Florida’s Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Blaise Ingoglia has sharply criticized Hillsborough County’s budgeting practices, alleging that the county has engaged in over $278 million in "excessive and wasteful spending" beyond what is justified by population growth and inflation. The accusations have sparked calls for property tax relief and prompted an official review by the state.
Key Takeaways
- Florida CFO Blaise Ingoglia claims Hillsborough County’s General Fund Budget has increased by over $278 million beyond population and inflation adjustments.
- The CFO alleges this excessive spending justifies a reduction in the county’s millage rate, potentially saving homeowners hundreds of dollars annually.
- State auditors from the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) are reviewing Hillsborough County’s $9 billion budget as part of a statewide initiative to curb local government spending.
- Some county officials welcome the scrutiny, while others argue the county already operates responsibly and that a significant portion of tax revenue funds public safety.
Allegations of Excessive Spending
CFO Ingoglia announced that Hillsborough County’s General Fund Budget has seen an increase of $859,860,943 between Fiscal Year 2019-2020 and FY 2024-2025. This represents a 56.6% rise, while the population grew by only 123,823 residents. Ingoglia contends that this translates to an increase of $6,944 in the General Fund Budget per new resident, or $27,777 per family of four. He asserts that this level of spending is "out of control" and that taxpayers are burdened by "reckless" local government spending.
Calls for Property Tax Relief
Ingoglia stated that his analysis indicates Hillsborough County could reduce its millage rate by 1.02 mills without impacting essential services. Such a reduction could lead to significant savings for homeowners. For example, a home with a taxable value of $400,000 could save approximately $408 annually, while a $600,000 home could save $612 per year. Local business owners and residents have echoed these sentiments, expressing concern over rising property taxes and their impact on family budgets and small businesses.
State Audit Underway
The Florida Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) task force is currently reviewing Hillsborough County’s substantial $9 billion budget. This review is part of a broader initiative by Governor Ron DeSantis and CFO Ingoglia to identify and eliminate waste, fraud, and abuse in local government spending across the state, with the ultimate goal of reducing property taxes. Auditors are examining various aspects of the budget, including contracts and positions related to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), electric vehicles, solar energy, and climate initiatives.
County Response and Perspectives
Hillsborough County Commissioner Josh Wostal reportedly invited the state to conduct the review, believing it could lead to cost-saving changes. However, Commissioner Harry Cohen expressed skepticism, noting that the county already adheres to strict regulations and oversight. Cohen emphasized that approximately 83% of the county’s property tax revenue is allocated directly to public safety, suggesting that significant cuts might impact essential services. The county has not yet issued a formal response to CFO Ingoglia’s specific allegations.
Sources
- Chief Financial Officer Blaise Ingoglia Announces Over $278 Million in Hillsborough County Budget as
"Excessive, Wasteful Spending", Florida Department of Financial Services. - Florida CFO accuses Hillsborough of wasteful tax spending, Bay News 9.
- Florida DOGE reviewing Hillsborough County’s $9 billion budget this week, FOX 13 Tampa Bay.
- Hillsborough overspent by $279 million, Florida CFO says, Tampa Bay Times.
- Hillsborough County must be held accountable for spending increases, Tampa Bay Times.