Laurel Hill City Council Votes to Levy a 5-Mill Property Tax

By Leslie Fike, Northwest Florida Daily News, Fort Walton Beach

May 13–LAUREL HILL — A century after its incorporation, the city has finally established a property tax. In a 4-1 vote Thursday night, the Laurel Hill City Council instituted a tax rate of 5 mills, or $5 for every $1,000 of taxable property value. The levy will begin in fiscal 2007. Some officials considered the millage rate too low. City Council Chairwoman Chris Jowers, who voted against it, thought the tax should start at 8 mills to enable the city to set aside funds more quickly. “I can’t see passing a low rate when we know it’s not enough,” said Jowers, who had many residents agreeing with her.

Gerald Tinney, who owns property in Laurel Hill, said he was willing to pay 8 mills if it meant the city would fix the streets soon.

“I can’t remember the last time the roads were resurfaced,” said Mayor James Dunn, who also pushed for the 8-mill rate. “All we’ve been doing is filling in pothole after pothole.”

Streets need to be resurfaced in the next couple of years before the asphalt is worn down completely and residents are driving on dirt roads again, said Dunn.

But longtime resident Betty Williamson thought 5 mills was sufficient to start.

Williamson said she could afford to pay a higher rate, but preferred not to because she lived on a fixed income. She said she also didn’t see why a small town like Laurel Hill would have a higher tax rate than larger cities like Destin and Crestview.

Jowers said she was surprised and disappointed in the council’s decision, considering that officials know how desperately the city needs the funds.

When the City Council revisits the issue next year for fiscal 2008, it will have to increase the rate if Laurel Hill hopes to make preparations for coming growth, said Dunn.

“You can look out there and see we’re not a prepared city with our infrastructure,” he said.

The tax revenue will not be a great deal of money and won’t provide everything now, but it will allow Laurel Hill to remain a city for future generations, said Dunn.

“We’ve all enjoyed the fruits of what Laurel Hill has to offer, but it’s time to step up to the plate,” said Dunn. “Nobody wants to pay taxes. But if we don’t do it, we’ll suffer the consequences. We have to make preparations for our children.”

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Copyright (c) 2006, Northwest Florida Daily News, Fort Walton Beach

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