Pinellas commissioners approve 2021 budget
September 23, 2020 - The Pinellas County Board of County Commissioners Tuesday night approved a $2.7 billion county budget for the 2021 fiscal year, which starts Oct. 1. Commissioners separately approved budgets and millage rates countywide and for several municipal services taxing units and other taxing districts. The millage rates determine the amount of property taxes paid. The county is generating more revenue because of increased property values, so having the same millage rate equates to a tax increase, Bill Berger, director of the office of management and budget, told commissioners. Most of that is going into reserves, as the county is looking at a two-year budget cycle, said Barry Burton, county administrator. Board members voted six to one to approve the budget, with Commissioner Kathleen Peters casting the only dissenting vote.