Orlando holds line on property tax rate

The Orlando City Council Monday approved spending $347.2 million during the coming fiscal year, a budget that would keep property taxes level and avoid layoffs. The spending plan takes effect Oct. 1.

Mayor Buddy Dyer, in a speech outlining details of the 2011-12 budget, said Orlando "is in the best shape of any major city in Florida."

Dyer said the city is in good shape because in recent years his administrators eliminated 400 positions, did away with cost of living raises, cut hours at community centers, reduced litter cleanup and eliminated many nonessential services.

"This careful planning has kept Orlando on firm financial footing through the toughest days of the recession and into this early period of recovery," Dyer said. 

Source: Orlando Sentinel