At a Pinellas Commission workshop Aug. 28, Commissioner Chris Scherer proposed over $26 million in budget cuts, framing a complete rollback of millage rates as “entirely attainable.”
The proposal proved too ambitious. After pushback from colleagues, Scherer scaled his plan down to $5 million in cuts, and brought the revised motion to a vote at Thursday’s meeting.
Scherer’s proposal targeted health benefit reserves, human resources, the Office of Human Rights, the Office of Resiliency and Asset Management, workforce relations, construction and property management, and human services.
“These cuts will have no effect on the core functions of our government,” Scherer argued. “I’m not looking to eliminate people … I’m looking to downsize empty positions and departments, and offering an opportunity to transfer to a department or county that’s fully funded.”
Under Scherer’s plan, numerous departments would see a 10 percent reduction, largely by eliminating vacant positions. Critics warned, however, that some roles are often critical during emergencies, particularly hurricane season, when contractors may be needed to supplement county staff.
Despite Scherer’s offer to compromise: “Tonight I’d be very willing to do a 50 percent rollback and a millage rate of 4.5049 total” – the commission remained unconvinced.
Commissioner Chris Latvala, addressing Scherer, said, “I appreciate the work you put in. But you’re not the first conservative to be elected to the commission … anyone can motion for a full rollback. That doesn’t make them more conservative than you.”
Latvala’s comments highlighted concerns that Scherer’s approach was more about political posturing than sound fiscal policy. Commissioner Rene Flowers added, “I understand this is your first budgetary process … but I’m not going to support a full rollback.”
Scherer defended his scaled-back plan, saying, “I don’t think last week I proposed anything draconian. What I asked for tonight was about 20 percent of what I originally proposed – less than 20 percent.” But other commissioners stressed the competing pressures from residents. “While people are saying they want their taxes low, they are also saying don’t cut my services,” Commissioner Kathleen Peters noted.
Scherer’s motion failed in a 5–2 vote, with only Commissioner Vince Nowicki siding with him.
The commission did tentatively approve a $4.9 billion FY26 budget, cutting the property tax rate for the fourth time in five years, as well as lowering the millage rate for the general fund, health department fund, MSTUs, special districts and fire protection districts.
The final hearing is Sept. 18, and the new fiscal year begins Oct. 1.