MARTIN COUNTY, Fla. — On this year's ballot in Martin County, voters will decide the fate of a millage renewal for public schools.
If approved, the $82.6 million renewal, which would go into effect in 2026, will focus on five categories: student safety and security, mental health, recruitment and retention, professional development and academic initiatives.
Those who own a home that is worth around $500,000 will find themselves paying about $90 more in taxes with the millage rate, with the total money collected equaling to $900 per student.
"The millage helps pay our bill to the Sheriff's Office," said Derek Lowe with the Martin County School District. "We [will] have extra school resource officers on our high school campuses."
Lowe said the millage rate could also help increase teacher pay and retention.
"A teacher could end up getting between $500-$10,000 on top of the salaries," Lowe said.
Voters originally approved the referendum in 2018, then again in 2022. The existing millage is set to expire in 2025.
To learn more about the millage referendum renewal, click here.
