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Escambia School Board Votes 3-2 To Increase Property Taxes
July 22, 2022
The Escambia County School District voted 3-2 Tuesday to move forward with effectively raising property taxes, following a recommendation by Superintendent Tim Smith.
The motion to advertise the tax increase was made by District 5 board member Bill Slayton and seconded by Patty Hightower. Slayton, Hightower and Dr. Laura Edler voted in favor, while Kevin Adams and Paul Fetsko voted against.
The board approved a total millage rate of 5.274 which will generate $139.35 million. It’s a rate lower than the current year rate of 5.657 mills, but due to rising home values, it will generally cost many taxpayers more.
A lower rolled-back rate is the tax rate that would generate the same amount of property tax revenue as approved for the prior year. The rolled-back rate was calculated at 4.914 mills, which would generate $129.84 million. A millage rate higher than the rolled-back rate is defined by the State of Florida as a tax increase and must be advertised as such.
Board chairman Kevin Adams said raising taxes now was not the right move as people are facing a 9.1% inflation rate.
“They are having to tighten their budget,” Adams said. “I think it’s a little bit too easy to raise people’s property bills. With the 9.1 inflation, we are getting more half-cent sales tax money, the other side of the picture. Our tax roll has grown by 18%; it’s historic…there’s more tax money coming in (from sales tax).”
“The general public is adamantly opposed to anything that has the title of tax increase,” Fetsko said.
“We have plenty of ability to look out our budget and see what on that wish list we can’t do,” Adams said. “We’ve got an increased tax base; we’ve got an increased half-cent sales tax. We’re not getting less coming in; we’ve got growth coming.”
“We are trying to hire teachers; we are trying to maintain the academic standards we are used to,” Slayton said. “I’m not sure that cutting $7 million (by lowering the millage rate) that we are going to be able to do that. So I want to make sure as you vote you understand that you could cause a huge embarrassment for the Escambia County Schools.”
“We are not buying luxury items. This is the recommendation in order to keep us where we are. We’re not buying anything new that we have not bought before.
The school board will hold a lenitive budget hearing on Thursday, July 28 at 5 p.m. The board will hear public comment and can change the millage rate if so desired.
Comments
88 Responses to “Escambia School Board Votes 3-2 To Increase Property Taxes”
We moved here from another state 7 months ago and this is the first time I have ever seen a school board levy taxes on home owners without the vote of the people. I am SHOCKED! Who let the school board have this much power to levy taxes???
I have read all the comments about this, my question is how on earth is it written that 5 elected citizens have the power to raise or lower property taxes upon all the citizens of this County? Am I missing something here? Am I reading this all wrong?
I was looking at sample ballot for the Primary Election and was deciding on who to vote for School Board Member for District 3.
I am new her, 8 months and I have been looking and researching all the candidates up and down the entire ballot. Thank God I wound up here first as I’m trying to Vet each candidate for District 3. The above article has made the choice very easy
@George, a least you know what you are talking about and actually read the article, which nobody seems to do anymore.
Robert, with massive inflation many homeowners cannot afford added taxes on their home. The schoolboard needs to live within the budget of Escambia county not spending like there is no end to the “pockets” of its citizens. Too much spending on things that can be put off until we recover from Biden policies.
I guess I’m missing something, but since when does the School Board have any authority over milllage rates? It’s kind of like voting in Your own raise..but wait, that’s what politicians do!
They roll back the millage rate and everyone says they raised your taxes. Most people commenting would rather have their home lose value and pay less taxes. Maybe you should have paid attention in math class in our crappy schools. I bet people were thrilled in 2008 when your home lost 25% of value so your taxes dropped.
Shaking my head at yall.
