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NewsYourobserverJune 25, 2026Sarasota County

Sarasota County Proposes 2027 Budget Amid Potential Tax Reform

Sarasota County officials have introduced a preliminary fiscal year 2027 budget that maintains current property tax rates while implementing spending cuts. The proposal anticipates potential revenue losses if a statewide property tax referendum passes in November.

budgetproperty taxSarasota Countyfiscal policylocal government
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Why It Matters

The county is preparing for a potential $87 million revenue loss by 2029, leading to departmental spending adjustments and a cap on growth to ensure fiscal stability.

Key Facts

  • The proposed FY2027 budget includes no increase in the base millage rate.
  • The county projects a potential $87 million loss in property tax revenue by FY2029 if a statewide referendum passes.
  • The total estimated general fund for the upcoming year is $509.4 million.
  • Commissioners mandated that spending growth be capped at 1.6% and required $5 million in total cuts.
  • The preliminary budget reflects a 1.3% increase in balanced revenue and spending.
  • Transit department funding is slated for a 6.3% decrease ($1.8 million reduction).
  • Transportation department funding is slated for a 6.2% decrease ($757,598 reduction).
  • Non-Departmental spending is slated for a 15% decrease ($1.1 million reduction).
  • Libraries & Historical Resources funding is slated for a 4.5% increase ($801,774 increase).
  • Planning & Development Services funding is slated for a 3.5% decrease ($343,575 reduction).

Who's Mentioned

personJonathan Lewis“Sarasota County Administrator who presented the preliminary budget.”organizationSarasota County Commission“The governing body overseeing the budget process.”locationSarasota County“The local government entity proposing the budget.”