09-27-2012 VC WS-M MINUTES OF THE WORKSHOP SESSION
VILLAGE COUNCIL OF NORTH PALM BEACH, FLORIDA
SEPTEMBER 27, 2012
Present: David B. Norris, Mayor
William L. Manuel, Vice Mayor
Darryl C. Aubrey, Sc.D., President Pro Tern
Robert A. Gebbia, Councilman
Doug Bush, Councilman
Ed Green, Village Manager
Leonard Rubin, Village Attorney
Melissa Teal, Village Clerk
ROLL CALL
Mayor Norris called the meeting to order at 8:15 p.m. All members of Council were present. All
members of staff were present.
AMENDMENT 4 TO THE FLORIDA CONSTITUTION
At its September 13, 2012 Regular Session, Council discussed a proposed constitutional
amendment that will appear on the November 6, 2012 General Election Ballot as Amendment 4.
Council considered a proposed resolution; adoption of the resolution was tabled until Council
had more information.
Amendment 4 is entitled "Property Tax Limitations; Property Value Decline; Reduction for
Non-Homestead Assessment Increases; Delay of Scheduled Repeal." Amendment 4 would
reduce the current assessment limit on commercial property, vacant property, and second homes
from 10% to 5%; give first-time homebuyers an additional homestead exemption; and allow the
Legislature to prohibit increases in the assessed value of a property if the just value of the
property decreases.
During discussion, among the concerns expressed regarding Amendment 4 were: it would
• complicate an already extremely complicated property assessment process; lowering assessments
for incoming residents and vacation properties would result in increased taxes for primary, full-
time residents; it violates municipal home rule; a decreased revenue stream for municipalities
will mean increased taxes or decreased services. With regard to the merits of Amendment 4, it
was expressed that Amendment 4 would end the process of recapture.
Discussion took place regarding re-wording the previously proposed resolution to simply
advocate that residents become informed about Amendment 4. A concern was raised as to
whether Council should adopt resolutions supporting or opposing ballot issues.
By consensus, Council directed that a resolution expressing opposition to Amendment 4 be
prepared and placed on the October 11, 2012 Regular Session agenda.
• ADJOURNMENT
With no further business to come before the Council, the meeting adjourned at 8:43 p.m.
AZA/ Al&
Melissa Teal, CMC, Village Clerk