Recent News
Brightline Station in Martin County
The Martin County Taxpayers Association wants to formally endorse Stuart’s and Martin County’s bid for a Brightline Station. We have analyzed the economic benefit to the taxpayers and have concluded that a station will pay for itself. That is especially true given the...
A Bad Precedent
Under Chair Ed Ciampi, the BOCC set a very bad precedent at the August 8, 2023, meeting. About 150 residents of Palm City, organized with some assistance by Ciampi, were there to protest a “by right” development which they found unacceptable. Many reasons were...
TAXES vs SERVICES
TAXES vs SERVICES: A COST-BENEFIT EXAMINATION OF LAND USE Introduction Martin County generates a lot of heated discussion and polarization over the issue of growth. The Urban Services Boundary which calls for agriculture beyond the Urban Services Boundary calls...
Marty Transportation Growth?
Marty…expansion? We at the MCTA will leave it to you to decide if this idea is government at its worst or not. In 2013 the County contracted with a transportation provider to start the Marty bus system. Ten years later, on March 29, 2023 the Metropolitan Planning...
OPTIONS TO SEWERS….
The Town of Sewall’s Point is moving toward the installation of a sewer system. And although the Town Council has vowed that hook up will not be mandatory and that there will be no assessments, it appears that the latest move puts the camel’s nose under the tent. At...
Sailfish Sands
Sailfish Sands Revisited On Thursday, October 20th, there was the Grand Opening of Sailfish Sands, formerly known as “The Martin County Golf Course.” A large crowd was in attendance to hear from several county commissioners and officials The public could tour the...
School District Employees Live Where?
SCHOOL DISTRICT EMPLOYEES LIVE WHERE? For some time now, the MCTA has wanted to look at where school board personnel reside. Anecdotally we had been led to believe that many were living outside of Martin County. Why does it matter where they live? For the MCTA...
Martin County Airport Options
Martin County Airport Options The airport in our county has been controversial for years as folks have taken sides on various issues. However, people have come to a consensus on one issue and that is that the community does not want commercial air service at the...
Atlantic Fields Community Development
Previously, the Martin County Taxpayers Association announced our support for the Atlantic Fields Community Development (317 private homes on over 1,500 acres north of Bridge Road). We support this development due to the anticipated overwhelming positive economic...
SCHOOL BOARD REFERENDUM
In a blink of an eye, four years have passed since the voters of Martin County approved two referenda to increase taxes. One was a half-cent sales tax to replace two elementary schools and other capital improvement work. That tax was for a term of seven years and will...
TAXABLE VALE IS NOT ALL THERE IS
There was recently an article in TC Palm regarding “historic” increases in property valuations. The nearly 10% increase across the county’s municipalities property valuations in aggregate does not mean Martin County will have 10% more real estate tax money being...
No To Ballot Amendment 3
The Martin County Taxpayers Association will continue to keep you updated on how different issues will affect you as a citizen and in your pocketbook. This year the legislature has placed an additional $25,000 real estate tax exemption for certain government employees...
Martin County Business Development Board Audit
The MCTA has reviewed the last year’s audit for the Business Development Board which was on the April 19th BOCC meeting. It was not a clean report since the auditors pointed out accounting policies not in line with best practices. Among the discrepancies found by the...
Florida voters will see a new property tax
Florida voters will see a new property tax exemption on the ballot this year. Currently, the Property Appraiser on her website lists 16 property tax exemptions that can be applied for if the criteria are met. This newest one as listed in the passed bill is for “a...
Martin County Tax Initiative
Our tax system provides few options for our local elected boards to levy taxes. The Martin County School District will be asking for the renewal of the ½ cent sales tax to be used primarily for teacher bonuses this year. MCTA will address that in a subsequent article....
Stuart Fire Department is One of The Top in The U.S.
Stuart Fire Department is One of The Top in The U.S. At the last Martin County Taxpayers Association board meeting, Stuart Fire Chief Vince Felicione, along with Chief of Operations Troy Bowser and Stuart Commissioner Troy McDonald, gave a presentation about...
MCTA Analysis of the Sheriff’s Department
MCTA Analysis of the Sheriff’s Department The Martin County Taxpayers Association periodically looks at budgets from different agencies throughout the county and other government bodies. This article will examine the Sheriff’s Department. As a constitutional...
