Residents tell commission property-tax bills feel unaffordable despite lower millage rates

Several residents used the public comment period to press the commission on property taxes. David Gomez, who said he lives in the Embassy Lakes neighborhood, asked about the proposed 5.835 mill rate and where city tax dollars go. He told the commission, "I'm paying a lot of taxes," and asked staff to explain how millage translates to services. Staff replied that much of the city's general fund is spent on public safety and said there is a minimum of six officers on duty at a time to cover calls.

Rosa Jones, who said she moved back to Cooper City in 2019, described a jump in her tax bill from a few thousand dollars to more than $12,000 after losing homestead portability. She said the increase is forcing her to consider moving. Commissioners explained the state's homestead exemption and portability rules and recommended she contact her state representative or the property appraiser for further options. Commissioner remarks stressed that the city's millage is one component of a larger tax bill that includes county and school levies.