Mayor and Commissioners,

The state legislature’s efforts to rein in out-of-control property taxes is getting lots of press regarding Winter Park.

https://www.the-sun.com/news/15934350/florida-winter-park-property-tax-reform-law

https://baynews9.com/fl/tampa/news/2026/02/11/winter-park-could-lose--18-million-from-state-s-property-tax-reform

Regardless what the legislature does, the focus should be a wake up call for all the Winter Park taxpayer money wasted over the past 6 or 7 years.

Since 2016 head count has grown from 517 full time and 49 part time to 576 full time and 85 part time, while general fund spending growth has exceeded inflation. The purchase of the money losing Winter Park Pines golf course only accounts for a small headcount increase. What are all the other added jobs actually doing for the residents?

There should be no challenge to keep public safety and roads maintained while you clean house of all the unneeded spending. Fear mongering by staff and the commission should be avoided and opportunities to cut spending and headcount should be promoted.

I remember well the national recession of 2008-2011 where the city reduced general fund spending and headcount. We spent $46.4 million in the general fund with 375 general fund employees in 2007. This was reduced to $40.0 million and 348 general fund employees in 2010 with no noticeable impact to road maintenance, public safety, or other essential services.

Tell staff to zero base budget for the minimum number of people and dollars needed to maintain the city and our public safety resources, then cut the rest. Some people will whine but the vast majority of residents will celebrate leadership focused on efficiency and the best interests of our residents.

I repeat earlier recommendations for cost cutting and revenue generation:

• Shut down the CRA and put that money in the General Fund. (about $4-7 million a year depending on state property tax changes)

• Re-zone Seven Oaks Park and sell the land. (about $12 million at $3 million per acre)

• Stop operating the Community Center (let the YMCA run it). (save about $750,000 a year)

• Convert Winter Park Pines to a nine-hole course and sell the balance for housing. (40 acres worth about $50 million if rezoned)

• Sell the old library building after the current lessee defaults. (worth about $8 million zoned for luxury condos at Alfond density)