Where local governments are cutting

A summary of expected cuts in the wake of the state's property tax rollback.

By the Times staff
Published June 29, 2007

TAMPA
Mayor Pam Iorio announced Thursday that she will eliminate 236 full-time positions, 115 of which are unfilled, along with 133 part-time and seasonal jobs, to save about $15-million. The positions include 131 in parks and recreation and 34 civilian positions in the Police Department. No patrol officers were cut. Cuts in services, such as parks and recreation hours, will accompany the layoffs.

ST. PETERSBURG
Mayor Rick Baker proposed nearly $14-million in budget cuts last week, including eliminating 70 full-time and 18 part-time jobs. The budget cuts include fee increases for some recreation and park programs that would generate nearly $1-million in new revenues.

CLEARWATER
City officials have targeted $7.5-million in savings, including eliminating about 88 jobs -- about half of which are currently filled. Those cuts account for roughly $4.4-million. Other savings include reduced donations to special events, like concerts and fireworks shows, nonprofit organizations like the local homeless shelter, and other programs such as the Jolley Trolley beach transit operation. In addition, more savings will come if the city -- as proposed -- closes two recreation centers and a library branch, and cuts overall operating hours for the other recreation centers and libraries.

HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY
The administration hopes to deliver its proposed budget to commissioners by July 16 and is still finalizing where it will make $77-million in necessary cuts. The county has instituted a hiring freeze, postponed construction projects that require staffing and is looking for other ways to streamline operations and eliminate duplication.

PINELLAS COUNTY
The county must spend about $31.5-million, or 7 percent less next year than it did in 2007. A total of 113 positions face elimination as part of an effort to reach that goal. Of those, 65 slots are currently vacant. Attempts will be made to shift those whose jobs are eliminated into vacancies, so it's too early to say how many people will actually get laid off or precisely how much the move will save. The same is true of the Sheriff's Office, where 69 positions face elimination.

PASCO COUNTY
Budget details will be released July 10. Because of growth and previous cuts in the tax rate, Pasco does not face a budget cut this year.

HERNANDO COUNTY
The county expects to make $8.5-million in budget cuts. The county administrator has directed departments to cut 15 percent from their spending. Some employees already have been told their jobs will be eliminated.

BROOKSVILLE
The city expects to cut $300,000 from the general fund. The city manager has asked all departments to cut 10 percent across the board.

[Last modified June 29, 2007, 01:38:55]