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Commissioners approve county’s fiscal year budget
The general fund property rate is the lowest it has been in 35 years.
At its Thursday meeting, the Pinellas County Board of County Commissioners approved the final fiscal year 2025-2026 budget. The fiscal year begins Oct. 1.
The general fund property rate has been decreased to 4.5423 mills, which is the lowest level in the county since 1990. The complete approved budget is $4.8 billion, which is more than in years prior.
Key services including public safety, county parks, community initiatives and road and bridge upkeep will receive $3.6 billion. This includes federal funding for the Pinellas Recovers People First Fund program, which provides storm recovery assistance.
Additionally, $1.2 billion has been allocated for capital improvements in the county, such as stormwater infrastructure, transportation, park and recreational facility expansion and beach nourishment. A part of these funds will also go towards a new parking garage project at the St. Pete-Clearwater International Airport.
According to the County, the commission was focused on trying to “ease the burden” for local taxpayers “despite impacts to property taxes” from the 2024 hurricanes. They reportedly caused a $6.6 million loss in property tax revenue.
The increase in the approved budget was attributed to inflation, among other factors. These have made it more difficult for county departments to provide the “high-quality services residents, businesses and visitors expect,” according to a prepared statement.
However, the commission was able to decrease the millage rate for not only the general fund, but also the health department fund, fire protection districts, municipal service taxing units (MSTUs) and special districts.
As part of the budget approval, the commissioners decided to officially stop funding Creative Pinellas, a local arts organization. A preliminary vote was held Sept. 4.
This marked the end of a nine-month process, including multiple work sessions, workshops and public hearings.
While the budget was approved, it was met with criticism in public comments at the meeting. Particularly, how it has increased in recent years.
“The fiscal 26 budget is $600 million dollars more than last year, and more than a billion dollars over fiscal year 24,” said resident Holly Noah. “Wasteful spending is unacceptable.”
County Administrator Barry Burton earns more than twice the salary of Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, she continued. “Tax revenue should be reduced to bring the skyrocketing budget back down to Earth.”
Patti Sidote, another county resident, spoke at the Thursday meeting as well.
“County commissioners need to tighten their belts and cut spending before asking taxpayers for more,” she said. “Ballooning budgets are outpacing inflation and homeowners’ wages. It’s time for a leaner government.”
