Manatee property values on rise

Data released by the Manatee County Property Appraiser's Office shows preliminary taxable assessed values of property in Manatee County is up by about 4%.

County officials had estimated an increase of about 3%.

The increase could generate up to $1 million more for the county than expected, but how the dollars will be used remains undetermined.

Manatee County commissioners are expected to set millage rates for next year in the coming weeks. Budget hearings are slated for September.

Manatee County Administrator Ed Hunzeker's preliminary $517.8 million budget included a half-percent sales tax to fund indigent health care. The tax referendum, however, failed, during a special election June 18.

Contact Pam Eubanks at [email protected].