IS THIS EXPENDITURE NECESSARY?
At the December 7 meeting of the Martin County Commission, each commissioner presented priority items for 2022. Commissioner Doug Smith had as his #2 priority a Diving Well at Sailfish Splash for the competitive pool side and later Commissioner Ed Ciampi expressed...
Why do we have those Marty buses if they are always empty?
By far the most asked question of the MCTA is “Why do we have those Marty buses if they are always empty?” So, we endeavored to find the answer. We met with Mr. Bill Powell recently hired as Transit Administrator right from Atlanta, GA. When we approached Mr. Powell...
How Does Florida Stack Up With Other States
Like every other state, Florida has a myriad of state and local taxes levied on taxpayers. This is a brief overview on how Florida stacks up to other states on taxation. According to statistics compiled by Florida TaxWatch, the State of Florida ranks 49th in the...
MCTA Has A Question
The MCTA has a question for the Board of County Commissioners. Why does thecounty operate the two cafés at the beaches and is looking for a private operator to run the clubhouse at the revamped golf course? We are not advocating for the government becoming more...
MCTA Is Reviewing Some Martin County Programs
MCTA is looking at several different programs currently being funded by our county’s governments. The programs include both county-wide government and municipal government. Since our organization does not practice the “gotcha” form of oversight, we try to give a fair...
Not against tax increases
The Martin County Taxpayers Association is not against tax increases, but what we are against is bad tax policy. The BOCC certainly has exhibited that on more than one occasion. For some time now, it has decided that it was better to own and operate businesses than...
FLORIDA REAL PROPERTY TAXES ARE A MESS
Most federal taxpayers believe that the income tax code is unfair. We feel that way because of the complexity of the code itself. Taxpayers feel it is rigged in someone else’s favor. That is not an unwarranted assertion in some instances. Over the years,...
Should Tax Dollars Be Used For These Types Of Projects?
During commissioner comments at a recent City of Stuart meeting, Commissioner Becky Bruner made a remarkable request of her fellow board members. She wants to spend $50,000 of taxpayer dollars to help the Martin County Arts Council with their planning of the...
Humane Society of the Treasure Coast
Martin County and the Humane Society of the Treasure Coast will be renewing their contract for a shelter for impounded animals consisting mostly of cats and dogs but also includes ferrets, rabbits, and other companion animals. In most states including Florida,...
Martin County District Funds
Each commissioner has District Funds which are the funds that are raised in their districts through millage and approved by the board when the budget is passed. Here is a table prepared by the County Administrator that outlines the funds in 2021: District Millage Rate...
ESSER II Federal Funding
School Board Member Christia Li Roberts in response to our request wrote the following explaining the latest round of funding from the federal government known as ESSER II. It is quite complicated but very important since it will go to offset specific funding that is...
School Board Salaries
We posed the question to our readers as to whether school board members should be compensated. Without exception, the responses we received believe that school board members should be compensated at best with a small stipend. This is in keeping with most of the rest...
Should School Board Members be paid for their public service?
That is a question being asked in Tallahassee during this legislative session. A bill has been introduced in the House to have a constitutional amendment to ban school board salaries. Currently, school board members’ salaries across the state are set by the...
Capital Improvement Plan
The county administrator invited the MCTA to sit in on the CIP (Capital Improvement Plan) discussions to create a list for the next budget year. We attended approximately 50% of the departmental meetings with senior management held over the course of two weeks. At...
MCTA weighs in on whether I’town should get its own fire dept.
For over a year, the Village of Indiantown has been discussing the formation of its own Fire/Rescue Department. Presently, the village is serviced by Martin County Fire/Rescue. They are charged the same for the service as unincorporated county residents and the Town...
A Year End Message from MCTA
As we come to the end of a most difficult 2020, it is time to examine what the next year may bring to the Martin County Taxpayer. Our real estate taxes won’t change in this budget year. Many of us have already paid those taxes to receive the discount that is offered....
Martin County Waste Collection Contract
The BOCC will consider contracts for County waste collection at its September 15th meeting. The agenda item is set to be heard at 1:15 pm. The contract will have a term of eight years. The difference in the new rates between the current vendor, Waste Management, and...
