Vice Mayor Sachs Votes to Reduce Millage Rate |
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I support a 5% cut in our millage rate, which is the tax rate used to calculate our ad valorem taxes. One mil equals $1 for every $1,000 of taxable property value. The cut represents the most significant reduction since 2008. I supported this reduction to aid our residents with the rising cost of inflation. Recently, CNN Business listed the Miami, Fort Lauderdale and West Palm Beach areas as having one of the country's highest inflation rates for large metro areas. Our homeowners are dealing with our state's growing insurance crisis as insurance rates rise exponentially. To keep the cost of home ownership affordable, this reduction is necessary. However, as a government, we are responsible for maintaining the quality of our services to meet the needs of all our residents. The smart use of technology can reduce the cost of government, so we can afford a reduction in property taxes without sacrificing the efficacy of our services.
If you have any comments on opinions on the millage rate, please get in touch with me at MSachs@pbcgov.org.
Two public budget hearings will be held at the Robert Weisman Governmental Center 301 N. Olive Ave., 6th Floor Jane M. Thompson Memorial Chambers, on Thursday, Sept. 7, and Tuesday, Sept. 26, at 5:05 p.m.
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Owner Occupied Housing
Rehabilitation Assistance
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Palm Beach County Department of Housing and Economic Development (HED) announces the availability of Owner Occupied Housing Rehabilitation Program assistance (Phase I) for residents age 62 and older, veterans and special needs applicants.
Funding will assist income-eligible homeowners with a substantial rehabilitation to correct code violations or incipient items that will become code violations, eliminate housing conditions that threaten the life, health or safety of occupants, connect residents to public utilities and adapt residences to meet accessibility requirements.
Note: If “unpermitted work” exists on the property, the property may be ineligible for assistance.
The online application portal will open on Monday, Aug. 21, at 8 a.m. and close on Monday, Sept. 25, at 11:59 p.m. (or until 30 applications have been submitted). Applications must be submitted online and processed on a first-submitted, first-qualified, first-served basis, subject to funding availability. Residents can apply by visiting the website at pbcgov.com/HED.
Note: Additional program information and required documents are also on the website.
Before applying, all applicants are required to attend one of the virtual mandatory orientations noted below:
- Tuesday, Aug. 8, at 10 a.m. or Thursday, Aug. 10, at 2 p.m.
- Tuesday, Aug. 15, at 10 a.m. or Thursday, Aug. 17, at 2 p.m.
- Tuesday, Aug. 22, at 10 a.m. or Thursday, Aug. 24, at 2 p.m.
- Tuesday, Aug. 29, at 10 a.m. or Thursday, Aug. 31, at 2 p.m.
For additional information, contact the Mortgage and Housing Investments Division at 561-233-3600, Lorell Williams at 561-233-3693, or Antoinette Prescott at 561-233-3606.
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I'm joining county-elected and appointed officials from all over the United States at the 2023 National Association of Counties (NACo) Annual Conference & Exposition.
This year, the conference is in Austin, Texas, from July 21-24. I look forward to meeting with commissioners from all over the country to strategize on issues of smart development, connectivity and climate change. I will issue a report upon my return.
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I was honored to address the men's group at Villaggio Reserve. There was a lively discussion about local politics and policies. It is always a privilege for me to speak to our residents on issues of importance to them.
If you are interested in having me address your group, please contact our office at 561-355-2205 or email us at district5@pbcgov.org.
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Palm Beach County Fire Rescue Ceremony |
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We admire our firefighters for their bravery and courage. It was my pleasure to attend their promotional ceremony honoring those who serve.
I am committed to ensuring that all residents have access to a nearby fire station to reduce response time in the event of an emergency.
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Glades Road Branch
20701 95th Ave.
Boca Raton 33434
July 24, 2 p.m.
Kindergarten Readiness
Get a head start on your child's education with this three-week series. Ages 5-6
(60 min.) preregister.
West Boynton Branch
9451 Jog Road
Boynton Beach 33437
July 24, 2 p.m.
Coloring Club
Color for fun and relaxation with other enthusiasts. Coloring materials are provided or bring your own. (60 min.)
July 27, 10 a.m.
PBC Veteran Services
Meet with accredited Service Officer Jason St. John for a Q&A about services. Bring your DD214. (3 hr.)
July 27, 2 p.m.
Google Like a Pro
Think you know all there is to know about the famous search engine? Learn secrets and tricks that will take your searches to new levels. (60 min.) Call 561-734-5556 to preregister.
July 27, 3:30 p.m.
Chair Yoga
Relax and exercise with certified yoga instructor Dr. Maruti Ram Gudavalli. Have water on hand and wear comfortable clothing. (60 min.) Call 561-734-5556 to preregister.
West Boca Branch
18685 State Road 7
Boca Raton 33498
July 25, 2 p.m.
Book Discussion: "The House in the Pines" by Ana Reyes
(60 min.) Pre-register.
July 27, 2 p.m.
