HomeMy WebLinkAbout2026 08 24 Public Input - Documents provided by Art Gallo�-
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24 August 2026 Commission Meeting. Art Gallo - Subject - Amendment #3:
A recent University of North Florida poll shows Amendment 3 would likely clear the 60
percent threshold —unless voters understand its impact on local budgets. When that
impact is explained, support falls to 47 percent.
There is a great deal of inaccurate information circulating. Claims that the state has plenty
of money, or that cities can simply reallocate existing funds, do not reflect the reality
Winter Springs faces.
According to the draft 2027 budget, ad valorem taxes are expected to bring in roughly $10.4
million —about 38 percent of the General Fund that pays for public safety, parks, IT, and
city operations. The Seminole County Property Appraiser estimates Amendment 3 would
cut $6.5 million from that revenue over two years: $2.4 million in 2027 and more than $4
million in 2028. By 2028 the city would be collecting about the same ad valorem revenue it
received in 2020—despite eight years of growth and change.
If the amendment passes, the city will have limited options: raise the millage rate, create
new service fees, or make significant cuts to the departments funded by the General Fund.
Shifting money from other funds like the Enterprise Fund is restricted by existing rules and
will not be a simple solution. In the end the taxpayer may lose the tax benefit amendment 3
provides.
Personnel costs already make up 63 percent of the General Fund. The police department
alone accounts for roughly 40 percent. Meaningful reductions will almost certainly require
fewer positions. (I note that the City Manager has indicated this exact outcome in his look
at reducing the millage rate to 2.516 mils.) ...Even the executive and legislative payroll —
currently about $740,000—would have to be examined.
Many details remain unknown. The revenue estimates are still projections, and the
legislature has not yet issued final implementing instructions. Nevertheless, enough
information exists to see that substantial budget pressure is coming.
Residents deserve clear information before they vote in November. I therefore ask this
Commission to issue a public statement within the next 30 days. That statement should
explain (1) what the city can and cannot legally do—(2) how millage rates and fees can be
adjusted, (3) what fund transfers are possible, and (4) where cuts would most likely fall if
the amendment becomes law. ...And for the record in case it's not clear, I am opposed to
amendment 3 in its current form, and I will not vote for it.
The residents of Winter Springs should know from this Commission the realistic choices
before them and how you each stand. ...We are on the clock. ...Please hear next from my
good friend Tim Wansbury. ...I submit this for the official record. Thank you. Art Gallo