Martin County School Board Covid Update
At the August 2020 Martin County Taxpayers’ board meeting, our guests were School Board Chair Marcia Powers and District CFO Carter Morrison. We asked the District to explain to us the impact of COVID-19 on their budget. Our board was given a thorough presentation....
Has Something Gone Awry with the Golf Course Refurbishment?
On January 8th of 2019, Mr. Kevin Abbate, Director of Parks and Recreation presented a 15 point plan to the BOCC to redo the Martin County Golf Course. The main tenets of the plan included the following key points: Reduce the course from 36 to 27 holes by re-designing...
MCTA asks the BDB about the tax exemption referendum
MCTA had some questions regarding the Martin County Business Development Board’s ask to extend the tax exemption program. So we ask Joan Goodrich, BDB’s Executive Director. She responded with enthusiasm. Q. You can’t guarantee the jobs to MC residents, I’m sure. A....
Golf Course July 8 2020
As per our article, please view the document. Below is a chart indicating the original line item projected costs, the revised numbers and the variances in dollar amounts and percentages. ITEM PROJECTED PRICE REVISED VARIANCE PERCENTAGE REASON Clubhouse & Parking...
School’s Out for Summer ….or Longer?
What is the Martin County School System Re-Opening Plan? At the moment, listening to the recent School Board meetings, there isn’t any. Yes, Superintendent Gaylord asserts that schools will open in August, but does not say whether there is to be a student sitting at a...
Points of clarification
To help us shape our opinions and make better decisions, we all need accurate, clear and comprehensive information. Martin County Taxpayers Association aims to provide you with all three so you know more about how local governments are spending your tax dollars. One...
HEALTH INSURANCE
The District has given us another example of why our health care system is so completely off the rails. The Board provides to all full-time employees, defined as at least 37.5 hours per week, a $6,500 yearly contribution ($541.67 per month) toward their insurance....
Proposed relocation of the Public Works and General Services
Review of the proposed relocation of the Public Works and General Services Department to the Pineland Prairie property. Issue: In February of 2019, the Martin County Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) instructed staff to review options for the relocation of...
AIR SHOW BAILOUT
Note that this piece is redacted from Tom Campenni’s article published in Friends and Neighbors on Facebook on Jan. 6, 2020 Article originally appeared in: http://tomcampenni.com/2020/01/06/air-show-bailout In case you were not in town during the 2019 Stuart Air Show,...
HURRICANE ECONOMICS
As published in Friends & Neighbors https://friendsandneighborsofmartincounty.com Over the past few years, Stuart and Martin County have been very lucky not to have had much impact from hurricanes. We were especially fortunate this year with Dorian. If it had...
Martin County Administrator Taryn Kryzda
We had the chance to catch-up with Taryn Kryzda the Administrator for Martin County Administrator. https://www.martin.fl.us/government/county-administrator/about-county-administrator
The Martin County Fair is Moving!
Darlene VanRiper Executive Director interviews Jay Spicer, the Fair Manager of the Martin County Fair.Upcoming Fair Date: Feb 14-22 2020! 2616 SE Dixie Highway Stuart FL 34996https://www.martincountyfair.com772-220-3247Fax:...
SOCIALISM WILL ONLY MAKE INCOME INEQUALITY WORSE
A few weeks ago, the New York Times ran an article regarding the implementation of a “Wealth Tax.” Both Sanders and Warren are fans of this type of levy which would tax the accumulated wealth of those who have assets of more than $50 million. Both Warren and Sanders...
$500 Million Budget for Martin County in 2020
For Fiscal Year 2020, Martin County will have a budget of $500 million or $3,125 per resident. Many of us believe that is an extraordinary amount for local government. Roughly 70% of the total budget comes from property taxes. Because of Florida’s system of property...
Florida’s Sales Tax Holiday
According to the Tax Foundation, “This week, the Sunshine State is celebrating its Sales Tax-Free Week. Unfortunately, sales tax holidays like this one don’t reduce your tax burden in the long run. According to new research, they simply shift the timing of when people...
How many exemptions are in the Florida property tax system?
According to the Martin County Property Appraiser’s website (https://www.pa.martin.fl.us/), there are 16. They encompass reasons as varied as being a Florida resident to a limited-income Florida senior or a disabled vet. Government largess at its finest but is it to...
