WINTER PARK, Fla. \u2014 Winter Park is bracing for a potential budget shortfall in 2028 if voters approve the Amendment 3 ballot initiative in November.<\/p>\n
Recommendations city leaders discussed during a work session Thursday afternoon include freezing two open positions in the fire department, reducing public pool hours, revamping their legal services department, and reviewing golf course contracts. <\/p>\n
Those cuts could save the city between $200,000 and $600,000 a year, according to City Manager Randy Knight. Public safety would not be affected, he said.<\/p>\n
Amendment 3 is expected to eliminate property taxes on primary residences for about 60% of Floridians. Economists believe that would cause budget shortfalls for city governments across the state. <\/p>\n
The Winter Park FY 27 budget is balanced, so any revenue shortfalls caused by Amendment 3 would affect its 2028 budget. <\/p>\n
\u201cIn the first year of implementation, which would be our Fiscal Year 28 budget, it\u2019d be about $3.5 million, and then the following year would be about $6.5 million, \u201csaid Knight.<\/p>\n
Winter Park has about $95 million in general funds.<\/p>\n
City leaders will vote on the recommendations in September.<\/p>\n
Click here<\/a> to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here<\/a> to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live.<\/p>\n