No increase in property taxes |
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For the 11th straight year, the Board of County Commissioners voted to maintain the current tax rate at the 4.78 millage rate which is the tax rate per $1,000 of your real property’s “taxable” value. Due to the increase in property values, this will generate a 5.6% increase in tax revenue generating a total of $1.1 billion. Notwithstanding the recent surge in property values, the taxable value of residential real estate protected by homestead will only increase by a maximum of 1.4%.
Property taxes represent 63% of the county’s general fund revenue source. Other sources include excess fund assets over liabilities (17%), intergovernmental revenues such as grants (13%), licenses, permits and fees (3%) and charges for services (3%).
The budget process presented us with a number of challenges as a result of the pandemic which caused a $74 million decrease in revenues compared to prepandemic fiscal year 2019. The areas most negatively impacted were revenue generated by gas taxes, half-cent sales tax and parks and recreation fees.
The Board was able to offset these losses with $46.4 million from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds for eligible expenses (such as capital improvement projects). This was a small portion of the $291 million in ARPA funds the county received.
In the next few months, the Board will discuss ARPA funding priorities that need to be set by 2024 and spent by 2026 with a focus on impactful, long-term projects concerning infrastructure, cybersecurity/broadband, housing, hunger relief and more.
We anticipate a gradual return of county revenues to prepandemic levels over the next five years.
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More job openings than unemployed |
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The county’s unemployment rate was reported at just 4.7% for August, well below national and state averages.
There are more job openings than unemployed for the second consecutive month – 37,267 job openings vs. 35,320 unemployed people, according to CareerSource Palm Beach County, an organization that offers services for both businesses and job seekers. Some of its services include career counseling, business coaching, training programs, and employment assistance.
For more information, click here.
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Code Enforcement Lien Amnesty Program |
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A Code Enforcement Lien Amnesty Program was recently approved by the Board for residential and nonresidential property owners located in unincorporated Palm Beach County.
This is a terrific program providing property and lien holders with an opportunity to have their entire outstanding lien balance forgiven.
In addition to other requirements, the subject property must be in full compliance with all county codes to have the outstanding lien balance forgiven. The deadline to apply is Nov. 30, 2021 and must include a nonrefundable $250 application fee.
For more information, please contact Marie Jasmin at (561) 355-4010.
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Pilot program for EV chargers |
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The county recently installed electric vehicle (EV) charging stations at the Governmental Center parking garage in West Palm Beach for the public and county employees.
Moving forward, this pilot program will include the installation of additional charging stations at other county facilities such as the convention center and courthouses. The county has contracted a private company that will install and maintain the stations, charging market rates for users.
As the vice-chair of the Palm Beach County Transportation Planning Agency, I will continue to advocate for new and innovative technology in addressing future transportation challenges.
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Emergency Operations Center |
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Main operations room (fully activiated) |
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Our office recently met with the county's emergency officials at the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) located on Military Trail in West Palm Beach for a briefing on the county's emergency plans.
The EOC features a state-of-the-art operations, "ops," room for local, state and federal agency representatives (i.e. Red Cross, FEMA, FP&L, and local first responders).
Before, during and after an emergency, officials work 24/7 using high-tech tracking systems to monitor weather, roadways, shelter and evacuation operations, damage assessments, and much more.
Even though emergency officials are fully prepared, the government needs everyone's help by taking preparedness seriously.
We are now halfway through a very active hurricane season. Supplies run out fast once a hurricane is forecasted, so please take the time to make a plan, and obtain supplies for your family, friends and pets.
For more comprehensive information on preparedness, click here.
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Sign up for emergency messaging via phone,
text, email and more...
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Hurricane Evacuation
Zone Look-up
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To report damage, download the app at links below. |
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For shelter information, click here.
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Nonprofit highlight: Junior League Boca Raton |
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Since its inception in 1971, JLBR has provided over a million hours of community service; and each year, donates $250,000 to community projects.
JLBR consists of over 600 members who are committed to promoting voluntarism, developing the potential of women and improving the community through the effective action of trained volunteers.
Some key projects of the Junior League of Boca Raton include founding the Boca Raton Historical Society, restoring Singing Pines and founding the Junior League of Boca Raton Diaper Bank.
For more information, click here.
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211 celebrates 50 years of service |
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211 Helpline CEO Sharon L’Herrou and Development Director Candi Spitz
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Vice Mayor Weinroth presented a proclamation recognizing 211 Helpline’s 50 Years of Service and Suicide Prevention.
211 HelpLine is a community helpline and crisis hotline that provides crisis intervention and referrals to community services for people of all ages.
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Their services are wide-ranging and include resources for food assistance and medical clinics, and information on foreclosure prevention, parenting, special needs, teens and senior services.
For more information, click here.
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Please see the links below for various COVID-19 resources including testing and vaccination sites.
For a full list of vaccination sites, click here.
For a full list of testing sites, click here.
To schedule an onsite mobile vaccination clinic, click here.
To make an appointment for monoclonal antibody therapy, click here.
The Department of Health COVID-19 Call Center is available 24/7 at (866) 779-6121 or email: COVID-19@flhealth.gov
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Things to do in Palm Beach County |
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The county’s website features a unique page that provides links to over 50 websites such as museums, sporting and entertainment venues, natural areas and so much more.
It is a resourceful one-stop opportunity to explore the best of everything Palm Beach County has to offer!
To explore Palm Beach County, click here.
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Out and about with Weinroth |
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Vice Mayor Weinroth toured a portion of the Agriculture Reserve in Delray Beach. |
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Vice Mayor Weinroth met with the executive team of the Center for Family Services of Palm Beach County in recognition of their 60 year anniversary. |
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Vice Mayor Weinroth joined other officials in a panel discussion hosted by the Deerfield Beach Economic Development Council. |
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Call or email us if you have any questions or need assistance.
561-355-2204
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