News Summary
The St. Petersburg City Council has tentatively approved a budget totaling $1.18 billion for fiscal year 2026, amidst debates over youth program funding and public safety. A 3.93% increase in property tax revenue is included, but dissent among council members highlighted concerns about allocations for youth programs and firefighter equipment. The next budget hearing is scheduled for September 25, where public opinion will continue to shape the discussions on budget priorities.
St. Petersburg City Council has tentatively approved a budget for fiscal year 2026 totaling $1.18 billion. The decision came during a budget hearing on Thursday evening, where several residents voiced their concerns about youth program funding and public safety allocations.
Mayor Ken Welch did not attend the meeting, leading to a significant discussion among council members and the public. The proposed budget includes a 3.93% increase in property tax revenue compared to the rollback rate, which will generate an additional $10.45 million due to escalating property values. This increase is essential for offsetting rising costs associated with employee pension, health insurance, and salaries, as explained by Assistant City Administrator Tom Greene.
Despite the budget’s approval, dissent was noted among the council members. Councilmembers Gina Driscoll and Corey Givens Jr. voted against the budget, citing different concerns. Notably, Council Chair Copley Gerdes was absent during the vote.
Funding allocation for various key initiatives was at the forefront of discussions. The budget outlines provisions for youth programs, including:
- $260,000 for the Childhood Homelessness Project
- $50,000 for the Arts Conservatory for Teens (ACT)
- $400,000 for the Youth Employment Program
- $500,000 for the Mayor’s Future Ready Academy
- $295,000 for Youth Development Grants
- $530,750 for literacy and STEAM education initiatives
- $234,320 for the Cohort of Champions/My Brothers and Sisters Keeper initiative
Councilmember Driscoll highlighted the need for a deeper examination of how these youth program funds will be utilized. Additionally, Councilmember Givens raised concerns about increasing gun violence among youth and called for a stronger emphasis on addressing food insecurity, referencing allocated funds of $100,000 for Community Food Grants and $245,500 for the Health Neighborhood Store program.
Public safety also emerged as a critical issue during the discussions. Driscoll pointed out the inadequacies in funding allocated for firefighter equipment, revealing that the Fire Rescue department is receiving $48.34 million, which is significantly less than the $170.46 million earmarked for the Police Department. This disparity raised alarms about the potential impacts on firefighter safety and efficiency.
The Complete Streets program, designed to improve roadway safety and infrastructure, has received $650,000, with plans to reach $1 million through the use of impact fees. Meanwhile, the budget for stormwater operations is set at $47.26 million, which falls short of the estimated $50 million needed annually for managing over $1 billion in planned projects to address local environmental concerns.
The next opportunity for the public to voice their opinions will be during the second and final budget hearing scheduled for September 25 at 6 p.m. As the City Council navigates the final stages of budget approval, the allocation of resources toward youth programs and public safety remains a pivotal topic of discussion in the community.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Florida Holocaust Museum Reopens After Major Renovations
Florida Holocaust Museum Reopens After Renovations
Florida Holocaust Museum Reopens After Extensive Renovation
St. Petersburg Approves Significant Utility Rate Hike
Backlash from Arts Community in St. Petersburg Over Mural Removals
Orlando Named Best City for Retirees in the U.S.
City Employee Arrested for Misusing Fuel Card
Controversy Over Mural Removals in St. Petersburg
Pastors Arrested at Prayer Vigil for Black History Mural
St. Petersburg to Hold Public Hearings on FY 2026 Budget
Additional Resources
- St. Pete Council Scrutinizes $1.18 Billion Spending Plan
- Wikipedia: City Budget
- Mayor Welch Unveils $967 Million Budget
- Google Search: St. Petersburg city budget
- Public Forum Highlights St. Pete’s Budget Crunch
- Google Scholar: St. Petersburg budget allocation
- Mayor Ken Welch Presents $1.1 Billion Budget
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Budget
- What Does Doge Expect from St. Pete?
- Google News: St. Petersburg public spending
Author: STAFF HERE PETERSBURG WRITER
ST PETERSBURG STAFF WRITER The ST PETERSBURG STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREStPetersburg.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in St Petersburg, Pinellas County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Grand Prix of St. Petersburg, Localtopia, and SHINE Mural Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the St. Petersburg Area Chamber of Commerce and St. Pete Downtown Partnership, plus leading businesses in finance, manufacturing, and healthcare that power the local economy such as Raymond James Financial, Jabil, and Bayfront Health St. Petersburg. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREJacksonville.com, HEREOrlando.com, HERETallahassee.com, and HERETampa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.
