The meeting illuminated the challenges of Pasco County’s judiciary, which faces a deficit in courtrooms and judges that affects scheduling and case handling. Security concerns were also raised due to the current setup of courthouses, compounded by the increasing workload. The proposed centralized courthouse aims to improve convenience for citizens, reduce liability, and proactively manage the anticipated growth and increased caseload in the future.

During the budget workshop, the financial intricacies of county operations were scrutinized, with County Administrator Mike Carballa opening the session by underscoring the need for more dialogue around the challenges these budgets face. Nikki Alvarez, the Clerk, discussed settlement negotiations impacting the upcoming budget and highlighted significant cost increases for goods and services, particularly in the realm of information technology security. Information Technology Director Tim Jameson reported a 96% increase in cybersecurity costs, a 167% increase in Microsoft Office costs, and general maintenance costs, spurring a discussion about potential cost-saving measures, including shared Microsoft contracts across constitutional offices and a unified security platform for the county.

The need for additional positions was also a part of the discussions. Heather Grimes, the chief administrative officer, proposed adding an entry-level records clerk due to a surge in value adjustment board petitions, while Finance Director Matt Lazar suggested hiring an operations lead to manage the county’s increasing debt. The need for these new roles corresponds with the county’s rapid growth and the consequent demand for more robust infrastructure and services.

The council also delved into the impact of growth on various county departments. The Property Appraiser’s office, for example, boasted the efficient use of resources, with budget metrics that stood out favorably when compared to other state counties. Revenue recovery initiatives and the need for technological investments, like server upgrades and aerial imaging for property assessment, were discussed.

On the topic of technology, the council discussed the utilization of drones for property assessment and the expansion of services, such as the introduction of a mobile unit by the Tax Collector’s office to assist senior citizens and veterans. The Tax Collector’s office was commended for its efficient operations and outreach efforts, and the discussion highlighted the importance of a dedicated team in delivering services to the community.

Public safety was another significant concern, with the Sheriff’s Office outlining the need for additional resources to keep pace with residential growth. The possible loss of military surplus equipment, the challenges of a lack of a purpose-built building facility, and the importance of canines in law enforcement were discussed. The council considered the high volume of service calls and the lag in funding for hiring and training new deputies. The Sheriff’s Office’s current and future resource needs, including the use of Tahoes over Explorers for law enforcement operations, deputy salaries, gap insurance, and the implementation of Municipal Service Taxing Units (MSTUs) were key points of debate.

Additionally, the implications of the county’s growth on law enforcement and affordable housing were examined. The Sheriff discussed the addition of deputies and civilians in the department, the need for salary increases to support affordable housing, and the balancing act between accommodating growth and providing essential services.