The future might be dimmer still

The heavy lifting has just begun on Pasco County's 2009-10 budget, but commissioners are already thinking about the budget year that comes next.

That budget could have a shortfall equal to or larger than the $36 million deficit commissioners are confronting now. Given the cuts and tax increases on the agenda for 2010, commissioners are already wondering how they will make up another large deficit in 2011.

from:

2011 budget an issue

==

Broward and Palm Beach counties are taking different paths to deal with similar budget crunches blamed on the struggling economy.

While both plan spending cuts, Palm Beach County also proposes raising property tax rates as much as 15 percent to limit layoffs and save valued government services.

Broward County, on the other hand, is considering forgoing a potential tax rate increase in favor of requiring deeper spending cuts by the Sheriff's Office.

from:

Palm Beach County proposes raising property taxes as much as 15 percent

===

Benderson decided to put University Town Center — featuring Neiman Marcus, Nordstrom and Macy’s — on hold until the economy turns around. #$