Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Pasco County public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
8 issues in taxes budget with medium priority
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.