Less means Less

Taxpayers will soon get less from local governments caught in budget crunch

The bust in property values opened vast budget holes for local governments, and taxpayers across the region are sure to notice the difference.

BY AMY SHERMAN

ASHERMAN@MIAMIHERALD.COM

On the home front, property-tax rates are poised to increase for many homeowners still recovering from the economic storm. So, too, are water fees and trash-pickup costs.

In the community, some libraries and parks are closing an extra day, pool hours are likely to be reduced and bus service curtailed. Even senior meals on wheels won't be as plentiful.

At school, there will be fewer assistant principals in offices and teachers in classrooms. Students will find fewer guidance counselors to turn to.

As local governments throughout South Florida face the painful reality of fallen property values, residents will unmistakably feel the pinch.

``You are going to see library hours cut; you are going to see park hours cut,'' said Gary Resnick, president of the Broward League of Cities and mayor of Wilton Manors, which now closes city hall on Fridays to save money. ``The cuts are not going to be invisible.'' more...