CLEARWATER - For the first time since budget discussions began, the Board of Pinellas County Commissioners reluctantly admitted on June 22 that raising millage rates was something to be considered.
After months of work to cut $85 million from the general fund budget, departments under the control of the board met their budget goals, eliminating $38 million and 266 jobs. All together, county entities have cut $71.1 million and a total of 367 full-time positions.
However, the budgets for the Constitutional Officers, which include the sheriff’s office, supervisor of elections, property appraiser, tax collector and others, still have an $11.7 million gap to meet their goal.
John Woodruff, county budget director, told the board on June 22 that updated figures of revenue projections show that at least $7.8 million is still needed to balance the budget for the next fiscal year.
County Administrator Bob LaSala said it was time to consider the revenue side as a way to close the gap. He suggested a small millage increase of 0.12.
Other alternatives include increases in fees to allow departments, such as building and inspection and development review, to recoup full costs of operations.
LaSala also recommended consideration of new user fees and increases in current user fees to allow citizens who use services to pay for them.
Suggested sources of new revenue include admission charges for Fort DeSoto, Fred Howard Park and Pinewood Park, home of the Botanical Gardens and Heritage Village. He also suggested taking a closer look at beach access parking agreements with the cities.
Work is ongoing to balance the fire and emergency services budget. LaSala said increases in millage probably would not be needed for first responder service, but fire district millage increase probably would be needed.
LaSala will present a final budget proposal to the board on Tuesday, July 14, 9:30 a.m., in the fifth-floor Assembly Room of the Pinellas County Courthouse, 315 Court Street, in Clearwater.
A budget information session is scheduled on July 28. LaSala said additional meetings could be scheduled as needed after the final budget presentation.
The millage rate must be provided to the property appraiser’s office by Aug. 4, after which the millage could be reduced but it can not be raised. Truth in millage notices will go out on Aug. 24.
Public hearings on the budget are scheduled on Sept. 8 and 22 with formal adoption of the budget scheduled on Sept. 22. The new budget would go into effect on Oct. 1, the first day of the new fiscal year.
