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By JOHN GALLAGHER

Special to the Tribune

Published: June 28, 2009

We recently compiled a list of the most frequently asked questions and comments we hear from citizens and employees about the county budget and possible cuts to services or jobs. We shared these with our employees and now wish to share them with our citizens as well.

Why have my taxes gone up every year? Don't homeowners deserve a break from big government?

For the past eight years, the Board of County Commissioners has actually reduced or maintained the general fund millage rate. For most citizens, the county portion of their property tax bill was lower in 2008 than it was in 1995 and significantly lower than in 2003.

What about this year? Are you going to raise my taxes when everything else is going up, too?

The county is weighing all options to balance this year's budget and make up for a $31.7 million shortfall in property taxes and other revenue from the state. This could include some cuts to services, a reduction in personnel, new fees, an increase in the millage or a combination of all of these. No decisions have been made on any of these alternatives. The proposed budget will be presented to county commissioners in July. The public will have an opportunity to comment at budget hearings during the summer and the final budget will be adopted in September.

Why doesn't county government cut the fat?

Last year, due to the drop in property tax revenue, Pasco County made substantial cuts to its budget - nearly $14 million worth. County departments this year have been instructed to cut another 15 percent from their budgets due to the continued economic decline and drop in revenue.

What about all those high-paid administrative positions?

It is a common misconception that Pasco County employs a large number of "high-paid" administrators. Of the county's 2,058 employees, only 3.6 percent are managers, which is rather low compared to other similar-sized counties. The rest of our employees are professional, paraprofessional, clerical, skilled craft or maintenance workers who carry out the day-to-day business of county government.

It seems like the county is continuing with many expensive capital projects. Why can't these be put on hold and the money used to maintain public services, such libraries and parks?

The county has 63 special purpose funds that must be used for particular kinds of projects. These dollars cannot be diverted to offset other programs or services, including parks and libraries. Canceling projects from these special purpose funds would not help reduce the county's overall budget shortfall.

Why is the county still hiring if the budget is so tight this year?

The county has had a hiring freeze for the past couple of years. Only positions deemed essential to maintaining services are being filled. The county eliminated 22 positions in May 2008 and 29 positions in January. A majority of those workers were placed in other vacant positions.

What about all the environmentally sensitive land the county has been buying? Is that necessary in these tough economic times?

The Environmental Lands Acquisition and Management Program (ELAMP) is funded entirely by the Penny for Pasco sales tax that was approved by voters in 2004 for this purpose. These funds are restricted and cannot be used for any other purpose.

If the county is in such a budget crunch, why are you still spending money to promote tourism?

The county tourism office and all tourism-related promotions are funded by a 2 percent "bed tax" on hotel and motel stays. By law, tourist tax funds can only be used for tourist-related activities. No property tax dollars are used for tourism.

Whose fault is it that the county is in such dire straits? Who messed up?

No one on county staff "messed up" the budget. The decline in the housing market and effects of the voter-approved Amendment 1 have cost the county a combined total of $54 million in property taxes this year and last year.

We believe an informed citizenry is essential to the democratic process and that this should be a top priority as we move forward, especially in these challenging times. If you have any questions or comments about the information provided, please use the customer comment card on our Web site, www.pascocounty fl.net, or e-mail pcadmin @pascocountyfl.net

The writer is the Pasco County administrator.

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