This article continues from last week.
The Hernando County Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) hoped to fund several Capital Improvement Projects with a one-cent sales surtax, but the referendum was voted down by 52.2 percent of voters during the November 5th General Election.
At the regular meeting on January 14, 2025, County Administrator Jeff Rogers presented the projects that still need funding in the absence of the tax-generated revenue and alternatives to funding roadway improvements, economic development and jail improvements. The presentation led to discussions of priorities, funding options and direction for Rogers. No votes were held.
Economic Development
The Brooksville – Tampa Regional Airport (BKV) has room to grow to attract new businesses to join the local economy and create higher wage opportunities. The southeast end of BKV would require $10 million to install infrastructure for water and sewer to be available for incoming industry. A runway in this area is also slated to be resurfaced to provide access to the future buildings.
Some incoming businesses may also pay tangible personal property tax and commissioners plan to discuss reinvesting some of this revenue into Economic Development.
Rogers also mentioned the addition of the Space Hub Business Incubator to foster and grow small businesses. The County is paying $100,000 for a feasibility study, necessary for future State government grants.
Law Enforcement
The top three funding priorities for the Hernando County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO) are a Driving Pad and Shooting Range, Jail Improvements and Sheriff’s Office expansion. Costs were not provided for these projects during the presentation. The County has previously estimated that the Sheriff’s Office expansion will cost $105 million – $130 million.
The Driving Pad and Shooting range are currently in the design phase within the Public Safety Training Center. The County plans to apply for legislative appropriation, matched from the General Fund.
Rogers recommended the Jail Improvement Master Plan come back to the Board for review to prioritize first phase improvements based on available funding. The BOCC plans to borrow funds and repay with General Funds.
Expansion of the Sheriff’s Office may be deferred for future years until revenue is available. In the meantime, Rogers recommended finding spaces to rent or purchase based on space needs.
Public Safety
Recommendations for Public Safety projects include the delay of renovating Fire Station 9 until two others (Stations 15 and 16) are built, as well as delaying improvements to the Mosquito Control Building.
New stations 15 and 16 will be funded by the Fire MSBU (Municipal Services Benefit Unit) and EMS MSTU (Municipal Services Taxing Unit). The Fire / EMS portion of the Public Safety Training Center is currently in its design phase and will also be funded by the MSBU / MSTU.
Recently coming under HCSO’s purview, the county will work with HCSO to prioritize the Animal Shelter Expansion and will receive funding from the General Fund.
Funding amounts for public safety projects were not provided in this presentation.
Future discussions are expected.
