Oviedo officials are confronting a potential shortfall of more than $14 million over the next two fiscal years if Florida voters approve Amendment 3, a constitutional amendment that would expand the homestead property‑tax exemption. The city’s mayor, Megan Sladek, told the council that the municipality “does not have enough fat to cut” and that difficult choices lie ahead.
Projected revenue loss
A 63‑page briefing prepared by Oviedo staff cites an estimate from the Seminole County Property Appraiser that the amendment would reduce the city’s ad valorem tax base by $14.3 million. The loss would be spread across two fiscal periods, prompting city leaders to explore a range of cost‑saving measures.
Possible cuts under consideration
The memorandum outlines several areas where the council could trim spending:
- Freeze vacant positions and reduce overall city staffing, including the elimination of roughly 70 jobs.
- Scale back recreation programs and shorten facility hours.
- Cancel city‑sponsored events such as Oktoberfest, Bark and Brew, Juneteenth celebrations, the Holiday Tree Lighting, the Winter Parade, Independence Day fireworks, Winterfest, Comedy Nights, the Relay for Life golf tournament, the Egg‑ceptional event, and Saint Patrick’s Day festivities.
- Reduce street and sidewalk maintenance budgets.
- Outsource custodial and concession services.
- Cut city‑council travel, lobbying, and operating expenses.
Mayor Sladek emphasized that eliminating 70 staff positions would represent a “significant percentage” of the city workforce, underscoring the gravity of the fiscal challenge.
Revenue‑recovery options
The report also identifies potential ways to offset the shortfall without resorting solely to cuts. Options include raising the property‑tax millage rate, increasing certain fees, ending some fee waivers, and creating special assessment districts for roads, sidewalks, and streetscaping projects.
One specific proposal mentioned by Sladek would introduce a fire‑service fee for fully disabled veterans who previously paid no taxes. “If we create a fire fee, now you’re going to have a fire fee to pay,” she said, noting that such a fee could generate substantial revenue.
Next steps
The Oviedo City Council is scheduled to discuss the budget implications on Monday, Aug. 31, at 5:30 p.m. during its work session. Council members will weigh the trade‑offs between preserving community services and maintaining a balanced budget in the face of the anticipated revenue decline.
Residents are encouraged to attend the meeting and provide input on which programs and services they consider essential. The outcome will shape Oviedo’s fiscal strategy heading into the November ballot, when Floridians will decide the fate of Amendment 3.
Original reporting: WESH Orlando — read the source article.
