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Kenneth City property owners will see a higher tax bill next year. This increase comes despite the Town not raising millage rates or other service fees.
According to a budget draft, the next fiscal year’s budget will total almost $6.5 million. If approved, the city will adopt it on Oct. 1. The fiscal year runs from Oct. 1, 2024-Sept. 30, 2025.
Kenneth City’s 2025 Budget
This budget has an increase of roughly $270,000. According to public records, 2024’s fiscal year budget was slightly less than $6.2 million.
The last public hearing will occur on Sept. 23 at the community hall. Residents, voters, and taxpayers will have the chance to offer input.
2025 budget discussions are not all that happened at the Sept. 11 Town Council meeting. Read about hiring lobbyists, town manager candidates, and discussions regarding pickleball and stormwater.
Some highlights are a $130,250 increase to the police department, a $45,025 increase to the Administration and General Government budget, and a $4,500 increase to the Parks and Recreation budget for park maintenance and recreation fees. Public Works will have a $101,600 reduction.
Mayor Zemaitis said she wants more funds for street reparations and improvements to be included.
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Why Is There a Tax Increase in Kenneth City?
Council member Bob Arrison shared that residents had approached him with concerns about taxes increasing. He explained to the public.
“Kenneth City, of all the 24 municipalities in Pinellas County, we are the only city that, our value of our homes, went up double digits,” Arrison said. This is “because people want to move here,” he added.
According to Arrison, the average taxable value of Kenneth City properties rose by 12.84%. “Everyone else in the county averaged around 6%,” he added.
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