Hello to all the wonderful residents of Martin County! Here at the Martin County Tax Payers Association (MCTA), we've dedicated over 70 years to being the steadfast "Watch Dog" over your tax dollars. Operating primarily on volunteer efforts and the generous donations from community members like you, we've consistently kept an eye on how your hard-earned money is spent, ensuring your voice is heard loud and clear.

Thanks to your support, our monthly newsletter keeps you informed about where your tax dollars are destined and who is responsible for their allocation. Throughout each month, we attend a myriad of meetings to listen and occasionally speak up on behalf of our community's financial interests. Furthermore, we host events that introduce you to the individuals who require our tax support, offering them a platform to explain how they'll utilize these funds for the communal benefit.

As Giving Tuesday approaches, we're humbled to join this global day of giving and kindly request your donation to help us continue our mission into 2025. Your contributions allow us to maintain an attentive ear and a strong voice in these important discussions. Remember, as a nonprofit, all donations to MCTA are tax-deductible as permitted by the IRS. We deeply appreciate your consideration and support in safeguarding our community's financial future. Thank you for considering a donation!

Martin County Board of County Commissioners (BOCC)
 

MacArthur Blvd is 50% complete!
The County population is reported to be 165,700 currently.
Jim Gorton, Public Works Director reported that staff was busy collecting hurricane related debris even the day Milton arrived. They wanted to be sure emergency vehicles were not hindered. This procedure he dubbed “Cut and Toss”. 
In 2024, 398 residential units were approved; 633,000 square feet (approx. 15 acres) of non-residential.  There are currently 16 residential projects in review and 31 non-residential in review.
The Storie development at Kanner and Bridge Road is still under review.  It is a PUD (Planned Unit Development) mixed used village.  4,000 residential units on 825,000 square feet of non-residential uses. The density of 1.47 units per acre on 2,716 acres.
HUD is granting Martin County $3 million to replace the SE County Line Road Bridge.  No county match required.
The MCSO will receive an annual grant of $25,500 for equipment to be used in agricultural areas.  No county match required.  They will also receive $912,500 for GeoSpacial Routing with no match required.
FDOT will grant the County $1,049,200 to build a sidewalk between Cove and Salerno Roads.  No matching dollars required. But the County has $274,000 budgeted to make up the cost not covered by the grant.
Witham Field will get $500,000 to replace signage with the airport providing an additional $125,000.  The airport will also receive $77,500 from FDOT for gate security.  The airport will provide the remainder of the cost which is $19,300.
FDOT will also provide another $14,500 for additional security at the airport maintenance facility.  The airport must come up with $3,600. 
The Department of Ag and Consumer Affairs will grant Martin County’s Mosquito Control Department $61,800 for arthropod control.  Ye Gads!  No match required.

The lion’s share of the referendum to continue the 1/2 cent ad valorum tax increase goes to teacher’s stipends of from $1,800 to $10,000 in order to keep teachers from leaving the county.  Other items funded by the referendum include support staff for mental health counselors, additional security amounting to $900 per student.   The ½ cent sales tax will sunset on 12/31/25.
Murray Middle School sustained damage from the tornadoes to their fencing and to 2 buildings, 3 classrooms were lost.  The County staff got it functioning again in 2 days so the students didn’t miss a beat.
Southfork High has a brand-new gym including an impressive weight room and a renovated ball field.  24 more projects are planned over the next 5 years on such things as media centers and security measures.
Although MCHS, Bessey Creek Ele., JBHS are using portables because they are at capacity, in general Martin County schools have had a drop in high school and middle school enrollment.  Elementary school enrollment has increased by 218.  
 
https://www.martinschools.org/page/school-board-header

There is no news to report as of this newsletter. We will continue to monitor and report to you.

Visit their site at https://www.sfwmd.gov

There is no news to report as of this newsletter. We will continue to monitor and report to you.

For over 70 years, this volunteer non-profit organization has been the "Watch Dog" for
your Martin County Tax Dollars.  
Your Donations Save You Tax Dollars!
 Please consider a donation so we may continue for many years to come. 

Do you have pressing questions you would like answered? Are you curious about how your tax dollars are being spent? Do you know who all the candidates are that are running for County Commissioner? What would you like to know? Ask us and we will do our best to find out.  Have something interesting to share about Martin County History? Let us know and we just may share it here. 

As the holidays approach we want to help you find things to do in our community.
Click the link below to see a calendar of events.