In a recent survey, 73 percent of our citizens told us that the county provides “good” to “excellent” quality in overall service. In addition, 81 percent rated the quality of life in Pinellas County as good or excellent.

The county’s ability to pay for programs and services with your tax dollars is directly related to the quality of life in our community. Road beautification, parks, environmental preservation, water access, social services, economic development, affordable housing assistance and funding for arts and culture are just some of the ways your county impacts quality of life.

Citizens have said they desire reduced taxes and so the reality is that fewer funds will result in fewer programs and lesser services. Pinellas County is looking for ways to preserve the county’s quality of life where possible, but citizens will likely see entire programs eliminated and levels of service reduced.

	Throughout this process, you may hear the terms mandatory and non-mandatory to describe the types of programs and services provided. This is important because it will help you understand why certain budget reductions will seem more severe than others.
	Pinellas County is required to fund certain programs mandated by state and federal law. Often these mandated programs affect the safety and welfare of our citizens. Emergency communications, jails and building inspections are a few examples. Since we are required to provide these programs, we have limited opportunities to reduce them.
	Therefore, the non-mandatory programs will most likely bear the greatest burden of the cuts. These are the programs that enhance our overall quality of life. The result is that many of this year’s cuts will be felt in areas that citizens rely on and appreciate.
	Last year, Pinellas County was able to reduce its budget by targeting internal operations, such as cutting administrative positions, and eliminating lower priority programs. This year, citizens are more likely to feel the impact because quality of life services are more vulnerable to cuts.

Last year, Pinellas County was able to reduce its budget by targeting internal operations, such as cutting administrative positions and eliminating lower priority programs. This year, citizens are more likely to feel the impact because quality of life services are more vulnerable to cuts.

Our survey results revealed that while citizens are pleased with services, they are concerned about their families’ economic future and are uncertain they can continue to afford to keep services at the current level