How Martin County’s proposed millage rate will affect local public schools

MARTIN COUNTY, Fla. – During 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 extension, which would take 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 worth about $500,000 will have to pay about $90 more in taxes with the millage rate, with the total money raised equaling $900 per student.

“The money will help us pay our bill to the Sheriff’s Office,” said Derek Lowe with the Martin County School District. “We (will) have additional school resource officers on our high school campuses.”

Lowe said the millage rate could also help increase teacher wages and retention.

“A teacher could end up getting between $500 and $10,000 on top of their salaries,” Lowe said.

Voters originally approved the referendum in 2018, and then again in 2022. The existing millage expires in 2025.

For more information about the millage referendum extension, click here.