Seminole County Responds to State CFO’s Misleading Budget Claims

After five days without a response from Florida Chief Financial Officer Blaise Ingoglia to the Seminole County Board of County Commissioners’ formal correspondence, Seminole County leaders are taking their concerns directly to the public.

“Our residents deserve transparency. They deserve to know that their tax dollars are being managed responsibly,” said Seminole County Board of County Commissioners Chairman Jay Zembower. “We are no longer waiting for a reply from the CFO’s office. Today, we are responding to his claims publicly with facts.”

On October 7, the CFO’s Florida Agency for Fiscal Oversight (FAFO) presentation alleged that County spending exceeds an index he created based on population growth and inflation. However, the CFO’s model ignores more than $120 million of state-imposed mandates and essential services that Seminole County is legally required to fund.

The Facts the State CFO Failed to Include

1.     State-Mandated Expenses Have Driven the Majority of Budget Growth

Between FY 2020 and FY 2026, state mandates increased 74%, rising from $69.9 million to $122 million, including:

·        $25.5 million increase in County Jail costs (53% increase)

·        $10.6 million increase for court and justice system funding (122% increase)

·        $4.0 million increase for state retirement contributions (151% increase)

·        $7.8 million in SunRail obligations imposed by the State

“These are not discretionary expenses; they are statutory obligations,” said Chairman Zembower. “The CFO is criticizing counties for rising costs that the State itself has ordered us to pay.”

2.     Constitutional Officers Protecting Public Safety Drive Critical Investment

Spending on the Sheriff’s Office increased 51% to maintain staffing, emergency response, and jail operations during a period of national law enforcement shortages.

3.     Essential Infrastructure and Public Transit

Mass transit and transportation costs rose due to state agreements, growth in SunRail obligations, and the need to maintain roadways and stormwater systems.

4.     Community-Supported Programs Cannot Be Ignored

The CFO’s model dismisses community-supported initiatives such as Seminole Forever, which was approved by Commissioners to preserve land, protect water, and strengthen resilience.

Year after year, Seminole County has adopted a balanced budget with no deficit spending and continues to operate with one of the lowest millage rates in Central Florida.

The Seminole County Commission is urging the CFO to adopt a model that reflects real-world costs of governance rather than formulas that ignore state-mandated obligations.

“We welcome accountability,” Chairman Zembower said. “But accountability must be based on facts, not incomplete data. If the State of Florida mandates a cost, then the State should acknowledge its impact.”

MEDIA CONTACT:

Chris Patton

Director of Communications

O: (407) 665-1174

C: (407) 416-2592

cpatton@seminolecountyfl.gov