Songs for Everyone
Gather around, listen, or sing along as singer and songwriter Bob Gelb strums through familiar songs. All ages. (60 mins.) Preregister.
July 28, 2:30 p.m.
Friday Afternoon Crafts
Stop in for a casual craft time. A variety of simple crafts are available. Ages 3-9 (60 min.)
Hagen Ranch Road Branch
14350 Hagen Ranch Road
Delray Beach 33446
Wednesdays, 10:30 a.m.
Tickle Me Tunes
Enjoy songs, activities and stories for your active little ones, followed by playtime. Ages 3-24 months. (45 min.)
Wednesday, July 26, 2 p.m.
Animal Reading Friends
Practice reading skills with a licensed therapy dog who can't wait to hear a story. Grades K-5. (2 hr.) preregister.
Thursday, July 27, 2:30 p.m.
Sticker Mosaic Art
Like Paint by Numbers, but with real stickers, create colorful images of real wild animals or unicorns. Ages 6-11. (45 min.)
Friday, July 28, 2:30 p.m.
Crafty Creations: Glass Magnets
Choose your own paper colors and designs to create one set of five glass magnets or five different individual magnets to keep or give away. Supplies provided. (75 min.) preregister.
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Animal Care & Control Spotlight |
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Be an animal hero. Adopt or foster a homeless pet today.
Hi! My Name Is Lysithea
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Lysithea is under a year old and a sweet female dog looking for her forever home.
PBC ACC adoptable pets are spayed/neutered, vaccinated, microchipped and have county license tags. Adopters also receive a free health care certificate that offers a free exam for their pet from participating veterinarians, with up to $500 savings and a bag of Hill's Science Diet pet food. Throughout July, adoption fees are $4.00.
For more information, call 561-233-1272 and reference #A2152566.
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Fosters Needed for Kittens |
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Becoming a foster is simple, and no cost or experience is needed.
Learn more about the county's foster program by viewing this clip featured by WPTV NewsChannel 5: bit.ly/3O3DLHC.
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Location Change for Countdown 2 Zero Event |
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With the projected temperatures for Saturday, July 22, estimated to be in the low to mid-90s, the likelihood of a heat advisory being issued has resulted in a change of venue for the highly anticipated Countdown 2 Zero (C2Z) Mega Pet Adoption Event, organized by Palm Beach County Public Safety Department's Animal Care and Control Division (PBCACC) and Peggy Adams Animal Rescue League (Peggy Adams).
This year marks the 10th and final edition of this groundbreaking initiative. Due to temperature concerns, PBCACC has moved the event from an outside venue to the South Florida Fairgrounds, located at 9067 Southern Blvd., West Palm Beach 33411, from 11 a.m.-4 p.m., with participation from various rescue organizations. The collaborative initiative, involving over 20 local animal rescue organizations, aims to save the lives of countless animals in Palm Beach County and will now be held in an air-conditioned building in the best interest of both animals and humans. Animal rescues countywide, including Peggy Adams, are participating in this initiative at their respective locations in addition to the site at the South Florida Fairgrounds.
Recognizing the importance of education and resources, the PBCACC's C2Z Mega Pet Adoption Event will also provide valuable pet resources, vendors and information. Visitors will have the chance to connect with local organizations and learn about pet care, training and responsible ownership in air-conditioned comfort. In addition, to ensure a delightful experience for all attendees, various food trucks will be stationed at the event, offering a wide selection of delicious meals and snacks.
"The Countdown 2 Zero Mega Pet Adoption Event has been a beacon of hope for animals in Palm Beach County for the past decade," said Jan Steele, PBCACC director. "And, as the welfare of our furry friends is always paramount, we decided to move to an air-conditioned space so that our community can relax and spend time looking for just the right fit for their new family member."
Please note that personal pets are not allowed at the event. This policy is in place to ensure the safety and well-being of all animals present.
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Trivia question:
Name the three bodies of water that surround the peninsula of Florida.
Submit your answers by email to district5@pbcgov.org. Winners will be recognized in the next Sachs Sentinel.
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The correct answer to the last trivia question is the Everglades National Park, which is the largest park in Florida, with a whopping 1.5 million acres.
Congratulations to the trivia winners:
David Abers, Mike Adler, Francine Desilets and Eugene Hussey
Click here for more information about the Everglades.
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How can I request a vote by mail ballot for the 2024 elections?
Vote-by-Mail refers to voting a ballot received by mail or picked up by or for a voter instead of going to the polls to vote during early voting or election day. Any registered voter can Vote-by-Mail. You can request a Vote-by-Mail ballot for a specific election or for all elections through the next general election. After the next general election, you will need to make the request again.
To request a ballot, you can visit the Palm Beach County Supervisor of Elections website, by phone at 561-656-6208, by fax at 561-656-6230 or by visiting any of the four office locations throughout the county. Remember, it's a citizen's duty to vote!
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Please feel free to call our office with any questions.
561-355-2205
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Vice Mayor Maria Sachs | Palm Beach County Board of County Commissioners | District 5
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