Amendment 3 would increase the homestead exemption for non-school property taxes from $50,000 to $150,000 in 2027 and to $250,000 in 2028.
Bartow City Manager Mike Herr says the change could significantly affect the city’s finances.
“By the time 2030 gets here, we will have lost $5 million,” Herr said.
Bartow’s unique tax base
Herr says Bartow already faces challenges because it is the Polk County seat and has a significant amount of government-owned property that does not generate property tax revenue.
He estimates that about 36% of downtown property is exempt from property taxes.
“36% of our property downtown is exempt from paying property taxes because we’re the county seat,” Herr said. He pointed to the county administration building, county courthouse, FDOT District One and the Florida Department of Citrus as examples of government properties in Bartow.
Herr says the city’s limited tax base makes the potential loss of additional property tax revenue especially significant.
Public safety, parks and recreation among concerns
Herr says the city would have to make difficult decisions if its general fund revenue decreases.
He identifies public safety and parks and recreation as the two major “quality of life pillars” that could be affected.
A reduction in general fund operations, according to Herr, could mean fewer police patrol units, longer response times and delayed purchases of vehicles and other equipment.
He also says residents could see changes to other services.
“We’re going to see the library close at least a couple days a week probably Saturday and Sunday or Friday and Saturday,” Herr said.
Herr also expects reduced hours could affect Mulligan’s, the restaurant connected to Bartow’s golf course.
“People love our golf course. They love to play golf. They love Mulligan’s. I think easily we’ll see it closed two days a week,” he said.
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