Monroe County officials are preparing for potential changes to local government finances following the passage of a Florida constitutional amendment increasing the homestead exemption.
Monroe County Commissioner Holly Merrill Raschein joined Good Morning Keys on Keys Talk 96.9/102.5FM this morning to talk about what’s going on in the county.
The county has already begun reviewing its finances to determine how it could absorb the loss of property tax revenue while continuing to provide essential services.
Raschein said the county’s finance team has been examining its budget and identifying potential sources of funding that could be shifted to cover critical services for residents and tourists.
“Our finance team has combed through our books. They’ve identified different pots of money that we could perhaps shift to cover the critical services that we have to provide our residents and our tourists,” Raschein said. “So I feel like we’re in a good place.”
However, she said much will depend on what happens when the Florida Legislature convenes for a special session to address implementation of the amendment.
Incoming House Speaker Sam Garrison has indicated he would like to see the incoming governor and his administration involved in those discussions, Raschein said.
While there is broad support for reducing property taxes, the challenge will be determining how local governments can make up the revenue currently used to fund essential services.
“Everybody supports cutting property taxes, but what does that look like in terms of plugging the hole that those property taxes fund?” Raschein said.
She pointed to law enforcement and fire protection as critical services, but said other county programs could also face pressure.
Raschein said she is particularly concerned about smaller programs, including libraries, parks and beaches, noting that Monroe County has already eliminated some less essential spending.
“We already slashed last year all the low-hanging fruit,” she said. “How much more can we slash without those fun services like libraries, parks and beaches?”
Raschein said the county must find a way to protect those community resources while continuing to provide the public safety services residents depend on.
She acknowledged that some counties, particularly those with more limited financial resources, could face even greater challenges.
Raschein also discussed the changing political landscape in Florida following the election. Democrats picked up 15 seats in the Florida House, ending the Republican supermajority, although Republicans will retain control of both legislative chambers.
She said the change will affect how the House conducts business, particularly when it comes to procedural rules that previously allowed the supermajority to move certain measures more easily.
“The balance of power has definitely shifted,” Raschein said. “What you’ll see is the lack of the ability that they’re used to in waiving the rules.”
She said the change could create more opportunities for debate and different perspectives, making cooperation between the parties important.
“If both sides can continue to work together, that’s going to be essential in keeping Florida moving forward,” Raschein said.
Raschein also expressed optimism about Monroe County’s representation in Tallahassee, pointing to state Senator Ana Maria Rodriguez’s selection as Senate president pro tempore.
She said Rodriguez’s leadership position, along with the influence of other regional lawmakers, could help Monroe County advance its legislative priorities and pursue additional funding opportunities.
Raschein said she hopes lawmakers will explore other funding sources, including tourism dollars or grant programs, that could help local governments replace revenue lost through property tax changes.
“At the end of the day, we all want the same thing. We want our residents to be happy. We want our economy to be strong. We want tourists to keep coming to our state,” she said. “It’s just how we get there, right?”
Beyond the financial and political changes, Raschein praised the county’s emergency management officials for their response to recent flooding and king tides.
Residents should remain prepared, pay attention to warnings and use caution on flooded roads.
“Sometimes folks forget that we live on islands that are really super close to sea level,” Raschein said. “It just kind of puts things into perspective.”
She added that while the recent flooding created difficulties for some communities, the Keys weathered the event and residents should be prepared for the next round.
Raschein also thanked the community for its efforts to honor veterans ahead of Veterans Day, saying the occasion offers an opportunity to reflect on the freedoms that allow residents to participate in elections and public discussions.