The Pinellas County School Board, facing an $18 million shortfall, made a difficult but prudent decision in tentatively agreeing to raise the tax rate by one-quarter of a mill.
School officials already have taken several steps to balance its budget for the upcoming fiscal year. The Pinellas County district has reduced the budget by $39.5 million, leaving it still $18 million short.
To the chagrin of many parents, the district has closed six elementary schools, consolidated four middle schools, eliminated grandfathering in transportation for elementary schools and has eliminated 465.3 positions through personnel shifts.
Consequently, there are 11 fewer administrators from the closed elementary schools and consolidated middle schools. Several other administrative positions have been cut.
The millage increase would generate $14 million, and the remaining $4 million would have to be picked up through furloughs and leaves without pay.
Tax-relief measures, the downturn in the economy and continued cuts by the Legislature have left school districts in dire straits. The required local effort mandate by the state – the amount of revenue that local taxpayers are responsible for – has been increased in the past two years, a School Board member said.
Considering other mandates forced on school districts in recent years, such as the state constitutional amendment capping class sizes, school boards across the state have had their hands full in trying to make the most of a bad situation.
A slight increase in the tax rate, as proposed, may anger some taxpayers, but School Board members have done a credible job of making cuts without severely compromising the quality of education offered to students.
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Meanwhile, county officials, too, find themselves in the difficult position as a result of tax-cut measures and economic woes. About 200 employees under the county administrator were expected to receive notice that they may not have a job after Sept. 30.
The county is forced to cut $85 million from its budget to balance it.
Sheriff Jim Coats plans cut 263 employees for next year; Clerk of the Circuit Court Ken Burke had to lay off 39 employees.
Time shall tell what effects these cuts – as well as those that other local governments must make – will have on services. Commissioners also are considering a slight millage increase.
But given financial setbacks they face, the actions taken by local governments should come as a surprise to their constituents.
