The new budget is based on a proposed property-tax rate of 7.888 mills, or about $7.89 per $1,000 of taxable value. The tentative rate for 2012-13 is less than last year’s 8.06 mills, and also below the rollback rate of 8.2131 mills. The rollback rate is the rate that would generate property-tax revenues equal to those of the year before.

If adopted at the School Board’s final budget meeting Sept. 11, the 7.888-mill rate will cost the average Volusia County homeowner $619, less than last year’s $650 tax bite. The decrease in the tax rate and the anticipated revenue track the continuing decline of property values.

So why did the school board lower taxes and then ask then lobby for the referendum? This makes no sense.