Wildwood commissioners approved a resolution Monday night opposing property tax reform that would damage the city’s revenue.
The action came as state legislators prepares to discuss a potential property tax relief referendum for the November general election ballot.
Florida’s house of representatives approved a proposal that would exempt all homestead property except non-school taxes and the senate is expected to consider it in a special session this week.
More than 41 percent of the city’s revenue comes from property taxes and Wildwood has reduced the tax rate since 2018 to the lowest amount among area counties.
Tax dollars pay for public safety and infrastructure including transportation, recreation and general government services.
“The City Commission wishes to express its concerns regarding real property tax reform without the legislature providing meaningful alternatives to fund essential public services and infrastructure,” the resolution stated.
The resolution called for amendments to the plan that would provide funding alternatives.
Mayor Ed Wolf said he doubts that opposing a referendum would succeed due to the attractiveness of a property tax cut.
“I don’t see how we can win,” he said.
But Commissioner David Fontaine said it’s important to oppose the reform.
“If we say nothing at all, silence is consent,” he said. “How are we going to replace the revenue?”
Commissioner Joe Elliott agreed.
“This is ill-conceived,” he said. “I think we need to stand firm and send a message.”