The Escambia County Commission’s final budget hearing on Wednesday night became a debate about tax burden and fiscal responsibility, resulting in a small but symbolic reduction in the county’s millage rate.
Stroberger Called for Relief
Commissioner Steve Stroberger advocated for a partial millage rate rollback, citing the struggles of constituents facing rising costs. “I ran for this office to reduce the burden on taxpayers and I’m failing at it,” Stroberger said, referencing widows in his district forced back to work to pay Municipal Service Benefit Unit (MSBU) assessments.
Stroberger highlighted the county’s budget growth, noting it had increased by approximately $390 million over six years, from $478 million in 2019-20 to the current level. This year alone saw a $70 million increase, though Finance Director Stephan Hall clarified that $47 million of that increase was from hospital MSBU pass-through funds that the county cannot control.
Kohler Counters with Data
Chair Mike Kohler presented data from the Florida Association of Counties showing Escambia County ranks in the lower third for millage rates statewide. He added that 68% of the county’s property taxpayers are non-homestead residents, meaning they don’t qualify for homestead exemptions.
He argued the county’s taxation levels were appropriate based on that data. We’re at a sweet spot right now. But that doesn’t mean we shouldn’t do more.”
The chair addressed the citizens who had asked for tax relief. “We are listening to you. We’re trying to manage the county interest with all the things that you want. But this is not easy.”
Finding Middle Ground
Commissioner Lumon May supported the concept of cuts but insisted on a methodical approach that wouldn’t disproportionately impact lower-paid county employees. “I’m not going to support cutting somebody that makes less than $25,000.”
- Commissioner Steven Barry proposed a compromise that ultimately carried the day. Rather than the deeper cuts initially suggested, he recommended a modest reduction in the millage rate to 6.6 mills from the proposed 6.6165 mills. This reduction of approximately $546,000 would come from allocated reserves rather than requiring program cuts or employee layoffs.
The Final Decision
After extensive debate about the mechanics of budget cuts and their impacts, the commission unanimously approved Barry’s compromise proposal. The final millage rates adopted were:
- County-wide millage rate: 6.6 mills
- Library MSTU: 0.359 mills
- Sheriff’s Law Enforcement MSTU: 0.685 mills
The commission also approved supplemental budget amendments totaling $44,041,563 across various funds and adopted the final budget resolution of approximately $868.5 million for fiscal year 2025-2026.
Looking Forward
The commissioners agreed to revisit more substantial cost-cutting measures in future meetings. Several areas were identified for potential savings, including the Escambia Children’s Trust tax, which may be placed on next year’s ballot for voter consideration, and possible reductions in community partner funding.
Commissioner May requested that economic development and job growth data be presented at the next Committee of the Whole meeting, suggesting the board’s focus on balancing fiscal responsibility with economic development priorities.
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