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NewsYourobserverJune 24, 2026Sarasota County

Longboat Key Proposes Flat Budget Amid Financial Uncertainty

Longboat Key has released a preliminary $24.6 million budget for the 2027 fiscal year that maintains current staffing levels and delays several capital improvement projects. The town is navigating lower-than-expected property appraisal values and potential state-level property tax reforms that could impact future revenue.

budgetproperty taxpublic safetyinfrastructurelocal government
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Why It Matters

The town is delaying infrastructure projects and freezing fire department staffing levels to manage a budget that is only 1.1% higher than the previous year, while officials debate a potential property tax increase.

Key Facts

  • The proposed 2027 general fund budget is $24.6 million.
  • The proposed budget is $263,722 (1.1%) higher than the 2026 budget.
  • Personnel costs are increasing by $887,272 (4.6%) due to raises and rising benefit costs.
  • Fire and police services account for 61% of town expenses.
  • Property taxes provide 76% of town revenue.
  • The town is delaying $516,776 in planned capital projects for the first year of the five-year plan.
  • Fire department staffing will remain at current levels, despite a request for more firefighters.
  • Hiring one additional firefighter costs $134,000 annually including benefits and overtime.
  • Longboat Key Fire Rescue experienced a 35% increase in call volume over the last decade.
  • The town is delaying a $140,000 investment to determine the future of the Longboat Library site.
  • Commissioner Gary Coffin is exploring raising the property tax millage from 1.960 to 1.999.
  • A proposed state-level homestead exemption could result in a $705,000 revenue loss for the town.

Who's Mentioned

personRon DeSantis“Governor of Florida whose tax policies are impacting local budget planning.”locationLongboat Key“The municipality managing the budget.”personSue Smith“Finance Director.”location555 Bay Isles Road“Site of the Longboat Library.”personPaul Dezzi“Fire Chief of Longboat Key Fire Rescue.”personHoward Tipton“Town Manager of Longboat Key.”personGary Coffin“Town Commissioner proposing a tax increase.”