Hernando County Approves $993 Million Budget, Reduces Property Tax Rate

By Staff Writer — The Brooksville Signal

Brooksville, Fla — The Hernando County Commission has approved a nearly $1 billion budget for Fiscal Year 2026, alongside a reduction in the general fund millage rate. Commissioners say the budget demonstrates fiscal restraint while maintaining core services.

The tax rate cut will provide some relief to property owners, but it also means less revenue flowing into the county’s general fund. Community advocates have raised questions about whether the move could limit the county’s ability to expand investments in schools, infrastructure, and affordable housing at a time when Hernando continues to experience rapid population growth.

“This sounds good for homeowners in the short term, but I worry about what it means for classrooms and teachers down the line,” said Maria Lopez, a Spring Hill parent with two children in public schools. “We need more resources, not fewer.”

The budget includes funding for public safety, parks, and county operations. Still, some residents argue that more focus should be placed on long-term challenges such as climate resilience, affordable housing, and transportation options.

“Hernando is changing quickly,” said David Miller, a local environmental advocate. “We can’t afford to put off investing in things like flood protection, public transit, and preserving green space. Cutting taxes now may leave us unprepared later.”

While commissioners emphasized the importance of lowering taxes, residents concerned about rising costs of living and strained public services say they hope future budgets will more directly address those challenges.