Declaration of Independence
As we celebrate our nation’s independence this July 4th, it is important that we pause and reflect on the many tenets that make up the Declaration of Independence. The Declaration of Independence, along with the Constitution are the most important documents in the...
Should Our Tax Dollars Fund Non-Profits?
Initially we should state that the opinion of this organization is that many non-profits are much needed, even essential to a sustainable and civilized community. So, it is NOT the purpose of this article to criticize any non-profit. But we did think we should...
Taken For A Ride
How many of us have health insurance for ourselves and our dependents whose premiums are paid entirely by our employer? I would bet not one of us is that fortunate. This is the new benefit that will be given to the senior employees of the Village of Indiantown,...
Understanding your Real Estate Tax Bill
Owners of property in Martin County receive a real estate tax bill. When we examine the bills we receive, we care most about the total amount we are obligated to pay. The bill itself has many different lines that distinguish the component amounts that create the total...
EARMARKS is a terrible word, right?
“EARMARKS is a terrible word, right?” These were the words of former US Congressman, Tom Rooney at the Martin County Taxpayers Association’s annual dinner held on March 27th at the Kane Center. Mr. Rooney is known to be forthright and honest. He didn’t disappoint. ...
And so we begin….
The governments of Martin County are beginning their budget processes for the upcoming fiscal year. As they begin to put together their operating, capital improvement plan, and enterprise fund budgets, the public will see that there will be increases in various taxes...
More Money for a Failed Water Park?
More Money For A Failed Water Park Posted on February 14, 2019 How can the County spend your tax dollars more frivolously than they have in the past? The new planned expansion of Sailfish Splash Water Park brought to you by Abbate Enterprises (Parks & Rec...
What Does Stuart & NYC Have In Common?
What Does Stuart & NYC Have In Common? Posted on February 25, 2019 What does Stuart have in common with New York City? At first look, it would seem not much. There are blocks in New York that seem to have as many residents as all of Stuart. There are no tall...
City vs. County? Why can’t we all just get along?
Much has been made about the animosity that has existed between the City of Stuart and Martin County. It is true that, at times, there has been tension between the governmental entities. But why should it exist at all? All local government, both counties and...
What Government Services to Provide and How to Pay (Part 2)
A month ago, I wrote the first installment of a two-part series on how we pay for government services and what services should government provide. The first piece concentrated on which services to provide and the difference between what the government should do and...
Review of Martin County School District’s Sales Tax Increase
Martin County Taxpayer’s Association Review of Martin County School District’s Sales Tax Increase The mission of the Martin County Taxpayer’s Association (MCTA) is “To monitor and review all fiscal and tax matters affecting Martin County. To engage public officials,...
Amendment #1 Another Homestead Exemption
Amendment One The mission of the Martin County Taxpayer’s Association (MCTA) is: To monitor and review all fiscal and tax matters affecting Martin County. To engage public officials, community leaders and private sector organizations who may influence the economy and...
BOCC reports
The following is a report from our Watchdogs of the PM session of the BOCC on 9/11/18 First on the agenda was DEPT-2 Martin County Tangible Personal Property Grant Program. The current TPP Grant program with FPL is no longer valid now that Indiantown is...
What Gov’t Services to Provide & How to Pay
What Government Services To Provide & How To Pay (Part 1) This is an excerpt from a piece written by Tom Campenni. You can read the entire piece on TomCampenni.com. Editing and italics provided by Exec. Dir. MCTA For the most part, governmental entities do not...
On Amendment #2 “Permanent Cap on Non-Homestead Assessment Increase”
Florida Amendment 2, the Permanent Cap on Non-homestead Parcel Assessment Increases Amendment 2 would make permanent the cap of 10% on annual non-homestead parcel assessment increases set to expire on January 1, 2019. The cap does apply to school district taxes....
Thoughts on the death of the Fire Fee Assessment
So what are the repercussions of the Board of County Commissioner’s decision to “kill” the Fire Fee Assessment? After a large crowd assembled before the Commission to complain profusely that the fee would be “unfair” and “unequitable,” Commissioners Sarah Heard, Ed...
