SARASOTA, Fla. (March 7, 2018) – The REALTOR® Association of Sarasota and Manatee (RASM) encourages voters to support the Manatee County school referendum at the March 20 election. Local REALTORS® are also encouraged to talk with their clients about the importance of the referendum to homeownership.
The RASM Board of Directors voted to endorse the creation of a one mill increase in Manatee County. The proposed increase asks property owners to pay an additional one mill in property taxes to support competitive pay for teachers, school staff, extend the school day and expand on programs to improve academic achievement. One mill is equal to $1 for every $1,000 of the taxable assessed value of a home.
“A good school district promotes a strong community,” said Greg Owens, 2018 RASM President. “As ambassadors of their communities, REALTORS® support a competitive school system and understand its impact on home value and homeownership.”
A strong school system influences real estate value, neighborhood integrity, and new business. Manatee County schools support the local economy by educating more than 48,000 students at 62 public and charter schools and employing more than 7,000 people.
In addition to the Manatee County millage vote, RASM is also endorsing the renewal of Sarasota County’s referendum. Both millage votes will be held by special referendum on Tuesday, March 20. For more information about RASM’s support to county schools, contact Government Affairs Director Max Brandow; email or call (941) 952-3410.