MARK SCHUMANN

During yesterday’s budget hearing, the Vero Beach City Council added $30,000 to the 2014-15 budget to restore some of the lifeguard hours cut in the past few years. Proponents of extending the lifeguard hours contend protecting beaches within the city is important for public safety and is a necessary investment in the local tourism economy.

Though the City’s millage rate of $2.03 will remain the same for the coming year, rising property values are expected to bring in an additional $164,000, for a total of $4.5 million.  Property tax revenue makes up just one-fourth of the City’s General Fund budget.

On a home with a taxable value of $100,000 the property owner will pay $203 in tax to the City.

The 2014-15 budget trims an additional seven positions, and leaves road maintenance funded at $200,000, one-fourth of what Public Works Director Monty Falls said is needed to keep up with road resurfacing on a 15-year replacement cycle.