County releases Fiscal Year 2023 proposed budget

Pinellas County Administrator Barry A. Burton on Tuesday presented the County’s proposed Fiscal Year 2023 Budget to the Board of County Commissioners. The proposed budget ($2.5 billion for Operating, $794 million for Capital Improvements) reduces the property rate for the second consecutive year. This is the first time in 35 years a consecutive rate reduction has occurred.

Conservative fiscal practices and new growth have allowed the County to meet key budgetary goals of strengthening access to behavioral health, increasing spending on road and bridge upkeep (by an additional $18 million), and creating a cultural plan that coordinates investments into the arts. The Penny for Pinellas fully funds projects promised as part of the original plan and is balanced for the remainder of its 10-year term.

To understand what the lower tax rate means, a homesteaded household with a taxable value of $300,000 would save just over $117 on the Countywide millage. This will vary from household to household and holds true on average.

“The proposed budget reflects the priorities developed by the County Commission with public input, and also outlines the County’s strong financial position resulting from the Board’s sound fiscal practices throughout the years,” Burton said.

The entire proposed budget can be viewed at pinellas.gov/budget.