Answers to Some of the Most Common County Budget Questions
How much is Broward County's current budget?
It is approximately $4.4 billion. Of that amount, approximately $2.73 billion is used for the operating budget (to annually support ongoing services and programs), $1.36 billion for the capital budget (funds put aside for construction and infrastructure projects) and $616 million for the debt service budget (funds used to repay bonds issued to pay for construction and infrastructure projects).
How is the budget funded?
There are a variety of funding sources. The General Fund (1.4 billion) is supported with property taxes and other revenues to fund programs that are not self-supporting, such as libraries, parks and the Constitutional Officers. It is important to note that 43 percent of the revenue in the General Fund goes to the independently-elected Constitutional officers, primarily the Sheriff, Supervisor of Elections and Property Appraiser.
The Enterprise Funds ($1.57 billion) consist of programs that are self-supporting without general revenue subsidies, such as the airport, port, solid waste, and water and wastewater facilities.
Special Funds ($1.79 billion), such as the Tourist Development Tax Funds or the County Transportation Trust Fund, consist of self-supported agencies with dedicated taxes and fees.
What percentage of the General Fund recurring revenues come from property taxes?
About 80 percent. The rest comes from fees, fines and miscellaneous revenues (14 percent), and sales tax and state revenue sharing (6 percent).
What is the millage rate?
The millage rate is the property tax rate set by the County Commission. It is based on “mills.” One mill is equal to $1 per $1,000 of taxable property value. Broward County's current countywide millage rate is 5.669 mills including voter approved bond millage. To calculate a property tax rate, multiply the taxable value of the property by the millage rate and divide by 1,000.
When does the budget process begin?
The Commission begins initial discussions in February and proceeds through a series of workshops that culminate in two public hearings in September. At this time, the Operating Budget, Capital Budget and Five-Year Capital Program are adopted. The new fiscal year begins in October. View Budget Calendar.
Where can I find a copy of the budget?
The proposed budget and Capital Program for the upcoming fiscal year is available for viewing online beginning in August of each year. The adopted budget and Capital Program is available for viewing online beginning in November of each year. Visit Budget Documents.
