Politics

Broward Gives Two Different Takes On Tax Cut

Click PLAY To Listen To Unedited Interviews From Both Sides

FORT LAUDERDALE (CBS4) ― The head of Broward Schools tells CBS4 News if the property tax cut passes, it will cost schools there $144 million over the next five years and mean more than 12-hundred job losses, but others in the county say those figures are wrong.

"For us as an organization I'd categorize it as a Cat 5," said Broward Schools Superintendent James Notter.

He uses the analogy of strongest type of hurricane known, a Category 5, because he sees it as a gathering storm. If the property tax cut touted by many state leaders passes at the end of January, Notter says the cuts will be deep: Fewer teachers, school buses making fewer stops to save gas, and even cuts to some beloved programs.

"We're gonna have to cut some of the fringes we enjoy in our schools like athletics and like performing arts," he said.

Notter says the school district has been doing more with less the past five years, and he has seen rapid increases in health insurance, property insurance and construction costs.

"I am right now going through with laser surgery to take a look at each and every budget and each and every department."

But Broward County Property Appraiser Lori Parrish is in favor of the amendment, and says the numbers are skewed.

"I think the police officers and firefighters and teachers have been misled," said Lori Parrish.

Parrish says it will add money to the state by spurring sales in the housing market. The amendment increases the homestead exemption and allows many homeowners to take their current tax bills with them when they move.

"Portability gives our residents options and choices, which I believe they want and need," said Parrish.

But Notter says the dollar amount of cuts continues to fluctuate, and for a school system the size of Broward County's, any cuts are drastic.

"We need to adequately fund public education in the State of Florida.

To show you how desperate he is now Superintendent Notter asked all of his employees to recommend ways the school system can save money.

You -- the voter -- can vote on the property tax cut January 29.

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