I’m not quite understanding why the increase when more homes have been sold generating more in property taxes. I agree with Jason that those over 65 should be exempt from property school taxes or at least reduce it by 50-75%. Unfortunately, our federal, state gov have too many damn hands in the pot that teachers can’t teach. Parents have added problems believing that there child can do no wrong, many children are not disciplined or taught manners at home. Ask the teachers how many children are down right rude to them. Schools should start going back to basics, probably starting with 1st-6th grades.Forget this WOKE & CRT at that age.
With the number of parents pulling their students OUT of ECSD due to poor grades of the Public schools and sending them to Private schools….HOW can the ECSD Members “justify” an increase in property tax if the number of students is DECLINING? Is it to line their OWN pockets? Home owners live on a budget…WHY can’t the ECSD due the same? Here’s another thought….WHY should parents that are sending their students to private schools pay more in property tax to ECSD when THEIR students don’t even attend Escambia County Schools? Inquiring minds want to know!!!
I agree with THE DOER. I have worked for ECSD over 21 years (Data Clerk) We have been overworked and under paid. ( And the county is trying to phase us out!) Incoming employees starting pay is close to a 20 year employees pay. How is this fair to all the hard working old timers still working their hardest, showing up for work and doing their absolute best? It is so disheartening to see the higher ups getting more raises and doing less work. These folks need to come to a school and work for a week to see what us little people do. I think there would be raises immediately for office staff, cafeteria, custodians and the teacher assistants.
it’s not where they are from its who they are and we don’t like it .
Thank you Kevin Adams and Paul Fetsko for voting no.
You can bet I will not vote for District 5 Bill Slayton. He is out of touch with the voters and should be put out to retirement pasture. With the economy going up, property taxes and property insurance to include flood insurance rates going up, you were not thinking of the voters when you voted for an increase, even though the mil rate was lowered, and it still added 10 million to the district’s bank account from all the new homes being built. You made a bad decision. You lost my trust and vote! I hope District 5 voters remember this!
“Why should we have to pay more for schools that are failing?”
idk, maybe the schools are failing because they are seriously underfunded? All of our good teachers are either switching careers or leaving Escambia County for greener pastures. Why would I spend the time and effort to develop a professional degree just to get thrown in an overcrowded classroom with inadequate supplies and not even get paid enough to afford an apartment as cost of living skyrockets?
SHOW OF HANDES WHO VOTED THE DISTRICT ANOTHER POWER TO PICK OUR SUPER TOO ??????????!
STANKY STANKY…..How can these clowns spend this amount of money every year and still NEED MORE…I would understand if we had an A+ system, but the system here is so TOOOOP HEAVY with people who do NOTHING.
Escambia County School Board—Who We Are: The 3 most important things to our Leadership Team are: TRUST, RESPECT, and COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT. To EARN TRUST, and RESPECT…..you MUST First EARN it.
https://ecsd-fl.schoolloop.com/file/1516954971057/1548491596067/8871507700027956402.pdf?filename=Who%2BWe%2BAre.pdf
It is difficult to comprehend the thought process of some that support less government, less taxes, fiscal restraints, and budget control then turn around to raise taxes rather than doing as they support others to do. If it’s reasonable and sound politics on the National and State Levels then why not on local levels? Seeing the same faces making the same decisions over the course of decades just may be a part of the problem. Again, if term limits are supported then why not at the local level? Raising taxes should be a last resort rather than a continual go to first move. Families are on a budget perhaps the school district should be too.
I am confused does this mean they get to put this up to county wide vote in November or is it just voted on by them and it’s done. If it’s up to them why did we let them get that kinda power.seems these school boards are getting more and more power to just do as they please and not have any accountability. I am all for better education but there has to some regulations along with this sudden power
paying your taxes is one of the most patriotic things you can do.
Just remember your new school board guy isn’t even from the area. He has no real connection to the community!
WHERE DOES ALL THE LOTTERY MONEY GO?????????????????????????
Time for a vote on an amendment to strip the school board of any power to levy any tax on homeowners.
The property appraiser should be held accountable, too.
