Hernando County adopts $993.18 million budget, lowers aggregate millage; public raises sheriff funding and transparency concerns

Hernando County commissioners on Sept. 23 adopted a $993,180,713 fiscal year 2026 budget, approved countywide millage rates that reduce the aggregate levy from the rollback level and passed related municipal assessments and program agreements after extensive public comment focused on law enforcement funding and transparency.

County staff presented the final budget and proposed millage rates at the start of the evening. "Good evening. Welcome to the final budget hearing," said Albert Bertram, the county—s budget presenter, introducing the materials and handouts commissioners used during the meeting.

The board certified an aggregate countywide millage rate of 7.8275, a reduction of 2.45% from the aggregate rollback rate of 8.0238. The county general fund millage was set at 5.8891 (previous year 6.4497). Other final rates the board approved were: county health 0.1054, transportation trust 0.8091, emergency medical MSTU 0.91 and stormwater MSTU 0.1139. Commissioners recorded roll-call approval for the countywide millage and for the MSTU rates.

Why it matters: the adopted budget and millage determine the county portion of property-tax bills for Hernando County residents and set spending priorities for public safety, capital projects, reserves and other programs. The county reported that the general fund, after adjustments, totals $238,519,013 and that the total budget across all funds is $993,180,713.

Major budget numbers and reserves - Total county budget (all funds): $993,180,713 (presented by staff). - General fund (after first public hearing adjustments): $238,519,013. - County staff reported net expenses…