BCC adopts final millage rate and budgets for FY23

The Pinellas County Board of County Commissioners on Thursday adopted resolutions approving the final property tax (millage) rates and budgets for Fiscal Year 2023. No changes were made to the millage rates or budgets since the Board tentatively approved them on Sept. 8. 

The balanced budget ($2.5 billion for Operating $876.4 million for Capital Improvements) lowers the millage rate for the second consecutive year. It’s only the second time in 35 years the countywide rate for the General Fund has been lowered in consecutive years. To put that into perspective, a homesteaded household with a taxable value of $300,000 would save $117 from what it would have paid had the tax rate not been reduced. This will vary from household to household but holds true on average. 

Thanks to conservative fiscal practices throughout the years, strong budget planning, and a pay-as-you-go approach, Pinellas County continues to carry the lowest per-capita debt among Florida’s large counties. At the same time, the County continues to uphold the highest standard for public service. The FY23 budget increases investments in roads, bridges, and other transportation infrastructure; strengthens access to behavioral health services; and creates a cultural plan that coordinates investments into the arts – all while maintaining the County’s reserves appropriately. 

The Board also adopted resolutions approving the final millage rates and budgets for several other entities for which it is the taxing authority. Thursday’s action concludes the budgeting process for the fiscal year beginning Oct. 1, 2022. Details can be found on the County Budget website at pinellas.gov/budget.