Citrus County is not alone when dealing with less revenues from property taxes.

The state's revenues began a significant decline during the 2008-2009 tax season, and the 2009-2010 season doesn't look much rosier, according to the Florida Association of Counties.

In the 2008-2009 season, the association says approximately 72%, or 48 out of 67 counties, adopted millage rates that were at or below the statutorily governed rolled-back rate (adjusted for change in per capita Florida personal income), which only required a simple majority vote of the Board of County Commissioners. This mandated voting requirement, a result of legislative intent to protect potential savings for Florida citizens the association says, insured that the entire fiscal impact of the voter approved amendment 1 (January 2008) to the Florida Constitution would be realized by Florida County governments.

"Only 28% ,or 19 out of 67 counties, utilized a super-majority vote to adopt millage rates within the statutory sanctioned limit of up to 110% of the rolled-back rate (adjusted for change in per capita Florida personal income)," the association says.

The association also noted there were no Florida Counties that adopted millage rates in excess of 110% of the statutorily authorized rolled-back rate (adjusted for change in per capita Florida personal income).

For the 2009-20010 tax year, the association has compiled proposed property tax numbers for counties across the state to reflect the reductions and changes that are taking place across Florida. The association also says three major factors have impacted property taxes in Florida over the last three years: the decline in property values, the implementation of the roll back rates (2007) and Amendment 1 (2008).

"This year alone," the association says, "counties have reduced revenue by more than $729 million. In three years, that reduction totals $1.5 billion, or 13%. These reductions have resulted in major workforce cuts, as well as cuts to all levels of service."

If current economic trends continue, the association adds, counties will remain near or below 2005-2006 revenue levels until 2014. "This year, 44 counties (67%) will collect less property tax revenue, and 23 counties (33%) will collect more property tax revenue than in 2008-09. Of those 44 counties, 14 of them have reduced their tax revenue by greater than 10%. Of the 23 counties, only two will collect more than a 5% increase."

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