The Newscaster/Nature Coast News
PAGE 11 - January 9, 2008
Editorial - Opinion - Commentary
Property Tax Reform Legislation
To:
All Levy County Citizens
From:
Francis Akins, Levy County Property Appraiser
Letter to the Editor:
Date:
January 9, 2008
Inglis Police Beat
RE: A four part weekly article to inform you of the 2007 Property Tax Reform Legislation
From Chief Timothy Bible
(SB4D)/ Constitutional Amendment which will appear on the January 29, 2008 ballot.
I would like to thank all the citizens, town commission, and mayor for their support
This will require a 60% vote to pass. If it passes, the effective date will be January 1, 2008.
and trust in appointing me the privilege of serving the Town of Inglis as Chief of Police.
I hope this summary is helpful to you, and that you would give it your careful consideration.
In the upcoming months I have an excellent opportunity to represent American law
Part 1. Increased Homestead Exemption
enforcement in the conflict of the Middle East (Iraq). It is a rare opportunity to train the men
The first aspect of the property tax reform package has been referred to as a "doubling" of the
and women of the Iraqi Police in modem police tactics and investigative methods used by
current $25,000 homestead exemption to a total of $50,000. The language however, provides
American law enforcement. The experience that I will gain will bring a new perspective to law
for a homestead exemption up to the assessed valuation of $25,000 "and, for all levies other
enforcement, more acute problem-solving skills, a strong awareness of different cultures, and
than school district levies, on the assessed valuation greater than fifty thousand dollars and
a profound appreciation for the role of law enforcement at all levels of a democratic society.
up to seventy-five thousand dollars." CS for SJR 2D, 3d Eng., p.9, lines 3-6. Thus, the
I have enjoyed, very much, serving the Town of Inglis Police Force, and am grateful
increased homestead exemption has two significant qualifications:
for the friendships I have gained over the years with the various commissioners, business
1.The increased homestead exemption does not apply to school district levies; and
leaders, and the many citizens of Inglis.
2.The increased homestead exemption only applies to properties with an assessed
My future absence will in no way affect the operation and effectiveness of the Inglis
value greater than $50,000 and up to $75,000.
Police Department. In upcoming days I will be recommending a replacement for the position of
The implementing statutory language provides that every person who qualifies to receive a
Chief of Police to the town commission and will assist in the training of my replacement. In the
homestead exemption "is entitled to an additional exemption of up to $25,000 on the assessed
next few years, Inglis will be steadily growing with the introduction of a new Progress Energy
valuation greater than $50,000 for all leviers other than school district levies."
facility, and I assure you that the replacement I recommend will be well suited and experienced
SB 4D 2nd Eng., p.17, lines 9-13.
to handle any function as Chief of Police. I will remain in contact with the police department
HOMESTEAD PROPERTYONLY
via email and will assist in any way necessary.
Exempt
1st 25,000
Assessed Value
My goal, in a few years, is to return to the Inglis Police Department. With the 20 years
Taxed
2nd 25,000
Assessed Value
of Law enforcement experience I currently possess and the new experiences I will have gained
Partially Exempt 3rd 25,000
Assessed Value
in Iraq, I will be qualified to fill any position available to serve the Town of Inglis once again.
If 2008 Value & Millage Rate same as 2007: and assessed value is $50,000 to $75,000
I will maintain my residence in Inglis and will return freequently throughout my tour in lraq.
Bronson
$277
Maximum Savings
Citizens stop, hold burglar until deputies arrive
Chiefland
$315
Maximum Savings
Cedar Key
$291
Maximum Savings
A Hernando man was arrested by the Citrus County Sheriff's Office, Jan. 7, after
Cedar Key Spec W&S
$213
Maximum Savings
being apprehended by several citizens.
Fanning Springs
$247
Maximum Savings
According to the report, deputies were dispatched to a residence on E. Parsons
Inglis
$313
Maximum Savings
Point Rd. around 12:30 a.m., regarding a burglary in progress. When the deputy arrived, he
Otter Creek
$265
Maximum Savings
found 37-year-old John D. Frost Jr. of Hernando being held, with one arm behind his back.
Williston
$338
Maximum Savings
Frost was searched and the deputy found a capped hypodermic needle, a pocket knife, a box
Yankeetown
$233
Maximum Savings
cutter, an empty methadone prescription bottle, a pair of vise grips and a small green cylinder
Rainbow Lakes
$228
Maximum Savings
which contained three light blue pills with the marking CC25.8. A witness handed the deputy
SW Florida WMD
$201
Maximum Savings
a crescent wrench he stated had been in Frost's rear pants pocket.
Suwannee River WMD
$196
Maximum Savings
According to the report, a woman said that she and her husband had been sleeping
when she heard noises outside. She said she got up and looked outside to see Frost exiting a
* Other Exemptions May Still Apply
neighbor's shed with a red and white cooler. The woman's husband had confronted Nichols,
and she had gone to get the neighbor. The husband said that Frost had asked him, "What's
Should you need additional information, please call the Levy County Property Appraiser's
going on, dude?" And Frost told him that he'd been fishing. The man said he'd told Frost to
Office @ 486-5222
stay where he was until law enforcement arrived, and Frost had replied that he was not going
to stay and he could not be made to stay. When the man had attempted to detain Frost, Frost
El Ranchito
had pushed a bicycle at him and they'd fallen to the ground, and the man had held Frost there
until his neighbor had arrived to help.
Mexican Restaurant
The neighbor told the deputy that the two bicycles outside the shed had been inside
the shed and they belonged to him and also that his red and white cooler was missing from his
Now Open In Crystal River
shed.
Frost denied being in the shed or taking anything. He said he'd been fishing for
catfish, and his fishing pole was near the water and his fishing gear was next to his red bicycle
Lunch and Dinner Served
Dine-In or Take-Out
near the entrance.
The Best Mexican Cuisine
The deputy reported that Frost was not wearing shoes, that he was slow and lethar-
445 NE 1st Terrace, CRYSTAL RIVER
gic, his eyes were glassy and his speech was slurred. The deputy found the red and white
Crystal Terrace Shopping Center Across from Big Lots,
Yes! We have
cooler, which was dry, located in a boat to the north of their location. He found bare footprints
behind Circle K, WEST side of Hwy. 19
Beer & Wine
in the dew on the boat and a white glove on the ground near the boat, but no fishing gear or
SATURDAY
FRIDAY
MONDAY - THURSDAY
red bicycle. In the cooler, the deputy found items of clothing, along with paperwork from the
Lunch 11am-2pm Open All Day
Lunch 11am-2pm
State of Florida indicating that Frost's driver's license had recently been suspended.
Dinner 5-10pm 12noon - 10pm
Dinner 5-9pm
Nichols was charged with burglary, possession of burglary tools, grand theft and
possession of a medicinal drug without a prescription; his bond was set at $18,500. He was
OPEN SUNDAYS:
(352) 795-5251
also served with an arrest warrant for violation of probation.
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