Board adopts tentative FY27 operating budget of $256,452,080

The Santa Rosa County Board of County Commissioners voted unanimously on Sept. 8 to adopt a tentative FY27 operating budget of $256,452,080.

County staff presenter Sabrina told the board, "our total budget is $256,452,080 which is roughly a 3% lower than FY26." She attributed much of the decline to a 53% reduction in capital spending tied to the potential expiration of a 0.5¢ revenue source (which staff said cannot be budgeted until election results are known), a 34% decline in grants and aid largely because the medical examiner facility was included in last year's budget, a 1% rise in personnel and operating expenses, and a 24% increase in debt service due to a new MIP wastewater treatment plant.

Sabrina said departments were given guidance to cut 10%–20% of operating budgets and reported over $13,000,000 in departmental reductions, with roughly $8,000,000 of that tied to sales-tax related changes. The chair moved adoption of the tentative operating budget; the motion was seconded and passed unanimously by voice vote. Staff reminded attendees the final budget hearing is scheduled for Sept. 22 at 5:30 p.m. in the boardroom at 6495 Caroline Street.