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Pinellas County adopts $4.9 billion FY26 budget amid debate over arts funding
Summary
Commissioners adopted the county's FY26 budget after public hearings. The decision followed public criticism of recent cuts to Creative Pinellas and broader debate about taxes, spending and administrative pay.
The Pinellas County Board of County Commissioners adopted the FY26 final budget on Sept. 18 after a formal public hearing and a series of votes on millage rates and dependent special district budgets. The county’s total FY26 budget as presented at the hearing was approximately $4.9 billion.
Why it matters: Adoption sets tax levies and spending priorities that fund services ranging from emergency medical services to libraries and storm recovery. The budget drew public comment both from residents concerned about property tax and cost pressures and from members of the arts community urging restoration of funding for Creative Pinellas.
Public comment and arts…
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