I think all government agencies should spend their money better and be held accountable for doing so. Higher taxes hurt us all however certain things are the cost of citizenship in our community and we all benefit from it. For those screaming that they shouldn’t pay taxes for schools because they are old or do not have kids I’d like you to keep in mind that the vast majority of us benefit from our public school education and for better or worse it is the keystone to our present and future. Without education we will fail.
Why should retirees continue to pay for the school system? We have paid for years and then some. Cut the property tax part for the school system for retirees!
Why does the school board have control over property taxes? Why do homeowners that do not have any children in school have to pay money into the school system? The American school system is a joke, stop teaching kids how to test and start teaching them things that they will actually need in life.
No good reason for the increase. Inflation is up, wages for people are not.
Inflation is at what %8-9? Most working people who don’t work for some city/county/state/govt entity do not get the same benefits…spending other people money, might get a %2-3 cost of living increase, if they are lucky.
Just go vote against the people who voted for the tax increase, and please get that superintendent out of here. He does not belong here, neither does his ethics/values.
The school board needs to cut back on overhead, WAY back. Like 1/3 of admin. Just go to the admin offices and see for yourself.
I don’t think we need to be giving free lunch, that’s what parents are for, not other people forced to pay. I wish I could force people to buy my food everyday.
There is no political solution…
““We are trying to hire teachers; we are trying to maintain the academic standards we are used to,” Slayton said.”
That was the funniest line in the entire article.
Bill Slayton in the “money green” jacket, you’ll be minus some money too when you get voted out of your seat. I’ll make it a point NOT to vote for you and pass the same advice on to everyone I can. The voters have the biggest voice.
Between Biden’s horrific inflation after printing tons of money, and insurance rates sucking because of Sally, and now this, I’ll never be able to buy a house in an area that used to be cheap to live in. I make above average money for this area too but feels like it goes nowhere anymore.
What a bunch of dirtbags
Any of the school board ever mentioned term limits ? Thats what I thought…vite them out !
I don’t think I’d object if I saw educated people graduating from school. Instead we have people barely able to read and write with no knowledge of history, geography, English etc. Very few students even hold a pen properly. Our whole education system is a laughing stock. Raise the standards to make a raise in taxes palatable.
I’m distressed about the property tax increase too! Are any of you guys able to attend the public hearing mentioned on Thurs., July 28 at 5 pm? I will try to attend, and maybe it will help if some of us voice our concerns.
Let’s see , they could have left the millage rate where it was but no, they rolled it back some.
Property value goes up more taxes payed.
Declining school grades and increasing overdose rates, keep it up Escambia!
How much do ya reckon 5$/ gallon diesel fuel has added to the school bus budget?
@ Sue B….. Go ahead and not pay your taxes in full and let us know how that turns out in a few years.
Dose anyone know that the 100% disabled veterans, of which I am one, do not pay property tax. If we paid our fair share then maybe taxes for others would go down. P.S. I also only pay $7 per year to register my car.
the governor and voters said don’t teach CRT ; they did it anyway but hiding it ; they got caught ; then lied about it ; and were still dealing with these failures ; enough already ; tired of politicians waking up every morning and thinking about cheating and robbing their constituents !
The motion to increase the tax was made by District 5 board member Bill Slayton and seconded by Patty Hightower. Now, how do we get these people OUT!
Homeowners, Wish we could all not pay the portion of school tax when we received the tax bill in November. Just deduct that cost when making out your check.
Wonder what school board will do then?
politicians at every level, untrustworthy, inept, and self-serving
I don’t have children, but education is too important to neglect. What burns my grits though is having the temerity to purpose increased taxes when there’s already growth from sales taxes just to “maintain where we’re at.” Well, we’re practically the bottom of the list of counties ranked by their educational outcomes!
So, how about showing improvement to merit the tax increase? Instead, all we got was a “father knows best” speech…
That is what happens when you vote your right away to elect a good superintendent. Escambia county residents created this issue.
