<h3>By Aileen Goldstein</h3>
The residents of Bluffton will find a surprise when they open their 2017 property tax bills.

The town recently approved the budget for 2017, which includes a reduction in property tax by 2 mills. The current millage rate in Bluffton is 44.35 mills. The new budget includes a millage rate of 42.35 mills.

According to the consolidated budget presentation provided by the Town of Bluffton, “Bluffton’s robust economy has driven the town’s mill value beyond pre-reassessment values.”

How does this translate for the average homeowner? For a home with an appraised value of $250,000, the homeowner can expect to see a reduction of about $20. The new budget was approved by the town on June 14.

The property tax reduction is part of a strategic plan for the town of Bluffton, said Shirley Freeman, town finance director.

“The idea is to improve the core of what we do and train employees accordingly to deliver that strategic plan.”