Property owners across Palm Harbor, Dunedin and the rest of Pinellas County will pay the lowest general fund tax rate in 37 years after commissioners adopted the fiscal year 2027 budget Thursday.

The rate drops to 4.4989 mills, down from the 4.5423 mills originally proposed. It marks the fifth reduction in six years. But the lower rate came with more than $16 million in spending cuts across every county department, dozens of eliminated positions and reduced funding for programs serving homeless residents and sexual assault victims.

Commission Chair Dave Eggers, a Dunedin resident, said in a county statement that commissioners examined every area of county government to find ways to reduce costs and ease the burden on residents. The county did not release the vote breakdown.

Cuts hit human services, roads and technology

Among the deepest cuts: more than $1 million from Human Services programs for homelessness and sexual assault victim services. Those programs were either cut outright or shifted to alternate funding sources, according to the county. Transportation infrastructure for roads, bridges and sidewalks lost $1.5 million.

The Pinellas County Sheriff's Office trimmed $7 million from its initial request and cut 10 vacant positions. Its budget still grew 4.7% because of rising costs. Business Technology Services lost $3.1 million and five positions. The Clerk of the Circuit Court and Comptroller's budget was reduced by $297,000.

Preserves and nonprofit fund survive for now

Not everything was cut.

Commissioners preserved funding for Weedon Island and Shell Key preserves for one year after residents pushed back against proposed closures. Commissioner Rene Flowers argued for keeping the $667,000 Social Action fund, which supports nonprofits serving homeless residents, veterans and seniors. "This is one way that we help people and while it is not a 'mandatory arm' that we provide, it is a worthwhile needed arm that we provide," Flowers said at the Sept. 11 tentative budget hearing, as reported by WUSF. That fund was preserved for one year using one-time reserve money.

Parking fees help offset the $5.14 billion budget

To offset some cuts, the county adjusted parking rates at its three beach parks and boat ramps. The change is expected to bring in about $3 million a year.

The total budget stands at $5.14 billion. The county's share accounts for less than one-third of the average property tax bill; the rest goes to the school district, municipalities and the transit authority.

The new fiscal year begins Oct. 1.