ORLANDO, Fla. — WFTV found out Orange County taxpayers are paying big bucks for some posh office space in downtown Orlando.
The property appraiser’s office is on the 17th floor of the SunTrust building overlooking downtown.
The county pays nearly $100,000 a month to rent the 49,000 square foot space instead of putting the offices in a county-owned building.
Property Appraiser Bill Donegan said he doesn't have anything to do with that decision.
Commissioners have approved the lease for the past 17 years.
“That's shameful, it really is. To think that that's happening with tax dollars. It's disgusting,” said taxpayer Laura Fuller.
The space also houses 127 employees for the property appraiser and those for the tax collector.
Orange County officials said the price is actually below market value and that right now, there isn't 50,000 square feet of county-owned space available.
The lease won’t expire for two more years.