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 used to calculate reserves at $177,377,223 and presented a reserves calculation that indicated a current reserves percentage of roughly 21.74% of those net expenses. Staff explained additional expected revenues (special elections, FEMA reimbursements and year-end returns) that typically increase reserves during the fall and could raise that percentage further in November.

Public comment and commissioner discussion Public commenters largely focused on law enforcement funding, sheriff—s-office transparency, and the tax burden on seniors. Dozens of residents spoke; the board paused for public comment before multiple votes.

- Support for law enforcement: Multiple speakers urged commissioners not to cut the sheriff—s budget and to fully fund public safety. Joe Wolfs, a Spring Hill resident and retired police lieutenant, told the board: "I don't understand how you came up with this across the board cuts... demonstrable needs are not wants." Several other retirees and former law-enforcement officers made similar appeals.

- Sheriff revenues and timing: Sheriff remarks during the meeting outlined amounts the sheriff expects to return to county accounts later in the year: "we should have about in addition to any numbers that you all may have, we should have about another $222,000 in the animal shelter," and "we should have about an extra million dollars" in MA revenue after a renegotiated contract, plus roughly $850,000 in investment income, the sheriff said. Staff clarified that those receipts historically post in October or November and would increase reserve totals then.

- Calls for transparency and targeted cuts: Several residents, including Christopher Anger and Jason Stareth, called for greater transparency in how sheriff and county funds are spent and asked for more time and clearer documents to review the budget. Jody Vansley and others asked the board to consider the tax burden on retired residents and to ensure seniors receive available exemptions.

Board deliberations and longer-term issues Commissioners discussed the drivers behind the budget change, including personnel costs, state mandates (retirement and health-insurance program costs), capital project timing, and the county—s enterprise funds. Commissioner comments emphasized differing views on whether to reduce operating budgets, bond capital projects, or preserve services. Several commissioners noted the county—s relatively low debt service (reported as around 1.4% of the total budget in the presentation) and the tradeoffs of paying cash for capital projects versus issuing bonds.

Votes at a glance - Resolution 2025-162: Adopt fiscal year 2026 countywide millage rates (general fund 5.8891; aggregate 7.8275). Motion by Commissioner Hamzler; second by Commissioner Champion. Roll-call vote: 5-0, approved. - Resolution 2025-163: Adopt MSTU rates (Emergency Medical and Stormwater). Motion by Commissioner Hamzler; second by Commissioner Lockwood. Roll-call vote: 5-0, approved. - Resolution 2025-164: Adopt 2025 non-ad valorem assessment roll and 2026 MSBU budgets. Motion by Commissioner Hamzler; second by Commissioner Champion. Roll-call vote: 5-0, approved. (Staff noted there are 77 MSBUs; many are self-initiated assessments for lights, paving or similar local improvements.) - Directed payment program letter of agreement / LPPF (Local Provider Participation Fund): Board authorized chairman to sign the DPP letter of agreement and approved the LPPF questionnaire; motion carried 5-0 (voice vote). County staff explained the program allows local hospital systems to assess themselves and receive state matching funds for Medicaid services. - Resolution 2025-165: Adopt the Hernando County 2026 budget, $993,180,713. Motion by Commissioner Hamzler; second by Commissioner Champion. Roll-call vote: 5-0, approved.

Discussion vs. decision Commissioners distinguished between direction, discussion and formal action several times. Staff presented numbers and scenarios (discussion); commissioners asked for clarifications about reserves, jail accounting and timing of expected receipts (direction/requests to staff); and then the board took formal roll-call votes to adopt rates, assessments and the budget (decisions).

What happens next Staff said the fiscal year begins Oct. 1, and that additional revenues expected this fall typically post after the hearings and will be reflected in November reports. Staff also noted the county will report adopted millages to the Florida Department of Revenue in compliance with the Truth in Millage Act.

At the end of the meeting Chairman Hawkins closed the hearing and the board adjourned.

Ending note: The budget hearing produced unanimous board votes on millages, MSTUs, MSBUs, the LPPF agreement and final budget adoption while public comment highlighted continuing local concerns about law-enforcement funding, transparency and the tax impacts on retirees.