The latest on Parks and Rec from our Watchdogs!
Park & Rec Advisory Board meeting August 16, 2018 Project Updates: Stuart Beach dune walkway has been updated to meet ADA standards. $500,000.00 was spent on new fences around athletic fields at Halpatioke Park. These fences are 30 ft high, replacing...
Review of the Fire Fee Assessment
Martin County Taxpayer’s Association Review of Martin County’s Special Assessment for Fire Services The mission of the Martin County Taxpayer’s Association (MCTA): “To monitor and review all fiscal and tax matters affecting Martin County. To engage public...
School Board Millage Tax Increase Referendum
Martin County Taxpayer’s Association Review of Martin County School District’s Millage Increase The mission of the Martin County Taxpayer’s Association (MCTA) is: “To monitor and review all fiscal and tax matters affecting Martin County. To engage public officials,...
Martin County Taxpayer’s Association Review of Martin County Golf Course
Attached is the abbreviated version of the papers from our study of the Martin County Golf Course. This is a member's only release before being published in the newspapers. Please read it and give your comment on this page below! MCTA - GOLF COURSE REVIEW
MC BOCC afternoon meeting June 19, 2018
The MC School Board made a presentation to explain their request for one-half mill ad valorem tax increase for essential operating expenses. The request for the half-cent per dollar sales surtax levy for critical capital needs was also discussed. A commissioner stated...
Proposed False Claims Ordinance
Linked below is the False Claims Ordinance we were asked to consider. Please review and leave a comment below! False Claims Ordinance 04.25.2018_redline
Lighting on Hutchinson Island – The Facts
It has come to the attention of the Martin County Taxpayers Association that some mis-information has been distributed regarding the installation of light poles on Hutchinson Island. The facts are as follows: The plan for additional lighting has been ongoing since...
Martin County’s Government Restaurants
Americans love to say they believe in the capitalistic system. We believe that government should stay out of the markets. We should leave to the private sector to operate businesses, instead of bureaucrats. If the public sector is involved, it usually results in the...
PRAB Meeting Notes: May 17, 2018
Project Updates: Bathtub Beach is now open with new restrooms that have been relocated so they can't wash away. Two parks are under review. JV Reed and Zeus parks are in the early design stage for additional parking. JV Reed often has two different sports being played...
The Cost of School Security to MC Taxpayers…
WHAT IS THE COST OF SCHOOL SECURITY TO TAXPAYERS… PRICELESS One of those issues that will require immediate attention is the new mandate from Tallahassee regarding at least one school resource officer (SRO) in each school. Presently there are 11 SROs in Martin...
Tina McSoley talks to the MCTA board about school board ballot issues
The MCTA generally hosts a guest speaker at our monthly board meetings. The following is from retiring school board member, Tina McSoley who was our guest in April. Her views and statements are for informational purposes and in no way reflect the opinions of the...
Martin County response to MCTA Sailfish Splash Investigative Report
Martin County has officially responded to your report and suggestions. Click to view the PDF below. What do you think of their comments? Click to Download PDF of their Reply Members can comment below!
Video of Speakers at the MCTA Annual Dinner 2018
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uSdWQnXte0E
MCTA gets mention in Gil Smart’s article “Will Sailfish Splash Water Park Sink or Swim?”
Gil Smart has read our investigative report on SSWP and has his opinion. Read it here.
Sailfish Splash Waterpark
That Sailfish Splash Water Park (SSWP) has always been controversial is an understatement. SSWP was born out of what the taxpayer was told was a need to replace the Martin County High School Swimming Pool (which we are still paying well over $100,000 through our...
Parks and Rec Feb 2018
Park and Rec Advisory Board meeting February 15, 2018 Pegeen Hanrahan, Southeast Urban Parks Finance Director, The Trust for Public Land spoke to the board regarding possible funding options for Park & Rec's Master Plan and Capital Improvement Plan. The Trust for...
Lake Point -12-2017
Martin County Taxpayers Association Taxpayers Got Raw Deal in Lake Point Settlement Thomas Kenny III Published 2:13 p.m. ET Dec. 28, 2017 | Updated 9:54 a.m. ET Dec. 29, 2017 - TCPALM Article Commissioner Ed Fielding and former commissioner Anne Scott each face...