BCC adopts FY27 budget after months of difficult choices

BCC adopts FY27 budget after months of difficult choices

After nine months of intensive review and difficult tradeoffs, the Pinellas County Board of County Commissioners on Thursday adopted a balanced Fiscal Year 2027 Budget that reduced the General Fund property tax rate to 4.4989 mills, its lowest level since 1989 and less than 1 percent above the full rollback rate.

Despite rising costs and tens of millions of dollars in unfunded state and federal mandates, the Commission reduced the primary countywide millage rate for the fifth time in six years. Doing so required commissioners and County staff to revisit spending across County government, identify alternate funding sources and make difficult reductions. Those included:

• Eliminating dozens of positions.
• Requiring cuts from every Department under the County Administrator for a total reduction of more than $16 million.
• Reducing funding for transportation infrastructure (roads, bridges, sidewalks) by $1.5 million.
• Cutting or finding alternate funding for programs such as homelessness and sexual assault victim services within Human Services (a reduction in funding of more than $1 million) and other departments.

"I'm proud of the work that went into navigating an especially challenging budget process this year," Commission Chair Dave Eggers said. "We took a hard look at every area of County government to find responsible ways to reduce costs, find alternate revenue sources, and ease the burden on our residents."

Funding for Weedon Island and Shell Key preserves was preserved for one year following strong public opposition to proposed cuts, but parking rates were adjusted at the County's three beach parks and boat ramps, which is expected to generate about $3 million annually.

The Pinellas County Sheriff's Office, which receives the largest portion of the General Fund, reduced its initial funding request by $7 million, including 10 vacant positions, though its budget still grew by 4.7 percent because of rising costs. Other entities that do not report directly to the Commission, including the Clerk's Office (reduced by $297,000) and Business Technology Services (reduced by $3.1 million, including five positions), have reduced their budgets as well.

Despite those reductions, the adopted budget protects life, health and safety, along with essential infrastructure. In addition to the Sheriff's Office, the General Fund supports the Medical Examiner, courts and justice-system partners.

Significant transportation funding continues to support roads, bridges, drainage, sidewalks and traffic management. The Capital Improvement Plan still prioritizes life-safety projects, projects that extend the useful life of existing assets, and those supported by dedicated or external funding.

The budget also maintains commitments to beach nourishment, coastal management, surface-water improvements, environmental protection and hurricane readiness. It supports the federally funded Pinellas Recovers program for those affected by Hurricanes Debby, Helene and Milton.

The County's portion accounts for less than one-third of the average property tax bill. The remainder goes to other taxing authorities and public services outside the County Commission's control, including the school district, municipalities and the transit authority. The new fiscal year begins Oct. 1.