Oh, and we pay school tax as well as every other citizen of Escambia County. We have no children in school and haven’t had any children in school for 20 or 30 years. What are they doing with the money?!? U agree with one comment on here, budget with what you have just like we have to do.
Sure why not…house pymt already went up as did home owners insurance, auto insurance…groceries…gasoline…utilities…so let’s not stop there.
You work forty years paying property tax then you social Surcurity, $1250 a month, try living on that , home owners insurance, property tax take 25 % of your yearly income, property tax on seniors should go away once retirement age, you have to sell simply because you can’t pay anymore it’s a crock, I will remember election time.
To Stevo and the 10 mile road neighbor:
I’m not opposed to “needed increases”. But this extra $10 million dollars was not required for any specific need — its for “just because”. The school district total budget is nearly $460 million dollars when you add ad valorem taxes, LOST money and revenue from the State of Florida, along with Federal grants and other income. The District reserve funds exceeds the state required minimum and the District mandated minimum by more than three times what is required.
The overall budget continues to steadily grow, meanwhile performance continues to fall. Its time for school board leaders to be held accountable and live within a reasonable budget provided to them. I can only imagine the nice things I could afford to own if I wasnt paying for the reckless spending by government leaders.
I highly encourage folks to review the budgets for the last 10 years — yes they are all online and the school districts website — and see just how much money is received from local taxpayers and how much money is spent overall from all sources of revenue. Local folks would be amazed at how money is tossed at problems that continue to rear its ugly head year after year.
I have a great idea. Why doesn’t our school board do what we as responsible individuals do: BUDGET with what we have and quit expecting everyone else to pick up the tab. When something doesn’t work — correct it.
1. For example — cut out too many Chiefs (supervisors, directors, etc.) and allocate more funds for the Indians (teachers, paraprofessionals, etc.). Most teachers in this district, including myself, do not need the suggestions of those who sit at the Hall Center trying to justify their jobs. Get back in the classroom. We need teachers, not Teachers on Special Assignments.
2. Quit pouring millions into failing schools and then not holding companies responsible, such as what the district did with Warrington Middle School. Millions of dollars were spent in various programs that GUARANTEED results. Their results didn’t matter. Do taxpayers get their money back?
3. Run the district more like a business. Quit padding other people’s pockets. Let’s start with this GoFAn, the new program that the district signed up for during Covid. For every ticket sold, GoFan collects $1 right off the top. Why? Do away with this, and trust your employees at the ticket gate. This is money that can be utilized within the school and/or community. If you don’t trust employees to handle money, why did you hire them in the first place? This is just one example of useless spending that the district decided was beneficial.
4. Hold someone accountable for instructional material that is ordered and purchased again with taxpayers’ funds. Don’t even get me started about wasted money in this area. There isn’t enough space here.
The Board needs to be held accountable for the funds with which it has already been entrusted. If taxes increase to satisfy their inability to budget, then citizens will never see this decrease. People of this district need to wake up. Our dollars are not being wisely spent in the area of education. Trust me. I know.
I personally have no problem paying more to invest more in our children’s education/future.
You want to lower the budget and save money how about starting with school waste, Food service along waste thousands upon thousands of dollars every school year,
Saving money, start at the District Office. No response to emails, continuous voice-mail when calling, and payroll mishaps are not communicated to employees (this is just a few). Maybe its time to cut back on the number of people in that downtown office.
I can remember as a child going to k mart and having to go to the restroom to p e e — you had to pay 10 cent for the door to open at the stall ? the restroom. had the worst smell in there so I had to run around behind the store in the woods to use it. does anyone get where I’m going with this.? myself everyone in office is over paid even teachers I worked my whole life and was lucky if I made 12k a year.? how about we get back to lower pay so everyone can feel the pain it’s only fair. I can see a rise in people’s tempers everywhere.
How do we get a copy of last years school budget and a comprehensive breakdown.
How do we get a copy of This years school budget and a comprehensive breakdown.
