Board approves amended Parks MSTU ordinance to fund operations and capital maintenance; millage decision deferred to budget process

Pasco County commissioners on April 30 approved an amended ordinance to expand the county parks MSTU to cover operations, programs, routine and capital maintenance, equipment and salaries.

Parks Director Keith Wiley told the board the department’s current operating budget is about $22 million and estimated capital-maintenance needs for existing facilities run roughly $5 million to $8 million annually once new parks come online. Wiley warned that starting in fiscal year 2026 there is no recurring source dedicated to capital maintenance unless the board acts. He and Budget Director Amy Farrell presented scenarios for funding operations, capital maintenance, or both through an expanded MSTU.

Farrell said the staff will bring detailed millage options during the upcoming budget workshops after preliminary taxable assessed values are delivered June 1. She noted the draft scenarios assumed current assessed-value projections and that city participation in an MSTU would change revenue calculations.

Public commenters and youth sports coaches urged support for maintenance funding, saying athletic fields and facilities need resodding and repairs. Commissioner discussion focused on ensuring cities contribute where appropriate and exploring funding matches, CRAs, and grant possibilities before setting a final millage. The board voted to adopt the updated ordinance and scheduled the detailed millage and budget discussion for the regular budget cycle.