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

MARTIN COUNTY, Fla. — Voters in Martin County will decide the fate of public school renewals this year on the ballot in Martin County.

If approved, the $82.6 million renewal, which takes 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 pay about $90 more in taxes at the milage rate, with the total amount collected coming to $900 per student.

“The money we make will help us pay the bill for the Sheriff’s Office,” said Derek Lowe of 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 pay and retention.

“A teacher can receive anywhere from $500 to $10,000 in addition to their salary,” Lowe said.

Voters originally approved the referendum in 2018 and then again in 2022. The current tax expires in 2025.

To learn more about the renewal of the miles referendum, click Here.