Pasco County Wants Opinions On How To Shave Its Budget

Pasco County officials are reaching out for residents’ help in setting priorities for the future. They also want opinions on how to address a projected $5 million budget shortfall.

To make it easy for residents to get involved, the county is offering two ways to share advice.

The first involves an online survey where residents can offer their budget cut ideas and name their priorities, such as police and fire, parks and recreation, libraries and more.

The second is a town hall-style meeting that’s set to take place tonight from 7 to 9 p.m. at the West Pasco Government Center, 7530 Little Road, in New Port Richey.

Pasco County Commissioner Pat Mulieri urged residents to take advantage of either option to make sure their voices are heard.

Mulieri said the survey and upcoming meeting provide residents a chance to “see what we’re doing with it (taxpayer money), and to tell us if they don’t agree.”

Michele Baker, chief assistant county administrator, said the information-gathering is important to officials.

“In these current times when revenue is shrinking, hard decisions have to be made,” she said. “It’s important now more than ever that citizens get involved in their government. We really need the citizens to weigh in.”

To find out more about tonight’s meeting or take the survey online, visit pascocountyfl.net.