Governor Ron DeSantis has proposed cutting $15 million from Brevard County's 2024 budget, according to state fiscal documents released last week. The reduction would affect programs including public transportation, library services, and senior nutrition assistance, county officials said during a budget hearing in Titusville on Tuesday. The cuts are part of DeSantis' broader effort to reduce state spending by $2.5 billion across Florida, as outlined in his 2024 budget proposal.
County Administrator Jeff Poynter told commissioners the reductions could force layoffs at the county's 27 departments if state funding does not increase. 'We're looking at potential job losses in areas like environmental management and public works,' Poynter said. The proposed cuts come as Brevard County faces a $38 million shortfall in its current fiscal year, partly due to declining property tax revenues and rising operational costs.
The budget proposal has drawn criticism from local leaders. State Representative Nancy Mack, who represents parts of Brevard, called the cuts 'deeply concerning' during a press conference in Cocoa. 'Brevard County has been a leader in education and innovation, but these reductions will hurt everyday residents,' she said. The county's school districts have already warned of potential program cuts if state funding remains unchanged.
DeSantis' office did not immediately respond to requests for comment. The governor's proposal includes increasing state funding for law enforcement and border security while reducing support for local government services. Brevard County commissioners are expected to debate the proposal at a special meeting next month, with a final decision likely by early April.