I think its time to do away with most of the non academic activities at school
Since Slayton voted for tax increases, I believe that we should know how many times he actually visits the district 5 schools. I can tell you I worked in a district 5 school for 5 years and only saw Slayton 1 time, when he was complaining about something to the administration regarding his own grandchildren. On the flip side, I’ve seen him eating at Jimmys 3 times, so maybe he should just go run a restaurant with his kiss the ring attitude. He was a joke as a band director, joke as a principal, joke at East Brent, and is currently a clown who doesn’t care about district 5. He is only picking up the pay check in his current position. Never forget that he screwed over Keith Leonard.
Unfortunately I do believe this is to boost money for charter schools on the taxpayers
which has become the push rather than giving more to public school system.
did that CRT film help out the Warrington Middle School students ? fire these buffoons
PATTY HIGHTOWER…..you will NOT get my vote for re-election PERIOD
To Stevo-
You seem to be the only one of the current commenters that understand the reality of the cost of running a $100+Million school system. There are many overhead and administrative costs that constantly increase that the Public does not see. Teacher and other employee insurance costs, utilities costs, recurring maintenance of all of the schools and other facilities, not to mention the operation of the fleet of school busses and cost more. The article references a 9.1% inflation rate, and this increase is 7.7%. Don’t get me wrong, any increase is uncomfortable, but increased costs are everywhere these days. Bottom line is the tax rate remains the same, but the value of your taxable property has increased so your payment goes up. Are you ready to sell you house for what the Assessed Valuation was on your property 5 years ago?? You cannot enjoy the increased value of your property without the cost of that occurring.
The ECSD is so TOP heavy. We would not need more teachers if they would put all the teachers (at the Hall Center and other places), that have moved out of the classroom, back in the classroom. They moved away from Curriculum Coordinators in elementary schools when they put Assistant Principals in every elementary school. Now they are bringing them back. Another teacher is out of the classroom. Our district has so many leadership positions and then they have teachers to help them out. Why do Elementary schools now have two directors? We never needed two before. They could at least get directors that are friendly. I worked at a school where one of the directors was the principal. We have fewer elementary schools now. All these positions get the same pay increase as teachers only larger because they make so much more money than teachers.
Time for ole Double Dipper Bill To go!!!
Lots of comments here. Let’s see how many voice these same opinions in person on July 28th at 5.
The recipients of the funds should not be the ones voting for the increase!!!!
Of course they’re going to vote it in!!!
A Fox will vote to leave the Henhouse door open every time!!!
I believe in Education but I also believe in accountability.
We have High School children that cannot even string a sentence together or even write their names.
The wastefulness in the school system is rampant and it all goes to overpaid suits above the teachers level.
I’m betting it will all go to the salaries of Phd bureaucrats.
We need a 3rd party audit of the accounts vs the results.
NO to more taxes! you have enough money and this is not the time to even mention higher taxes. vote these people out. NO MORE TAXES.
this crew is not qualified enough to drive a school bus or work in the cafeteria ; can’t get pass the honesty requirement .
Remember this when time comes to cast your vote… We need officials that are sensitive to the public’s current situation.
Now is not the time for this increase.
The public: Our schools need work and better pay for teachers!
Also the public: Don’t you dare raise my taxes to generate better schools and better pay for teachers!
No one wants to pay higher taxes no more than $5 a gallon gas but how else can the school district keep up with the demands for better schools and higher pay? Same with the fire and emergency services. The cost of doing business in this country has gone up.
Thank you for your vote and comments, Kevin Adams. It is just discouraging to listen to this totally out of touch (in every way) school board. We do not have the money to pay these taxes.
they should all be voted OUT; when you have the pandemic and then inflation of 9.1% and now a tax increase. what is wrong with theses people. we ALL have to budget what we have and quit asking for more. this is actually sickening that they even think any increase is ok right now.
