Oviedo moves to hire financial consultant to model impacts of Amendment 3

The City of Oviedo may seek outside help to develop financial strategies if Amendment 3 passes on Tuesday.At a meeting on Monday, the city council is expected to vote on a piggyback agreement with the City of Groveland for a consultant firm to help analyze the impacts of property tax reform.Florida’s proposed property tax plan — Amendment 3 — would provide a new homestead exemption for non-school taxes for residents across the state.If Amendment 3 passes, homeowners would save money on taxes. Critics warn, however, that the plan could cost local governments significantly, as property taxes fund core city services.In October, Oviedo Mayor Megan Sladek said the city may be forced to cut staff if Amendment 3 reaches the 60 percent approval threshold required by Florida voters.“It would be about 71 employees. We have about 320 right now and the only way to do it, it would impact personnel,” Sladek said.As part of the proposed agreement going before the Oviedo Council, Raftelis Financial Co