County presents $139M, five‑year infrastructure sales‑tax spending plan; public hearings set

Jamie Stewart, the county’s Office of Management and Budget director, presented the proposed five‑year infrastructure sales tax plan required by the referendum ordinance. The FY‑2027 revenue projection is $27.4 million (3.6% projected growth year over year) and the five‑year rolling plan totals $139 million. Stewart outlined allocations by category: public safety ($45M over five years), quality‑of‑life projects ($36M), public works ($41.3M), other public infrastructure ($6.6M) and debt service ($9.8M).

Stewart highlighted specific FY‑2027 allocations, including an FDOT grant match for Eastlake Sports Complex, road resurfacing and funding for library renovations. The board set upcoming public hearings required by ordinance: Aug. 25 (public comment on the rolling plan), Sept. 8 (first budget public hearing) and Sept. 22 (final budget hearing).

Commissioners used the presentation to ask about specific expenditures (for example, $500,000 per year earmarked for fairgrounds funding and options to accelerate utilities or construct a pavilion for revenue generation). Staff deferred some of those follow‑ups to the next meeting and the upcoming public‑hearing schedule.

Why it matters: The five‑year plan sets spending priorities for a voter‑approved revenue source that supports capital projects across the county. The hearings provide the public a chance to weigh priorities before the budget is finalized.