CPCA General Meeting September 2020

 September 2020 Croissant Park Civic Association general meeting

Greetings, Croissant Park neighbors,

—Our Zoom meeting was attended by all the Board members and 16 Croissant Park neighbors.  That’s our best turnout yet!

—The 2021 Board of Directors slate was approved by a majority of those attending the meeting.  The Board members are Pat Rathburn, Michelle DiMaria, Joe Russell, Rhonda Kramer, Heather Cunniff, Jodi Perraud, Virginia Russell, and our newest member Larry Jackson.

—We invited the two candidates who are running for Fort Lauderdale Mayor, Ken Cooper and Mayor Dean Trantalis.  Both candidates spoke about the issues that continue to plague our City—homelessness, sewer spills, new buildings, traffic, clean water and waterways and sober homes.

—Our next speaker was Jenni Morejon from the  Downtown Development Association (DDA).  The new Federal Courthouse building will be located off of 3rd Avenue, south of the New River, near Huizenga Park.  Other new government buildings will be built on the bus terminal property.

—A dognapping incident occurred a few nights ago on 16th Court.  Neighbors turned out to assist and the dog was returned before the police arrived.

—The big blue USPS mailbox next to Sunshine Cathedral on SW14th Court was tampered with and the local main post office has taped it up to prevent anyone using it to mail letters or ballots.

—Speaking of ballots, we are 5 days out from Election Day on Tuesday, November 3rd.  It is too late to mail your mail-in ballot but it is NOT too late to take your ballot to the Government Building drop box located on SW1st Ave. and  Brickell Ave.  You can also safely drop your mail-in ballot at ArtServe on N. Federal Hwy. You can also vote early in-person at various locations and if Election Day rolls around and you haven’t voted yet, go to your local precinct, probably at the Croissant Park Elementary School on SW 4th Avenue and 17th Street to vote in person, just like the old days.  Remember to bring a valid picture ID.

—Minutes by Virginia

Browrd County Property Appraiser's October Newsletter

Amendments on November's Ballot for Property Owners If approved by Florida voters, Amendment 5 would extend the time frame for property owners to use any portability they may have from two tax years to three tax years. Portability is the difference between a property's just value and the assessed/Save Our Homes (SOH) value. This portability amount may be transferred when a property owner moves from their homesteaded property and established a new Homestead on another property. Portability allows the owner to transfer or “port” the homestead assessment difference to the new home anywhere in Florida. This portability amount lowers the assessed/SOH value on the new home and helps lower the subsequent property taxes. Currently, the law requires a homeowner to use this homestead benefit within two tax years which is not always a full two calendar years. Our office must look at the status of the property on January 1 of each year meaning a property owner may not have a full two calendar years to use this important savings. If approved, this amendment would extend the time you may use portability to three tax years. For more information about portability, please visit our website at https://web.bcpa.net/bcpaclient/#/PortabilityExemption Another amendment on this November's ballot is Amendment 6. This amendment would provide a homestead tax discount for the surviving spouse of a deceased veteran who had permanent, combat-related disabilities. There are several exemptions for Florida veterans and all of them transfer to the surviving spouses upon the veteran's death except this one exemption. Amendment 6 would allow the surviving spouse to continue receiving the veteran's exemption. Broward County Tax Collector's Office to Mail Tax Bills in November The Property Appraiser's Office does not set or collect property taxes. We simply assess property and grant exemptions to qualified individuals. The Broward County Tax Collector's Office will mail the 2020 property tax bills by November 1, 2020 along with payment information. If your escrow company requests your tax bill, the Tax Collector will send you a courtesy copy of the bill in mid-November. All property tax bills are posted to their website at https://broward.county-taxes.com/public on November 1. Should you have any questions about the payment of taxes, please contact them at (954)831-4000. If my office can ever be of assistance to you, please do not hesitate to contact me directly at (954)357-6904 or by email at martykiar@bcpa.net Take care, Marty Kiar Broward County Property Appraiser

September 2020 CPCA General Meeting

 CPCA General Meeting September 2020

Greetings Croissant Park Neighbors,

—Our Zoom meeting on September 29^th was hosted by Association president Pat Rathburn. All Board members were in attendance, including Michelle DiMaria, Rhonda Kramer, Joe Russell, Heather Cunniff, Jodi Perraud and Virginia Russell.

—FLPD Officer Rodriguez joined our meeting tonight to give us the Neighborhood Crime Team report.  For the period from August 29^th to September 29^th we had only one residential burglary, due to a domestic issue.  According to Ofc.  Rodriguez, the low crime occurrence during this period is probably due to COVID-19 quarantine effects.  An interesting and welcome outcome to our many months of lockdown.

—Michelle invited Denise Elliot from the League of Women Voters to present the League’s very practical Power Point that guided us through the many Constitutional Amendments, Broward County and State  issues on the General Election Ballot for the November 3^rd election.  

-The last day to register to vote is October 5^th.   Vote by mail is available and the ballots are being mailed now.  There are several drop boxes available city-wide for your ballot as of October 24^th.  If you mail your ballot it must be RECEIVED by November 3^rd, NOT JUST POSTMARKED by then.  Mail early!!

