By Ken Jackson
Staff Writer

Osceola County will hold its first public hearing at 5:30 p.m. Sept. 5 regarding its fiscal year 2013 budget, and the early indications are very good for taxpayers.

The proposed budget features the same millage, or property tax rate, and, in response to lower property values, cuts $5.5 million in spending from the general fund.

Despite the cuts, county service levels will be maintained. County Commission Chairman John Quiñones said that the key to holding the line on taxes and spending is a commitment to efficiency.

“Balancing the budget and holding the line on taxes are principles of effective government,” he said in a county press release. “As a steward of public funds, I look at every expenditure as if I were spending money from my own bank account. This budget demonstrates that the county is being fiscally responsible with the people’s tax dollars.”

Property values decreased by just under 2 percent over the last year, county officials said, but noting that declines have slowed since the real estate market began its descent in 2007. Nonetheless, keeping tax rates stable would mean a lower property tax bill for many county homeowners.

The proposed tax rates, in mills, for specific sectors of the budget are: general fund, 6.7; library system, .2566; emergency medical and paramedic service, 1.0682; environmental land, .05. A mill corresponds to $1 of tax per $1,000 of property value.