Winter Springs, Fla. – City officials have placed a hiring freeze on the majority of general‑fund departments in anticipation of reduced revenue from the statewide Amendment 3 property‑tax measure. Mayor Kevin McCann told the City Commission that the city must brace for a potential $4.2 million annual loss, which would hit the community hard because more than 70 % of Winter Springs homes are homesteaded residential properties.
Mayor and city manager outline the freeze
Speaking at the Monday night commission meeting, Mayor McCann warned, “That will be an issue. Staffing will very clearly be affected.” City Manager Shawn Boyle confirmed that all departments funded by the general fund are now under a hiring freeze.
Communications Director Matt Reeser clarified that the freeze does not halt all recruiting. “There will still be active recruiting because you’ll have people who leave or retire. You want to make sure you still have that pool to pull from. But as far as expanding, those won’t happen,” he said.
Departments impacted
The freeze covers finance, administrative services, communications, human resources, development services, and the police department. Reeser estimated that roughly 160 full‑time city employees fall under the freeze. Three police positions have already been identified as vacant and will remain unfilled.
Financial stakes for Winter Springs
Winter Springs’ finance team projects a $4.2 million shortfall each year if Amendment 3 is approved by voters on Nov. 3. The city already enjoys the state’s lowest property‑tax rates, which makes the potential loss even more burdensome. “We’re going to be hit uniquely hard with this, and we also have the lowest taxes, which adds to that,” McCann said.
Next steps
The commission will revisit the hiring freeze after the election results are known. If Amendment 3 fails, the city expects to lift the freeze and resume normal staffing levels. If it passes, officials said they will continue to prioritize essential services while seeking alternative revenue sources.
What Amendment 3 means for residents
Amendment 3 would cap property‑tax growth at the rate of inflation, limiting local governments’ ability to raise revenue for services such as public safety, road maintenance, and community programs. For a city like Winter Springs, where the tax base is heavily weighted toward homesteaded homes, the measure could force cuts or further staffing constraints.
Residents are encouraged to review the amendment’s language and consider how it may affect city services before heading to the polls on Nov. 3.
Original reporting: WESH Orlando — read the source article.
