Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in St. Petersburg public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
7 issues with critical priority
Amendment 3 Budget Impact
Amendment 3's passage dominated fiscal discussions. Council members warned of cuts ahead and pressed staff on whether new spending — like the downtown cleaning contract — is prudent when the city faces a major revenue shift.
GO Bond Accountability and Resilience Committees
Council is setting the stage for a possible GO bond — potentially funding major city projects and going before voters as a referendum. The budget committee will discuss potential projects and ballot language.
FY2027 Budget and Millage Rate
The city locked in a 6.4525 mill rate — a 1.05% increase over rollback — and a ~$1 billion budget. Extra property tax revenue goes mainly to police and fire raises and positions. Driscoll and Givens voted no.
Duke Energy rates and municipalization study
The city's 30-year franchise agreement with Duke Energy expires this August, and residents packed the chamber over high electric bills. The council voted to fund a $590,000 study of whether a city-owned utility could deliver cheaper, cleaner, more reliable power.
FY27 Utility Rate Increases
Residents face roughly 7% blended increases on water, wastewater, stormwater, sanitation and reclaimed water starting October 1, stacking on five prior years of hikes. Ten residents urged a no vote, citing fixed incomes, erratic billing and a lack of line-item transparency.
FY27 Mayor's Recommended Budget
Mayor Welch unveiled the FY27 recommended budget — $1.05 billion overall, with the property tax rate held at 6.4525 mills even as property values push tax collections up 6.47%. The big ask: voters will likely be asked to approve a ~$600 million general obligation bond for sewer upgrades, flooding solutions and neighborhood resiliency. Council digs in July 30 with public hearings September 3 and 17.
State Property Tax Reform Concerns
If voters face a constitutional amendment eliminating homestead property taxes in 2026, the city wants a funding plan ready — possibly dedicated police and fire service assessments — before the July 30 budget session.