Amendment 3 passes with 60% vote, triggering $241 million Sarasota County budget cut

Sarasota County residents will save an average of $700 on their homestead exemption after Amendment 3 passed Tuesday with 60% of the vote. The measure reduces local government revenue, forcing the county to absorb a $241 million budget cut over the next two years.

Christian Casale, a reporter for Suncoast Searchlight, said the outcome surprised him because many locally elected officials campaigned against the amendment. Casale noted that these officials viewed the measure as a direct reduction in their budgets and a power grab from Tallahassee.

Casale explained that home rule, which allows local governments to set policy on land use and development, has weakened in recent years. He stated that state lawmakers in Tallahassee have taken much of that authority away from local bodies.

The budget cuts will impact libraries, parks, public services, infrastructure, and transportation. Casale said he spoke with voters at the polls who knew state figures like David Jolly, Angie Nixon, Ashley Moody, and Byron Donalds, but could not name their own city or county commissioner.

Manatee County Sheriff Wick Wells told Casale a couple of weeks ago that he would likely need to cut his budget by $20 million if the amendment passed. Wells confirmed this projection ahead of the Tuesday vote.

Casale said not everyone will see financial relief. As a 28-year-old renter, he does not benefit from the homestead exemption. He cited studies indicating the amendment will likely raise rents and housing prices.

Local governments may respond by adding fees for services or increasing sales taxes. Library and park charges could also rise. Casale said young people, who are less likely to own homes, will see their services degrade while paying more for them. “We don’t know how they’re going to make up that money,” Casale said.