Vote on Atlantic Beach budget, tax increase delayed following pushback from residents
The village board was expected to vote on a budget and on a tax warrant, which would provide more details into a potential tax increase.
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Questions, frustration and confusion fueled an Atlantic Beach Village Hall meeting Monday night, as residents hoped to learn more about a potential tax increase.
The village board was expected to vote on a budget and on a tax warrant, which would provide more details into a potential tax increase.
Instead, the board voted to delay a vote on the budget and on the tax warrant until Wednesday at 6 p.m., after a number of residents spoke out against the budget.
Mayor George Pappas told News 12 the board was expected to approve a 50% tax increase during Monday night’s meeting.
He says it's because for the last 20 years, the budget was calculated under the wrong tax class.
Many residents, like Les Frimerman of Atlantic Beach, urged the board to not vote on the budget and to be more transparent.
"No one wants a 50% tax increase,” he said. “This community has been managed by trustees, a board of trustees, who have no idea about expense management."
Claudia Katz, of Atlantic Beach, said she learned a lot during the meeting, but walked away having more questions than answers.
"I'm concerned about our community,” she said. “It's a beautiful community. I want it to stay that way."
The mayor would not go on camera with News 12, but says a possible tax increase could mean an extra $80 to $100 a month for residents.
