CLEARWATER, Fla. (WFLA) — Pinellas County commissioners are meeting to finalize their millage rates and budgets for next year.
The multi-billion-dollar budget has encountered some resistance from the community due to the expected funding cuts. Commissioners are working with a total budget of 4.9 billion dollars.
Of this, 3.7 billion is primarily allocated to an operating budget focusing on essential community services and road maintenance, while another 1.2 billion is designated for aspects such as stormwater infrastructure, beach nourishment, and county building projects.
Recently, DOGE dug into Pinellas’ budget and assessed upcoming budget cuts.
“I hope they introduce some cuts and make reductions,” remarked County Commissioner Vince Nowicki. “That’s what I’m optimistic about because I see many areas that could be streamlined.”
With this budget, the county says the general fund property tax rate would also be lowered for the fourth time in five years.
Plans for several reductions include eliminating approximately $1.2 million in funding for Creative Pinellas, a non-profit that has collaborated with the county since 2011. Creative Pinellas CEO Margaret Murray expressed her disappointment with this decision.
“I understand their desire to find ways to cut,” Murray stated. “However, I don’t believe a small organization that comprises such a minimal portion of their budget and provides substantial returns should be affected.”
If Creative Pinellas loses its funding, it will need to vacate its galleries, including those featuring exhibits at the St. Pete-Clearwater International Airport, by the month’s end.
