Property taxes are going up in Lynn Haven.
“Economic impacts are pretty rough on us right now,” City Commissioner Brandon Aldridge explained to residents during a meeting on Wednesday night. “Please don’t think this is a trend that is going to continue.”
At the meeting, city commissioners voted (3-1) to increase the millage rate by 10% from 3.9 to 4.3. This means Lynn Haven's tax rate will increase from $3.90 per $1,000 in assessed property valuation to $4.30 per $1,000. For example, a resident who owns a $200,000 home will pay $860 next year, which is almost $100 more than they would've paid last year.
City officials say they expect the extra tax revenue to offset projected county and state revenue losses.
But not every city commissioner agreed with the decision to raise taxes. City Commissioner Judy Tinder says passing a tax increase during a pandemic is an example of bad timing.
“We have people who are losing their jobs even today. People who have been reduced to half pay,” said City Commissioner Judy Tinder, who voted against the tax increase. “I think it’s just the wrong time to hit them.”
Corrected: A previous version of this story incorrectly stated that property owners will pay $43 per $1,000 in assessed property valuation, instead of $39 per $1,000. They will actually pay $4.30 per $1,000, instead of $3.90 per $1,000.
