Who has taxing authority in St Johns County?

The TRIM notices have been received by most St Johns County taxpayers this week giving notice of last year’s ad valorem taxes, this year’s estimated taxes, and taxes that would be due using the “rollback” rate; and, even though your actual tax bill may look a little different, Historic City News wants readers to understand that these estimates reflect the maximum potential tax that could be assessed in the 2015-2016 Fiscal Year.

These taxes are paid to the St Johns County Tax Collector, Dennis Hollingsworth, but he is collecting for not only the cost of operating the constitutional offices and board of county commissioners, but also for all of the taxing authorities who have budgets that obligate you and your property.

Although they, too, are a “taxing authority”, the Airport Authority is not on the list again this year; that is because they are so well managed that they live within a budget that is supported entirely by fees charged to their tenants and users of the Northeast Florida Regional Airport at St Augustine. Bravo to Ed Wuellner, Executive Director, our elected Airport Authority board members, and the watchful eye of a long-time, cost-conscious staff.

But, how about those line items that will appear on your final tax bills that will be in the mail in the coming weeks? The following is a list of those agencies who have their hand out every year and are given the power to send the bill along to you.