Despite the fact that most property values are increasing here, Highlands County Commissioners yesterday voted to bump the property tax rate up nearly another half mil., setting it at 9.0. That’s nine dollars for each $1,000 of property valuation. That moves it up .45 mils from the current level and is designed to help make upo for this year’s budget shortfalls.
The increase comes on the heels of the commission’s action to place a fire assessment on residences, businesses, institutional and vacant properties in the county.
Commissioner Don Elwell voted against the property tax increase. Other commissioners vowed to try and cut the budget to bring the assessment back down.
Some residents in Sebring soon may be able to fly old glory a bit higher. Sebring city council members last night approved on first reading an ordinance that would allow businesses to the C-1 and C-2 zoning districts to have flag poles up to 110 feet in height.
Currently, the limit is set at 50 feet. As part of the measure, setbacks for such poles also would be increased. A second and final reading of the measure will be held next month.
The Children’s Advocacy Center here in Highlands County has achieved a national accreditation. That honorarium comes from the National Children’s Alliance.
The Advocacy Center has a multi-disciplinary team, which includes The Highlands County Sheriff’s Special Victims Unit. The facility was established in 1998 and is part of the Champion for Children’s Foundation helps to reduce stress and trauma on youngsters who are part of legal proceedings.
There is good news for somebody who bought a Lucky Money Lottery ticket in Hardee County. It was purchased at the Wauchulla Foods Store on North Florida Avenue and is worth a half million dollars – before taxes.
Reportedly there was only one person who came up with the correct list of numbers – no winner has yet stepped forward.