Bradenton Public Budget Hearings Announced

BRADENTON – The Bradenton City Council has begun the public approval process required to have a new budget and millage rate (property tax rate) approved by the end of September.

The council met July 31 and set a tentative millage rate of 5.8976 compared to the current rate of 5.4356. Under the proposed millage rate the annual taxes on a home in Bradenton valued, after exemptions, at $100,000 would be about $589 compared to the current $543.

Council and staff plan to meet in workshops during the next several weeks to see where changes can be made. Here is the schedule for the required public meetings to approve the budget and millage rate:

• 5:01 p.m. Sept. 11: First reading and public hearing.

• 5:01 p.m. Sept. 18: Second reading and public hearing.

Both meetings will take place in the City Council Chambers at Bradenton City Hall, 101 Old Main St. All workshops and meetings pertaining to the budget and millage rate are open to the public.

Click here to view a draft of the proposed 2013-14 budget along with other related documents.