Page 20 - Abacoa Community News - July '24

Page 20, Abacoa

governMent

Palm Beach County Property Appraiser

Dear Taxpayer, 2024 Tax Roll Update • Net New Construction - $4,966,761,361
Recently, my office • Percent Increase (taxable value) - 9.12 percent
announced the award of July is an important month as my office submits the 2024 • Real Property Parcels – 655,938
six college scholarships to preliminary tax roll to Florida’s Department of Revenue • Total Tangible Personal Property Accounts – 58,019
outstanding high school (DOR) and local taxing authorities. The above values are only estimates and subject to change.
seniors in Palm Beach Values are based on the status of market as of Jan. 1. Once the tax roll receives approval from Florida’s DOR, my
County. Each was awarded According to my office’s estimates delivered at the end of office will notify all property owners of both their home value
$1,500 and an opportunity May, Palm Beach Countywide taxable property values have and proposed tax rate in the Notice of Proposed Property Taxes
to participate in a paid increased 9.12 percent from 2023 to 2024. mailed mid-August. While state law requires my office to value
internship in my office. The overall increase in taxable value slowed compared property based on the status of the market, your tax rate is set
• Lillian J. Cruz, to previous years. Market values for some building types by taxing authorities who answer to you. Their public meetings
graduating from John I. have begun to flatten, and this is reflected in the difference are listed in your notice.
Leonard High School, attending Florida Atlantic University between the county-wide taxable value, and the tax base for
• Alex Hernandez Gomez, graduating from Pahokee the School Board. Application Status For
Middle-Senior High School, attending Palm Beach State Taxable values for the School Board increased 5.90 percent, Exemptions, Portability,
College more than three percentage points lower than the county, because
• Victor Paniagua, graduating from Pahokee Middle- the School Board more closely follows market values. The School Agricultural Classifications
Senior High School, attending Palm Beach State College Board is not subject to certain exemptions and caps, so it saw
• Yadira Silvestre, graduating from Glades Central higher increases in taxable value in previous years. Now that Have You Submitted An Application For An Exemption,
Community High School, attending University of South some markets have slowed, that rate of increase has also slowed. Portability Or Agricultural Classification?
Florida In contrast, countywide taxable values are growing in part My office is processing these applications and will begin
• Giselle Silvestre, graduating from Glades Central due to the recapture of tax caps savings. Florida law requires status notifications. If denied, you have the right to file a petition
Community High School, attending University of South that the assessed value of a property continue to increase by the for adjustment with the Value Adjustment Board (VAB) through
Florida maximum cap amount each year until the assessed value equals the Clerk of the Circuit Court & Comptroller. They can be
• Tracey-Ann Wiggan, graduating from Pahokee Middle- the market value. Even if the market value of a property does reached at (561) 355-6289.
Senior High School, attending Florida A&M University not increase, its assessed value may increase. Property Tax Exemptions And Portability
Since 1994, the PAO has awarded $179,000 in college Other highlights of the estimates include: If you submitted an application on or before March 1 and
scholarships, completely funded by employee donations. • Market Value - $503,364,930,657 your application was denied, a Notice of Denial will be mailed
It’s really a joy to reward these incredible students • Taxable Value - $315,500,832,798 on July 1, 2024. The deadline to file a petition with the VAB for
who have demonstrated excellence in academic an exemption is 5 p.m. on July 31. The deadline to file a petition
ability, persistence, leadership, and service to for the denial of a portability benefit is 5 p.m. on Sept. 16. For
others. Congratulations to each of them and questions about exemptions or portability, contact Exemption
congratulations to the entire Class of 2024. Services at (561) 355-2866 or MyExemption@pbcpao.gov.
In this month’s newsletter, an update on the Agricultural Classification
2024 tax roll process and the status of applications Notifications of the status of your application will be mailed
for exemptions and classification. out on July 1. If your agricultural classification application is
Have a happy and safe Independence Day. denied, the deadline to file a petition with the VAB is 5 p.m.
Respectfully, Members of my office’s Scholarship Committee with this year’s awardees, on July 31. For agricultural classification questions, contact
Dorothy Jacks, CFA, FIAAO, AAS, left to right Victor Paniagua, Alex Hernandez Gomez, Lillian Cruz, the Agriculture Department at (561) 355-4577 or MyFarm@
Palm Beach County Property Appraiser Yadira Silvestre, Tracey-Ann Wiggan, Giselle Silvestre pbcpao.gov.
Tax Talk

Dear friends:
Most of you already know
two of my passions – my cats,
Biden and Bader, and my
garden. Those two things help
me unwind and disconnect
from the day’s events. Whether
it’s watching the crazy things
my cats get into, or spending
time tending to my beautiful
garden, creating “me-time” to
relax and unwind is crucial for
maintaining overall well-being. It is important to carve out some
time for the things that bring you joy. Find your “sanctuary”
and activities that you love to unplug and disconnect and most
importantly, make time and schedule it. Always pay attention
to your physical needs during your “me-time” by nourishing
your body with healthy foods, exercise, staying hydrated with
beverages, and getting plenty of sleep.
Remember that “me-time” is not selfish; it’s an essential
aspect of self-care that allows you to recharge and show up
as your best self in other areas of your life. By prioritizing
relaxation and unwinding, you are investing in your health,
happiness, and resilience.
Anne M. Gannon,
Constitutional Tax Collector,
Serving Palm Beach County

Mural, Mural, On The Wall!

“Step into a world of energy and radiant hues.” These may
not be the first words that come to mind when visiting the tax
collector’s office. However, this is what you can expect to
experience the next time you visit our North County Service
Center, with the addition of a new vibrant outdoor mural,
entitled, Piece By Piece displayed on the south side of the
service center. The mural was skillfully crafted by Connecticut
born artist, Benjamin Heller. Benjamin has created several
murals throughout South Florida. His style of art uses color
and shapes masterfully to create captivating imagery that brings
life to an otherwise ordinary space. When asked about the
mural, he had this to say, “The use of this imagery and various
colors reflect both the ‘Gardens’ and positively interact with

Tax Talk on page 21