Despite revenue caps being lifted, WMDs hold line against tax increases

By Bruce Ritchie

All five the state's five water management districts have proposed further reducing their ad valorem tax revenues in the coming budget year despite legislation that lifted revenue caps imposed last year.

In 2011, the Legislature passed SB 2142 cutting water management district property tax revenues by $210 million. Environmentalists were especially critical of the cuts, with former U.S. Sen. Bob Graham calling on Gov. Rick Scott this year to restore funding for the districts.

This year, SB 1986 lifted the revenue caps while requiring legislative approval of some spending. The Florida Conservation Coalition, which Graham founded, supported the bill, which Scott signed on April 20.

Continued...