BROOKSVILLE – The county is facing some significant financial challenges amid not only the possible November amendment before the voters but uncompensated storm costs that might not be recovered, so it’s considering a budget that contains cuts in services and maintenance, according to the budget book released in late July.
The total proposed budget is $864.6 million, a 9.56% decrease from the 2025-2026 tentative budget, with general fund reserves down to 18.5%, down from the board’s goal of 25%, and a recommended general fund millage of 5.8891 mills, the same as before.
The total ad valoerm property tax rate would be 14.2756 mills, including county, school board and other taxing authorities.
A possible cutback that already is causing some comment on social media is shutting down the West Hernando Branch Library, which currently is closed for replacement of the air conditioning system.
The reduction will eliminate seven positions, the county said, and save $512,107.
“These are liberals spreading lies,” County Commissioner Steve Champion wrote in a posting on a Facebook page opposing the closure. “We haven’t decided on anything. It was a conversation a while ago about what needs to be cut and where.”
Amid the cutbacks, the county could add 12 jobs, one each in the county attorney’s office and public works, and 10 in utilities/solid waste.
The issue will be discussed at the 9 a.m. Thursday, July 30, special budget meeting of the Hernando County Commission.
This story will be updated.