The Pinellas County Board of County Commissioners has tentatively approved a lowered property tax rate for the upcoming fiscal year, continuing a four-year trend. The board’s tentative budget totals $4.9 billion, funding core public services and capital improvements, according to a Pinellas County news release.
Of that total, $3.7 billion is allocated for operations including public safety, infrastructure maintenance, parks, and programs. The county reports damages of about $1.5 billion from hurricanes Debby, Helene, and Milton, which reduced property tax revenue by approximately $6.7 million. Despite this, the tentative millage rate includes tax reductions across several funds.
The budget also earmarks $1.2 billion for capital investments such as transportation systems, stormwater management, recreational spaces, beaches, and maintenance of county buildings and other critical assets. The proposed reductions extend to the general fund, health department fund, special districts, MSTUs, and fire protection districts.
A second public hearing is scheduled for September 18 before final adoption. The new fiscal year begins October 1. The Pinellas County notes its share of the property tax bill is about one-third, with the remainder collected by schools, municipalities, and transit authorities.
