Halloween event, senior trips among proposed Largo budget cuts

LARGO — The annual Halloween celebration, senior trips and other city programs could be on the chopping block as commissioners begin weighing a proposed $317 million budget amid slowing revenue growth.

The budget proposed by City Manager John Curp would maintain the city's current property tax rate while trimming about $1.03 million in recurring and one-time spending.

The recommended reductions include eliminating the city's Halloween event, senior trips program, energy management program and civilian crisis support specialist position. Cuts to road repairs, holiday lights entertainment, travel, training and other operational expenses also are proposed.

In his budget message, Curp said the reductions were necessary because "recurring revenues have not kept pace with recurring expenditures," resulting in a projected budget shortfall beginning in fiscal 2027.

Curp also cited slower-than-expected growth in taxable property values and rising personnel and operating costs as factors squeezing the city's finances.

At their July 21 meeting, commissioners signaled they may trim spending even further and possibly lower the tax rate before adopting a final budget before Oct. 1, the start of the fiscal year.

Commissioners voted 6-1 to advertise the current property tax rate, or millage, of 5.52 mills as the maximum they can consider this fall — a procedural step required before annual TRIM, or truth in millage, notices are mailed to property owners. They may adopt a lower rate during September budget hearings but cannot raise it above the advertised ceiling.

If the current rate is maintained, the owner of an average homesteaded home would pay about $26.50 more next year, or roughly $2.21 a month, due to property value increases.

Commissioner Mike DiBrizzi said city spending has grown faster than inflation in recent years, although he stopped short of accusing staff of wasteful spending.

"Since 2020, in the last six years, the general fund has increased by 45%. The spending has increased by 55%. Inflation ... has been 30%," DiBrizzi said. "We have a practice of spending all of the increase in tax that we get every year."

Commissioner Michael Smith supported advertising the current rate but asked staff to prepare options using lower millage rates prior to public hearings.

Commissioner Curtis Holmes cast the lone dissenting vote, saying he was uncomfortable setting the ceiling before final taxable values are known. He also questioned whether the city has sufficiently scrutinized spending on some projects and facilities.

Vice Mayor Chris Johnson also supported advertising the current rate. He said the city may need the flexibility if voters approve a proposed constitutional amendment this fall that would expand Florida's homestead exemption and reduce future property tax revenues.

Four of the commission's seven seats, including the mayor's, are up for election in November.

The commission will hold its first public hearing Sept. 3, with final budget adoption scheduled for Sept. 15.