But even before lawmakers gathered in Tallahassee for the special session on property taxes, Lakeland commissioners were already grappling with a question that could affect nearly every major spending decision the city makes over the next few years:
What happens if $14.5 million in annual revenue disappears?
Supporters say the change would provide relief to homeowners. City officials across Florida are warning it could create major holes in local budgets.
What’s at stake
Lakeland stands to lose about 23% of its property tax revenue, but it would not affect every part of the city’s budget equally…