<body><div><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=15ZZoq_1Gt4vVg400" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=15ZZoq_1Gt4vVg400" width="1280" height="720" >SEMINOLE COUNTY, Fla. — Florida voted yes on Amendment 3 on November 3, approving a state constitutional change aimed at lowering property taxes.Now that it’s gone into place for 2027, residents in Seminole County are concerned that local governments will lose out on funding.Sharyn Battey has lived in Seminole County for a decade. Her backyard faces the old Deer Run Golf Course.It’s a property she says she helped fight to save from development back in 2019. In 2021, the county bought the property with plans to turn it into a community park.Now that Amendment 3 has passed, a tighter county government budget means that staffing and maintaining the park becomes a concern. According to Seminole County estimates, the amendment is expected to cut 20% of all county revenue.In a statement, County Manager Darren Gray said that leaders have already been looking at what financial impacts the amendment could bring and how to keep essential services.Before the vote went through, Seminole County’s Director of Parks and Recreation, Rick Durr said the actual Deer Run park project already has neighbor-generated funds tucked away.But the biggest problem, would be staffing the parks, including the buildings connected to them.“Most of our budget, especially in the parks and recreation department, is people capital. So if we need to look at a dramatic or a pronounced reduction in our budget, it’s gonna generally affect people,” Durr said.The amendment also says local governments can only use property taxes for public safety, emergency medical services, public school education, infrastructure, local bonds and retirement benefits for local government employees.Additionally, local governments can fund operations and administration of county leaders.While Amendment 3 lists both public safety and public school education as eligible for property tax expenditures, Battey still has concerns that potential budget cuts to either sector could impact staffing of school resource officers.“The safety of our kids is paramount,” she said.As costs continue to rise, Battey says she understands why people voted yes.“People are relieved they’ll have lighter spending...but I’m nervous for the ripple effect and the challenges it will bring. But we need to work together as a community,” Battey said.Gray says he expects the Board of County Commissioners to continue budget workshops in January.Full statement from Darren Gray:“Seminole County respects the decision of Florida voters and is committed to implementing the changes required by Amendment 3.We have been preparing for this possibility for several months. Through a series of budget workshops, our Board of County Commissioners and staff have already begun evaluating the potential financial impacts and identifying opportunities to maintain essential services while addressing the anticipated reduction in property tax revenue.Through a series of budget workshops, our Board of County Commissioners and staff have already begun evaluating the potential financial impacts of Amendment 3. These discussions have focused on identifying opportunities to address anticipated revenue reductions while maintaining essential County services.Our immediate priority is ensuring a smooth transition for our newly elected County Commissioner. We anticipate the Board will resume budget workshops in January to begin addressing the challenges facing the Fiscal Year 2027-28 budget and beyond.Seminole County has a strong history of responsible financial management, and we remain committed to providing the quality services our residents expect while adapting to this new financial reality.”</div></body>

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SEMINOLE COUNTY, Fla. — Florida voted yes on Amendment 3 on November 3, approving a state constitutional change aimed at lowering property taxes. Now that it’s gone into place for 2027, residents in Seminole County are concerned that local governments will lose out on funding. Sharyn Battey has...

Seminole County community already dealing with potential Amendment 3 impacts

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SEMINOLE COUNTY, Fla. — Florida voted yes on Amendment 3 on November 3, approving a state constitutional change aimed at lowering property taxes. Now that 

Seminole County community already dealing with potential Amendment 3 impacts

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