It is time to vote out Bill Slayton. If you are in District 5, please vote him out. He literally just said 2 days ago he would not vote for the increase and now look. Who was behind the proposal to give up the vote for Superintendent? How was behind shutting down Woodham HS because personal vendetta? Who was responsible for bringing in this horrible Superintendent? Do I even have to give 3 guesses? Nope, say answer: Bill Slayton. It’s time for him to go.
What? They want more money? It’s the same song and dance that they have been singing for ages. What are we getting out of it? We are getting the worse education for the children. All you hear are teachers are underpaid….well so is everyone else unless you’re a politician. The school district had to let go of their NO SMOKING policy because they couldn’t get people to work for them. They are very short bus drivers and who knows where else is short handed. Use the $$ wisely and fix the current problems then see where we stand. Support personnel is just as important as teachers if not more important. Teachers wouldn’t have students without them.
With the ever increasing poor performance from the school system and now a tax hike during a recession? With all of the new home building and no revenue coming from it to provide the school system with funding? Its time for the state law to be changed for a portion of building permit fees to be allocated to education. Its always been a cash cow , contact your state reps on changing to funding allocation. Along the same lines maybe privatization of some departments that are fee based and transfer a percentage of that revenue to education.
Money cannot buy better grades.
Heck ECSD can find candidates to teach. Here’s an idea. drop the tobacco ban. District is circling the drain.
Northwest Florida rejects NY and Calif politics ; who snook these clowns in ; in the dark of night hidden I guess , go back now . You are not wanted and are rejected .
Unbelievable! This is what we get for having an appointed Superintendent instead of elected. I now know who won’t be getting my vote in the next election! Everything is going up! And as a teacher it’s ridiculous that the school board has any say so in county property taxes! Tax payers can’t get a break!
reward failures ; theme of the day : fire them all ASAP . Fraud behavior if not caught ; superintendent is a documented liar ; see prior articles in this publication .
Slayton, YOU have become a Politian like the rest of them. This household will never vote for you again.
Recall
Why wait, can we recall them now? We pay more for less. These beuracracies need to quit living off our sweat.
All politicians make you believe that money solves all problems ! easy way out for them – who cares that it s never the solution!
Well we know who to fire at the next election. These folks have no clue and don’t care. Gulf Power wants a rate increase, and Fire Services want a rate increase. I’m sure I’m missing someone else. I’m so glad everyone think “We the People just have money just laying around. Prices are going through the roof and no one is getting paid anymore than what they were getting before #BUILDbackBetter. These folks are
Completely out of touch.
This is the kind of things that happens when you have a unelected Superintendent. He doesn’t have to answer to the Voters. So now he’s a mouth piece for the School Board.
Just remember who they are and what they voted for come election time
I wrote down the names of those who voted for this.
If I ever see their names on a ballot they’ll never get my vote.
Thanks for showing us who you really are.
Hey Bob
They’re gonna spend more on education
Absolutely incredible! The 1st and 2nd paragraphs name the 4 people who need to be voted out. Period. Period. Period.
Raising taxes at a time like this?
These board members aren’t reading the room.
They are out of touch.
Some of them ran opposed. That’s on us.
Do better next time.
Vote them out at the first opportunity.
The School Board lowered the rate but added nearly $10 million to their budget in the process. And they claim that $10 million in additional dollars was needed to maintain the status quo? Let me just roll my eyes…. #DeepBreath!
This is another example of all that “new growth” not paying for itself. Additionally, it shows that these elected leaders dont know how to live within a budget and have found it easy to spend the FREE MONEY they keep digging out of the taxpayers wallets.
One thing for sure, Bill Slayton will not be getting this taxpayers vote when he is up for re-election. He can bank on that!
Its time for State Lawmakers to enact a property tax exemption for those without children in public schools to pay a reduced school tax. There should also be an additional exemptions for those over 65 to be free of school taxes. It seems to be the only way for elected officials to tighten their belts at budget time.