-You can track your ballot by name  and birthdate at www.browardsoe.org to make sure it has been received.

-Early voting will be available from October 19^th to November 1^st at 22 sites city-wide.  You will need a picture ID and proof of signature, preferably the same ID

-Of course, you can still vote at your local precinct listed on your voter info card.  Croissant Park Elementary School is our precinct.  You will need your picture ID and proof signature, preferably the same ID.

-All of this info is included at VOTE 411 (Google it). If you have a problem voting you can report it to 1-866 OUR-VOTE.  

—At our October CPCA General meeting we will be voting for the slate of CPCA Board nominees for 2021. This year the slate includes Pat Rathburn, Michelle DiMaria, Joe Russell, Rhonda Kramer, Jodi Perraud, Heather Cunniff, Virginia Russell and Larry Jackson. We gladly encourage additional nominations from the CPCA membership. Help us to enrich our way of life here in Croissant Park.

—See you October.  If we Zoom the meeting you will receive an email to log on to the Zoom.

Minutes by Virginia-Secy.

Census Yard Sign Campaign

 Census Yard Sign Campaign

The U.S. Census Bureau will be sending in paid canvassers to assist our efforts in going door-to-door, but so far, they have been unable to do so due to COVID-19. As the deadline approaches, we cannot afford to wait for their reinforcements, which is why the City is launching a 2020 Census yard sign campaign to elevate visibility for the census and encourage all neighbors to respond to the census.

The yard signs are available and ready for pick up at City Hall (please email me directly to schedule). To participate, simply pick up yards signs from City Hall and place one on your property and distribute the remainder to neighbors in your neighborhoods to place on their properties, including back yards, especially those in waterfront areas with a lot of boat traffic. If interested, please contact me directly via email to schedule pick up and how many.

Neighbor Support is working closely with our Code Compliance team to implement this campaign and has received authorization for neighbors to place the signs on their properties without the risk of removal. Yard signs cannot be displayed on medians. We do ask that in the event of a storm, you remove the signs and reinstall them once the storm has passed to prevent them from becoming flying projectiles or littering the streets.

Junia

Junia J. Robinson, Administrative Supervisor, MPA, ICMA

City of Fort Lauderdale|Office of the City Manager| Neighbor Support

100 North Andrews Avenue, Fort Lauderdale FL 33301

Office: (954) 828-5289 Email: Juniar@fortlauderdale.gov

Property Appraiser Newsletter July 2020

This year is unprecedented for our community as we continue to manage the COVD-19 crisis.  Florida law requires our office to value property based on the status of the real estate market on January 1, 2020.  Any impact to real estate market conditions caused by the crisis will be reflected in the 2021 assessments. 

2020 TRIM Notices

The Broward County Property Appraiser’s Office mails the TRIM (proposed tax) Notices in mid-August each year.  The proposed property tax notice will show your 2020 property assessment, exemptions and the proposed taxes along with dates and times for the various taxing authorities’ public budget hearings.  The TRIM Notice is your opportunity to review your property assessment and ensure you are receiving all the tax-saving exemptions you are entitled to.  Our office’s contact information will be listed on the newsletter enclosed with the TRIM Notice giving you the opportunity to contact us directly should you have any questions. The absolute deadline to apply for any 2020 exemption or to appeal your property assessment is September 18, 2020. 

The Property Appraiser determines the market value and assessed/Save Our Homes value of your property.  Your tax rates and non-ad valorem fees are set by the various taxing authorities (school board, county commission, city commission, hospital district board, water management district, and so on) listed on your TRIM Notice.  If you want to question your proposed tax rates, non-ad valorem fees, special assessments or services, you should contact the elected officials who serve on these taxing authorities and attend the public hearings in September 2020.  

Important: The Property Appraiser does not set your tax rates or collect your taxes.  Your tax rates are set by the city & county commissions, school board, and other taxing authorities.  Additionally, any PACE (Property Assessed Clean Energy) assessments are not included on the TRIM Notice but will appear on the November tax bill sent by the Broward County Tax Collector.

Why Are My Property Taxes Higher than the Prior Owner’s Last Year?

Florida law requires property be reassessed at market value as of January 1 the year following a change in ownership and/or the year the property receives/loses the Homestead Exemption.  After this reset in value occurs, the property will be protected by an assessment cap starting the following year.  For Homesteaded property, the Assessed/Save Our Homes (SOH) Value can increase by no more than 3% above last year’s Assessed/SOH Value (or the consumer price index, whichever is less), regardless of the increase in just value.  For tax year 2020, the assessment increase is capped at 2.3% for all Homesteaded properties.  For non-Homesteaded property, the assessed value can increase by no more than 10% above last year’s assessed value.  The 10% cap does not apply to the school board taxes.

If my office can ever be of assistance to you, please do not hesitate to contact me directly at 954.357.6904 or by email at martykiar@bcpa.net.

