Story Tools • • Anna Maria: Taxes down 9 percent in new budget By Rick Catlin. islander Reporter Ad valorem taxes for Anna Maria property owners will decline by 9 percent under the 2007-08 budget approved on first reading by city commissioners Sept. 6. Commissioners wasted little time in passing the $2.8 million budget that will have a millage rate of 1.7882 for taxpayers, compared with a 1.9651 roll-back rate. The vast majority of budget adjustments had come during the commission’s August work sessions.  The lower rate meets the Florida Legislatures state-mandated spending cut of 9 percent for municipalities. There will be little decline in city services because Anna Maria’s increased property values have compensated for the lower tax rate, Commission Chairman John Quam noted. A mill is equal to $1 in taxes for each $1,000 of assessed valuation. Under the new millage rate, an Anna Maria homeowner with a house valued at $500,000 and with a $25,000 homestead exemption will pay $849.40 in city property taxes in 2007-08. The final public hearing on the budget is scheduled for 6:30 p.m., Thursday, Sept. 20.