Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Pasco County public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
17 issues in taxes budget
Property Tax Reform
Budget staff modeled 4-8% taxable value growth for next year's budget and warned state property tax reform proposals could cut more than $88 million from non-mandated services like parks, libraries and senior services.
Board rules of procedure
The County Attorney drafted rules on when commissioners can speak for the full board and clarifying how the chair recognizes members under Robert's Rules. Deferred to December.
BCC meeting and public hearing accessibility
Commissioner Weightman pushed for earlier starts, shorter lunches, and an evening land-use hearing to let working residents participate. The Board leaned toward a third monthly evening meeting and will decide in December.
FY 2027 budget and rolled-back millage
The Board confirmed the general operating millage will drop to the rolled-back rate of 7.2488 for the final budget hearing. They also sparred with the Sheriff's Office over ~$5 million in school SRO costs and insurance reserves, and discussed Amendment 3 town halls.
Solid waste rates held flat
For the first time in eight years there's no solid waste rate increase — tipping fees stay at $104.03 a ton and the residential rate at $114, with Pasco among the cheapest waste-to-energy communities.
FY 2027 capital budget and five-year CIP
Gulf Harbors residents have been paying $100 a year for a park they can't fully use. The $887,000 loan extension funds trails, a dog park and amenities without raising the assessment.
$156 Million Hurricane-recovery Project List
Phase 1 of the Better Future program sends $147.9 million in federal disaster money to 20 projects: stormwater fixes, Mitchell Boulevard extension, 669 homes off septic, a new east-county recreation center/hurricane shelter, homeless shelter upgrades, and the Hudson Library renovation.
County Attorney's Office Procurement Backlog
Commissioner Starkey called out contracts sitting in the Attorney's Office since January; Attorney Goldstein cited attorney turnover and said outside counsel and a new hire will clear the backlog.
Evening land-use hearings
After hundreds turned out at a St. Leo hearing, commissioners asked staff to study holding some land-use hearings in the evening so working residents can participate.
FY 2027 Tentative Millage and Fire MSTU Restructure
Commissioners kept millage rates flat while shifting about half of rescue funding into the Fire MSTU, with a matching cut to general operating. The rest moves next year; final rates come at the September 9 hearing, pending the November property tax amendment.
Value Adjustment Board petition flood
Tax reps for investment companies are filing thousands of frivolous property-tax petitions and often never showing up, costing the county and clerk serious staff time and magistrate fees.
Commission on the Status of Women workplan
The CSW presented its family leave report — child care runs nearly $1,100 a month for infants in Florida — and plans an August workshop to set 2027 priorities. Commissioners floated county-run daycare for employees and first responders.
Pasco 2050 capital improvements workshop (Pasco Invest)
Commissioners flagged undefined level-of-service references, missing concurrency labels, and a stormwater manual that apparently doesn't exist — sending the chapter back for a July 9 workshop.
Mobility fee increase to fund road backlog
Commissioners flagged Florida unemployment rising to 4.6 percent and pressed the EDC to check whether incentivized employers still plan the jobs they promised as AI reshapes hiring. The pending mobility fee increase — first hearing held — will shape what new development pays for roads.
New Port Richey interlocal boundary and CRA questions
Chairman Mariano flagged New Port Richey's move to add blighted land to its community redevelopment area, which draws county tax dollars. The board asked for a report on CRA practices rather than sending a letter before the city's February 3 hearing.
State legislative impacts on local government
Commissioners are worried about two Tallahassee bills: SB 1548 could force subsidized housing on publicly owned land — including county parkland like Two Rivers — and a proposed homestead exemption bill could punch a $6 million hole in the county budget in year one. The board heads to Tallahassee this week to push back.
Hazard mitigation grant transparency
Commissioner Starkey discovered a FEMA hazard mitigation grant priority list the board never saw, including river cleanup projects left off. Staff agreed to brief commissioners one-on-one and consider letting the board weigh in on priorities.