E01 - Approve Final Public Hearing on the Millage Rates and Budget for the 2020/2021 Fiscal Year (FY), Adopt the 2020/2021 Budget as Presented, Adopt the Final 2020/2021 Millage Rates, as Presented, Approved the Resolution Adopting the Final Millage Rates and Budget, Authorize Staff to Perform All Tasks to Insure Compliance with Florida Statutes 200.065 Truth in Millage (TRIM) (Finance Division)

On July 28, 2020, the First Public Hearing was held to discuss and adopt the FY 2020/2021 proposed millage rates and tentative budget, as advertised in the Tampa Bay Times on Sunday July 26, 2020. 

In accordance with TRIM requirements, the Board must hold a Final Public Hearing 65-80 days after the Property Appraiser certifies the tax roll to allow for any public discussion. 

The proposed millage rate for 2020/2021 is 5.9670 mills, the maximum rate allowed by law. 

Florida school districts must hold two public hearings and accept the millage rates provided by the Florida Department of Education to remain in the Florida Education Finance Program (FEFP). 

We follow the TRIM calendar from July 1, 2020 until TRIM completion by September 30, 2020. 

Approval of the millage rates and budget for all funds for FY 2020/2021. Prepare for the arrival of independent auditors and the Florida Auditor General's Office for the financial statements audit, operational, financial and federal audits of 2019/2020. 

* Establish a strong foundation of financial stewardship

The Board approve the described millage rates and budget and authorize staff to perform all tasks necessary to insure compliance with Florida Statutes 200.065. Additionally provide future forecasts and actual spend data on a monthly basis. 

Susan Garcia, General Manager, Budget, Cash Management, and Federal Finance, susan.garcia@hcps.net, (813) 272-4064

The final 2020/2021 millage rates and budget will be established.