Pinellas County commissioners approved a $5.14 billion budget that lowers the General Fund property tax rate to its lowest level since 1989 while cutting more than $16 million in departmental spending and eliminating dozens of county positions.

The fiscal 2027 budget, which took effect Oct. 1, sets the General Fund rate at 4.4989 mills, down from the 4.5423 mills initially proposed.

The reduction came after months of debate over how far commissioners could lower property taxes without making deeper cuts to roads, drainage and social services.

The rate is 0.71% above the rollback rate, which would generate approximately the same property tax revenue from existing properties as the previous year.

When all property tax rates controlled by the County Commission are combined, the adopted rate falls slightly below rollback, according to Florida Politics.

Commissioners approved the General Fund and Health Department millages and budgets by a 6-1 vote Sept. 24, with Commissioner Vince Nowicki dissenting. The final resolution adopting the countywide budget passed unanimously.

Commission Chair Dave Eggers said officials examined spending throughout county government to identify savings and alternative funding sources.

"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," Eggers said in a county announcement.

Roads, staffing and human services face cuts

Departments under the county administrator absorbed more than $16 million in spending reductions, while dozens of positions were eliminated.

Transportation infrastructure funding for roads, bridges and sidewalks was reduced by $1.5 million.

Human Services faced more than $1 million in reductions or transfers to alternative funding sources, affecting programs that address homelessness and provide services for sexual assault victims.

The Pinellas County Sheriff's Office reduced its initial budget request by $7 million, including the elimination of 10 vacant positions. Despite those changes, its overall budget increased 4.7% because of rising costs.

Business Technology Services reduced spending by $3.1 million, including five positions, while the Clerk's Office cut $297,000.

The reductions came amid concerns about the condition of existing infrastructure.

Public Works Director Kelli Hammer Levy told commissioners during a Sept. 10 hearing that approximately 141 lane miles of local roads remained in failed condition.

The county also has about 60 box culverts, some dating to the 1970s, without a dedicated inspection program, Florida Politics reported.

Commissioners considered additional reductions to road resurfacing and drainage funding but ultimately preserved those allocations.

Parks and nonprofit programs retain temporary funding

Commissioners restored $555,000 for operations at Weedon Island Preserve and Shell Key Preserve after residents opposed proposed reductions.

The funding will maintain operations for another year.

The board also retained approximately $667,000 in Social Action Funding for nonprofit organizations serving vulnerable residents. That money will come from one-time reserves rather than recurring tax revenue.

To generate additional revenue, the county increased parking fees at Fort De Soto, Sand Key and Fred Howard parks and at county boat ramps.

The changes are expected to generate approximately $3 million annually.

The budget also maintains funding for hurricane recovery, coastal management, environmental protection and public safety.

What the lower tax rate means for homeowners

At 4.4989 mills, a property owner with $300,000 in taxable value would pay approximately $1,350 annually in county General Fund property taxes.

That calculation covers only the General Fund levy, not the property's total tax bill.

Pinellas County officials said the county-controlled portion accounts for less than one-third of the average property tax bill. The remainder supports other taxing authorities, including municipalities, the school district and the transit authority.

A lower millage rate also does not necessarily mean a lower bill for every homeowner. Changes in taxable property values, exemptions and rates imposed by other taxing authorities can affect the final amount owed.

The commission has lowered the General Fund tax rate in five of the past six years.

The Sept. 24 final budget hearing drew no public speakers, according to Florida Politics.