Robert L. Wolfe, Jr. CFE Mobile Exemption and Information Team – Specialist II Office of Marty Kiar Broward County Property Appraiser 115 S. Andrews Ave, Room 111 Ft. Lauderdale, FL  33301 P 954-357-6871 | E rwolfe@bcpa.net  | www.bcpa.net Follow our office at  http://www.facebook.com/MartyKiarBCPA and http://www.twitter.com/MartyKiarBCPA

June 2020 General meeting-CPCA

General Meeting June 30, 2020

Happy Summer, Croissant Park neighbors,

It’s a hot one already!  Makes you wonder what August will be like…

We had our second ZOOM General meeting.  Invites were sent out by email and we had three people attending.  The Board members in attendance were our President Pat, Vice President Michelle, Treasurer Joe, Directors Rhonda and Jodi, and Secretary Virginia.  

Officer Rodriguez from FLPD reports that from January to present date we have had 5 residential burglaries and 5 vehicle burglaries.  These statistics are low and may be attributed to our quarantine that began around the middle of March. There have been requests for permits for more protests and they hope they will be peaceful.  Michelle asked if there had been any reports regarding purse snatching at Winn-Dixie.  Ofc. Rodriguez replied that there had not been any reports. We are reminded to keep our purses and other valuables on our person at all times.

Broward County Public Schools continue to provide the Summer Lunch Program on Tuesdays from 7-12pm and they are providing breakfast and lunch at numerous high school, middle school and elementary schools in Broward County.  A school age child must be in the car or with a group walking. There will be enough food for all accompanying the student. Croissant Park Civic Association has contributed to our neighborhood feeding programs at Sunshine Cathedral and Seventh-Day Adventist  Church.

Some restaurants in the area have been shut down and fined for a period of time for violating COVID regulations.

Broward County beaches will be closed from July 3rd through July 6th.  Local firework displays will be in various venues.  We are asked to remain at home and enjoy the fireworks from our balconies and back yards.

We need new neighborhood entrance signs and Rhonda has reached out to our attendees at tonight’s meeting: we are looking for artists to submit designs.  Jill Young has volunteered to be the contact person for signage ideas.

Greg McAloon mentioned that the allocation of funds to Croissant Park by Commissioner Sorenson has not come to the level of allocation for other neighborhoods in District 4.

Parking rates are going up in July at the City lots.  The best deal is to get your resident parking permit at the Parking Permit Enforcement office at NE 3rd Ave and 3rd Street.

If you donate blood at OneBlood.org, they will test you for COVID-19  and send the results in 4 days by email.

Rhonda asked our attendees if 7pm is a good time for a meeting, they replied that earlier is better.

Stay cool, social distance, wear a mask and hydrate. Our next General meeting will be on Tuesday, September 29th.  Venue to be announced.   

Minutes by Virginia, CPCA Sec’y

Property Appraiser June 2020

BCPA Goes Virtual

Business models around the world have adapted to providing services during these changing times.  Our office continues to evolve to ensure we meet the needs of the residents of Broward County and provide the same level of customer service you have grown to expect.  Property owners can still easily apply for Homestead Exemption online at www.bcpa.net, as well as, access information about all the tax-saving exemptions available for qualified individuals. Please contact csemgmt@bcpa.net or call 954.357.6830 with any exemption questions you may have if you cannot find the answers you are looking for on our website.

Understandably, many residents have concerns about sharing personal information online or over the phone.  To help ease these concerns, our Mobile Exemption & Information Team (MEIT) is now able to meet with residents virtually and answer any questions or help with exemption filing.  While we do not know when our office will be able to safely resume in-person meetings, this new platform allows face-to-face virtual conversations between property owners and our staff.  To schedule an appointment for a virtual meeting, please email us at ExemptionsExpress@bcpa.net or call us at 954.357.5579.

Quarterly Tax Payment Installment Plan

While the Property Appraiser’s Office does not set or collect taxes, our office receives many calls from residents inquiring about installment tax bills and their recent exemptions.  Broward County’s Records, Taxes & Treasury Division is responsible for the billing and collecting of property taxes. 

For property owners on their quarterly installment plan, the first two installment payments (June and September) are based on the previous (2019) tax year.  This means residents who have been approved for 2020 Homestead Exemption or other exemptions will not see these showing on either the June or September installment bills.  The final two installment bills will be based on the current tax year.  The December and March installment bill amounts will be adjusted to include any 2020 exemptions or changes to the property’s taxable value.  The deadline for Broward County’s Installment Payment Plan was May 1, 2020.  Should you have any questions regarding the payment of property taxes, their office can be reached at 954.831.4000 or by email to  revenue@broward.org.

If my office can ever be of assistance to you, please do not hesitate to contact me directly at 954.357.6904 or by email at martykiar@bcpa.net.

Robert L. Wolfe, CFE Mobile Exemption and Information Team – Specialist II Office of Marty Kiar Broward County Property Appraiser 115 S. Andrews Ave, Room 111 Ft. Lauderdale, FL  33301 P 954-357-6871 | E rwolfe@bcpa.net  | www.bcpa.net Follow our office at  http://www.facebook.com/MartyKiarBCPA and http://www.twitter.com/MartyKiarBCPA