Amendment 3 and County Fiscal Exposure
Summary
Statewide property tax cut amendment could force a 20% cut across county public safety — an estimated $119 million impact. The sheriff says it means laying off ~300 deputies; fire says 175 positions and slower ambulances; emergency management warns of losing the no-kill shelter and backup 911 center.
At a glance
- Total mentions
- 4
- Last 30 days
- 0
Discussed at 2 meetings in the last 60 days; most recently Sep 22, 2026.
Impact analysis
An estimated $119 million revenue hit to property-tax-supported funds, with a $41 million cut to the sheriff's office alone.
If passed, homestead and commercial property owners would see tax relief.
Public safety staffing and services — deputies, firefighters, animal services, and disaster response — would face deep cuts.
Mentions & discussions (4)
Board of County Commissioners — September 22, 2026
Multiple speakers warned that a tax-related constitutional amendment on the November ballot could slash county revenue — the sheriff estimated a 20% cut would cost $40 million a year, and fire services could lose $33.8 million. County staff are already planning policy discussions for January.
Board of County Commissioners — September 15, 2026
Statewide property tax cut amendment could force a 20% cut across county public safety — an estimated $119 million impact. The sheriff says it means laying off ~300 deputies; fire says 175 positions and slower ambulances; emergency management warns of losing the no-kill shelter and backup 911 center.
Board of County Commissioners — August 25, 2026
The November ballot amendment would cost the county about $119 million in recurring property tax revenue — roughly 20% of property-tax-funded services. Parks, libraries, road repair, stormwater, mosquito control, and homeless services would all be cut, and commissioners conceded sheriff and fire (72% of property tax spending) can't be spared.
Board of County Commissioners — July 14, 2026
If voters pass the homestead exemption expansion in November, the county projects losing about $119 million — 27% of property tax revenue — with 72% of that money currently funding public safety. Holding public safety whole would wipe out parks, libraries, trails, SunRail, Lynx and community services entirely. Departments and constitutional offices will present specific impacts starting in August.
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