Erin HIll
Gadsden County News Service
The Gadsden County Republican Executive Committee has formally requested that Florida’s Department of Government Efficiency conduct an independent financial and operational review of Gadsden County government, citing concerns about high taxes, rising expenditures and long-standing questions about fiscal oversight.
In a letter dated Jan. 6 to Florida Chief Financial Officer Blaise Ingoglia, the committee asked for a comprehensive review of the Gadsden County Board of County Commissioners’ financial management, budgeting practices and operational efficiency. The request was later transmitted through the Florida Department of Financial Services.
A press release issued Jan. 20 states that Gadsden County currently carries a 9-mill countywide property tax rate, the highest in the Tallahassee metropolitan statistical area, which includes Leon, Wakulla, Jefferson and Gadsden counties. County commissioners approved continuation of the rate for the 2025–26 fiscal year despite repeated public opposition voiced during budget hearings, according to the release.
Doug Croley, chairman of the Gadsden County Republican Executive Committee, said the request is not aimed at any specific department or individual.
“Our concern is not limited to a single line item,” Croley said in an interview. “We believe budgeting discipline, staffing levels, contract management, and overall operational efficiency all deserve review.”
The committee’s letter states that county expenditures have continued to increase “without corresponding transparency, justification, or evidence of improved service outcomes,” while the tax rate has remained at the highest level in the region.
Croley said the committee intentionally left the scope of the review to the state.
“We are not directing the review at any specific department or individual,” he said. “The Department of Government Efficiency exists to conduct independent, professional analysis, and we are leaving the scope and findings to DOGE.”
DOGE was established to identify waste, inefficiency and duplicative government functions across state and local agencies. Supporters of the request say an independent review could either validate current spending or identify areas for improvement.
“If spending is justified, DOGE will confirm it,” Croley said. “If improvements are needed, DOGE will identify them.”
According to the letter, the committee believes a DOGE review is necessary to evaluate fiscal management practices, identify operational inefficiencies, ensure tax revenues are administered responsibly and restore public confidence in county government.
Croley said taxpayers have repeatedly raised concerns during public budget hearings, but those concerns have not resulted in changes.
“Citizens have spoken clearly and repeatedly at budget hearings,” he said. “However, when the outcome remains unchanged year after year, it’s difficult for the public to conclude that those concerns meaningfully influenced the final decisions.”
County officials have cited rising costs as justification for maintaining the current tax rate. Croley said that argument does not eliminate the need for scrutiny.
“Every household and business faces rising costs — and they are expected to adapt, prioritize, and live within their means,” he said. “Government should be held to the same standard.”
The request asks that any findings from the review be made public. Croley said transparency is central to the effort.
“The public lacks clear, accessible explanations of where money is going, why certain costs continue to grow, and what alternatives were seriously considered,” he said. “Transparency builds trust.”
Croley said the state has acknowledged receipt of the request and that the committee is awaiting the outcome of the state’s internal review process.
“This is not hostile, political, or personal,” he said. “It’s a call for transparency, discipline, and respect for taxpayers.”
