Tampa Mayor Jane Castor has proposed a $1.9 billion budget for 2024 that includes a tax increase to address the city’s needs. The budget aims to allocate additional funds toward areas such as police and fire services, road maintenance, sidewalks repairs, affordable housing, and parks and recreation programs.
The proposed tax increase would raise the property tax rate by a full millage point, or 16%, resulting in an average home seeing an annual increase of about $232 in their tax bill. This additional revenue of $54 million would help improve essential services and infrastructure in the city.
Mayor Castor’s budget aligns with her priorities, as well as the City Council’s call for increased spending on essential needs. Over the next five years, the increased revenue could significantly expand neighborhood paving projects, traffic signal improvements, and sidewalk construction. Additionally, the budget includes plans to hire more police officers and paramedics, address affordable housing, and enhance parks and recreation programs.
However, it is important to note that Tampa’s roads are in poor condition due to failed tax initiatives for transportation improvements in recent years. While utilizing funds from the regular budget can help tackle the backlog, the City Council should consider the limited progress that can be made without a substantial and dedicated revenue source for transportation. The issue of transportation needs, including the condition of roads and gaps in sidewalks, should be a priority for the council’s workshop.
One crucial aspect for the council to consider is the impact of a tax hike on residents, especially given the current economic challenges faced by Tampa Bay. The region is still recovering from high inflation rates and grappling with issues such as a lack of affordable housing, soaring rents, high gas prices, and increasing property insurance premiums. It is vital to strike a balance between addressing the city’s needs and ensuring the affordability of living for residents.
Another area of examination for the City Council should be the city’s hiring practices. Mayor Castor has expanded the city’s payroll since taking office in 2019. The proposed budget for 2024 would add 414 more positions, bringing the city’s workforce to 4,914. Comparisons with other cities, such as Miami, which serves more people with fewer employees due to not operating its own water department, raise questions about Tampa’s personnel allocation. The council should review whether the current personnel mix is appropriate for the city’s needs.
Moreover, it is essential to scrutinize the budget for potential areas where savings can be made. For example, a report highlighted that the city’s parks and recreation department generates only about 7% of its budget through program fees, significantly lower than the national average of 25-50%. The department has not formally reassessed its fees since 2009, and many fees have remained unchanged for 14 years. Reviewing salaries within the city, particularly in a city where nearly 1 in 5 people live in poverty and the median household income is around $60,000, is another aspect to consider.
Mayor Castor’s proposed budget sheds light on the consequences of neglecting maintenance for extended periods. However, even without the tax increase, the city can expect an additional $35 million from the rising property values. With several weeks before the new budget year, city officials and the public have the opportunity to find the right balance in addressing and affording Tampa’s needs. It is crucial to consider both present and future requirements while ensuring that the city remains financially stable and responsive to the concerns of its residents.
