Six dilemmas Pinellas County faces in trying to balance its budget

CLEARWATER — Pinellas Coun­ty has a budget fight budding.

The County Commission wants to trim $60 million from the 2011 budget to make up for falling property tax revenue. That still leaves a $20 million deficit a year later, projections show.

The edict: Departments, county officeholders and other agencies need to cut 15 percent of their spending despite several years of cuts.

That's not sitting well. Clerk Ken Burke, for example, said he can't do it and meet mandates in state law to provide services. Others echo him.

At a recent meeting, Commissioner Ken Welch asked County Administrator Bob LaSala to make sure the board hears the feedback from the other elected officials on budget cut targets.

"I think we'll get that response, whether it comes from him or not," quipped Commissioner Nancy Bostock as county officials in the audience chuckled.

Here's a look at the dilemmas facing Pinellas County commissioners as they begin what is likely to be a long and contentious budget process.

David DeCamp can be reached at ddecamp@sptimes.com or (727) 893-8779.