Gubernatorial candidate Byron Donalds believes a “funding formula” rather than a grant process is the best way forward to backstop fiscally constrained counties should November’s Amendment 3 pass.
The measure would increase homestead exemptions to $150,000 next year, $250,000 in 2028, and would tie further hikes to the consumer price index. And it would force tough decisions for all counties in the state, but for fiscally constrained ones reliant on property tax revenue from primary homes, solutions would be tougher to effectuate.
Donalds says the way forward is to create a predictable model for these cash-strapped jurisdictions rather than force them to hire lobbyists and “sing for their supper.”
“We’re going to have to construct that with (the Revenue Estimating Conference) and with the members of the Legislature,” Donalds told WJCT’s “First Coast Connect.”
“That way, there’s a consistent funding model for those fiscally constrained counties. And considering the amount of money we’re talking about, the high mark that I’ve seen is $350 (million) to $400 million a year. I think that’s something that we can definitely accommodate in the state’s budget if the amendment passes.”
Donalds said grants would allow the Governor to “pick and choose who’s going to get what.”
“And I just don’t think that’s appropriate. I think for those counties, you set a funding formula. That way they can plan their budgets and plan accordingly for the future of their counties.”
Florida’s 29 fiscally constrained counties are Baker, Bradford, Calhoun, Columbia, DeSoto, Dixie, Franklin, Gadsden, Gilchrist, Glades, Gulf, Hamilton, Hardee, Hendry, Highlands, Holmes, Jackson, Jefferson, Lafayette, Levy, Liberty, Madison, Okeechobee, Putnam, Suwannee, Taylor, Union, Wakulla and Washington.
Some fiscally constrained counties could lose anywhere from a fifth to a third of their revenue in the coming years if voters pass the amendment, according to the Florida Association of Counties.
