Erin Hill
Gadsden County News Service
Gadsden County commissioners reviewed proposed budget reductions across multiple departments during a June 11 budget workshop as officials work to balance the fiscal year 2026-27 budget amid uncertainty surrounding potential changes to Florida’s property tax system.
Finance Director Rose Raynak presented a budget overview that included a review of fund balances, ad valorem tax revenue and departmental budget requests.
According to the presentation, the county’s final taxable property value for fiscal year 2025-26 was approximately $2.47 billion. The preliminary taxable value for fiscal year 2026-27 is approximately $2.59 billion.
Raynak also discussed a proposed constitutional amendment expected to appear on the November ballot that would affect homestead exemptions and reduce the maximum annual assessment increase for properties without homestead exemptions from 10% to 5%.
During the discussion, Raynak said the proposal would likely result in a tax shift rather than a tax cut. Officials also discussed limitations that could affect the county’s ability to recover lost tax revenue.
Commissioners reviewed departmental budgets and efforts to meet a target of approximately 10% in reductions.
Within county administration, Raynak outlined proposed increases and decreases within the department budget. Commissioners discussed salary increases established through state legislation, with Commissioner Ron Green noting elected officials do not set their own pay.
Library Director Tabitha Washington presented the library budget. Raynak said the department could meet a 10% reduction target by reducing part-time positions.
Probation Director Temeka Rollins reported the department proposed eliminating one full-time program clerk position and making operational reductions to achieve the target. Rollins said the department could only reduce expenditures by about 5% without affecting personnel.
Jeronda Robinson presented the Human Resources budget, noting that much of the department’s funding comes from salaries.
In Elderly Affairs, Director Debra Fryson said the department met the reduction target by cutting operational expenses, travel, advertising, uniforms, training and resident assistance.
Planning and Zoning Director Tim Stiell said the department met its target by removing two positions and adding one part-time position. Commissioner Brenda Holt said the county needs additional planners.
Facilities and Custodial Services reported meeting the reduction target in some budget areas.
Veterans Services Director Mike Jackson said the department could not eliminate positions but reduced conference and travel expenses. He noted that only one employee would attend some conferences instead of two.
Extension Services Director Robbie Jones said the department could not achieve a 6% reduction across all discretionary spending categories.
Economic Development and Tourism Development Council Director T.J. Lewis reported meeting the 10% reduction target. The department reduced travel expenses and office space costs.
Emergency Medical Services Chief Ford said the department achieved a 10% reduction by eliminating a fiscal assistant position and reducing fuel, oil, training and education expenses. Commissioner Alonzetta Simpkins questioned whether vacant positions would remain unfilled, while later expressing concern about reducing staffing levels in Emergency Medical Services.
Public Works Director Curtis Young reported his department met the reduction target by reducing overtime, travel, per diem and uniform expenses.
The workshop also included discussion of possible millage rate adjustments. Commissioner Holt asked whether the county could later reduce the rate if it were set at a higher level. Interim County Attorney Louis Baptiste said that once the final budget is adopted, the county cannot subsequently increase the millage rate.
Commissioners provided direction to staff and will continue budget discussions before adopting a final spending plan for fiscal year 2026-27.
