Leon County Projects $8.47 Million in New Revenues, Expenses for 2020

The Board of Leon County Commissioners will hold a 2020 budget workshop on Tuesday April 23rd at 9 a.m. in the 5th floor commission chambers. Leon county staff will report that the current tax rates will increase revenue by approximately $8.47 million.

The staff will also report that expenses are projected to increase by $8.47 million.

The revenue increase comes from an increase in property values ($7.22 mill.), sales tax collections ($0.71 mill.) and gas tax ($0.22 mill).

The staff acknowledges that the $7.2 million in increased property tax collections, even though the millage rate remains constant, is considered a property tax increase under Florida statutes.

Staff reports that the projected increase in expenses is being driven by an estimated $4.5 million increase in “Sheriff Personnel and Operating Expenses.”

Staff notes that the Sheriff’s budget trends consistent with property tax growth. Using this benchmark, the Sheriff’s budget would increase by an estimated $4.5 million. Based on preliminary discussions, the Sheriff’s Office intends to again request patrol deputies, but in place of corrections officers, is seeking additional staffing for the Real Time Crime Center.

At a March 12, 2019 meeting, elected officials provided initial policy direction by establishing maximum discretionary funding levels which included maintaining the Community Human Service Partnership (CHSP) funding at $1.3 million, funding an additional $100,000 per year over a five-year period to assist the Kearney Center (contingent on COT action), and $27,000 in Special Event Funding.

A table of estimated changes in revenues and expenditures is shown below.