Pinellas County Commissioners Approve $2.7 Billion Budget, Cut Millage Rates Despite Revenue Loss
PINELLAS COUNTY, FL – September 26, 2024 - The Pinellas County Commission approved a $2.7 billion fiscal year 2025 budget Thursday, lowering millage rates across multiple funds despite a $6.6 million loss in property tax revenue stemming from the 2024 hurricanes. The approved budget represents an increase from the previous year, attributed to factors including inflation, but commissioners sought to ease the burden on local taxpayers while maintaining service levels.
The budget’s approval concludes a nine-month process involving work sessions, workshops, and public hearings. Commissioners decreased millage rates for the general fund, the health department fund, fire protection districts, municipal service taxing units (MSTUs), and special districts. However,the board also made the controversial decision to discontinue funding for creative Pinellas,a local arts organization,following a preliminary vote on September 4.
The budget increase has drawn criticism from residents concerned about government spending. Holly Noah, a Pinellas County resident, stated during public comment, “The fiscal 26 budget is $600 million dollars more than last year, and more than a billion dollars over fiscal year 24. Wasteful spending is unacceptable.” She also pointed to the salary of County Administrator Barry Burton,noting it exceeds twice that of Florida governor Ron DeSantis.
Another resident, Patti Sidote, urged commissioners to “tighten their belts and cut spending before asking taxpayers for more,” arguing that “ballooning budgets are outpacing inflation and homeowners’ wages.”
According to a prepared statement, the budget increase is necessary to allow county departments to continue providing “high-quality services residents, businesses and visitors expect.”