital Medicaid rates and potentially cutting the Medically Needy program.
“I’m not sure, quite honestly, where we’re going to get on some of these big substantive items,” Hudson said.
By The News Service Of Florida
Senate Pres: Budget Will Have Tax Cuts, But Probably Not Scott’s
April 28, 2011
Gov. Rick Scott once again said Wednesday that he was confident that lawmakers would eventually approve his plan to begin phasing out the corporate income tax before they leave Tallahassee next week. Legislative leaders once again all but said Scott wouldn’t get it.
In what is shaping up as one of the more intriguing back-and-forths between the new governor and the Legislature, Scott continued what has been a daily refrain that, despite all signs to the contrary, his proposals would find new life soon enough.
“We have a great speaker. We have a great Senate president,” Scott said. “They believe the same way I do that tax cuts are important to get our economy going again. So I’m convinced that we’ll have them.”
Still, no such move appeared forthcoming as lawmakers began to huddle in House-Senate conference committee aimed at banging out agreements between the two chambers’ versions of the spending plan.
Sen. Don Gaetz, the Niceville Republican who chairs the conference committee handling tax issues, compared Scott’s drive for the tax cuts with one of his personal goals.
“I continue to express confidence that I will lose 20 pounds,” he said after the committee’s original meeting.
Asked what that might mean about the realism of the governor’s hopes, Gaetz said: “I had a salad for dinner last night.”
The agreement on the broad contours of a budget deal reached earlier this week by House and Senate leaders call for $136.1 million for economic development and tax cuts, but only $30 million of that is recurring.
Senate President Mike Haridopolos (pictured) said he did expect tax relief and perhaps a rollback of some of the fee increases lawmakers approved in 2009. But the corporate income plan was notably missing from his list of possible targets: driver’s license fees, research and development tax cuts and a back-to-school sales tax holiday.
“I’ve had very few people in my career come to me and say the reason why they did not come to the state of Florida is because of the corporate tax rate,” he said. “But the governor, again, is an equal partner, and we want to try to help him along in his process with his priorities.”
Lawmakers were close to a deal on some of the tax-cut provisions after an evening meeting of the committee handling those issues.
Haridopolos said that the size of the relief offered by lawmakers would likely be more than $30 million in recurring money, though he didn’t specify how much. He noted that lawmakers were initially skeptical about their ability to do any tax cuts in the session, focusing instead on closing a $3.75 billion budget shortfall without raising taxes.
“If we can get to some tax relief, we’d be very pleased with our progress,” Haridopolos said.
But the Senate president said that even without a deal on the business tax, which was one of the central planks of Scott’s economic plan in his 2010 campaign, the governor could consider his first session a success when it came to gaining ground on his campaign pledges: To set Florida apart from other mega-states like California and Texas in terms of its economic development climate.
“I think his No. 1 campaign promise is to be seen as the most business friendly state in the country,” Haridopolos said.
By Brandon Larrabee
The News Service Florida
Century Mayor: Loss Of A Hospital Can Devastate A Town
April 28, 2011
As a public meeting is planned for tonight in Jay to addresses rumored changes to the lease on the town’s non-profit hospital, Century Mayor Freddie McCall said he can sympathize with Jay’s concerns.
When Century’s hospital was closed several years ago, it was a prelude to the downfall of the community and the eventual closure of the town’s schools, McCall said.
“We’ve been there; I know what it’s going to do to their town if they lose the hospital,” McCall said. “It’s going to be a disaster.”
Any major changes at Jay Hospital will only serve to hurt Century, McCall said.
“Jay Hospital is very, very important to us in Century and the surrounding area,” he said. “People without transportation already have to hire someone to take them from Century eight miles to Jay. If that hospital closes, it’s going to be a sad thing.”
For more about possible changes at Jay Hospital and a planned public meeting, click here.
Pictured top: Century’s former hospital. NorthEscambia.com photo, click to enlarge.