Hillsborough County faces the same funding problems that county governments throughout the country are facing during this economic crisis – decreasing property values means a decrease in ad valorem tax dollars. In addition, Florida’s voters passed a $25,000 homestead exemption, which further decreased ad valorem dollars.

As the county has grown, the demand for better service and quicker response has also increased. Because of the collapsed housing market, Hillsborough County faced drastic budget reductions, forcing jobs to be eliminated, and Code Enforcement’s budget slashed by 25 percent, greatly reducing its effectiveness. The department was slated to lose more than 10 positions – a devastating loss in terms of service to citizens. As a result, we developed an innovative approach that did not require local tax dollars, by securing a grant to sustain jobs and improve communities while at the same time impacting crime.

The grant saved five positions within Hillsborough County Code Enforcement, strengthened the anti-gang task force, assists law enforcement, and enhanced the community’s crime fighting toolbox at the same time. It was an innovative approach to gang awareness while not taxing the already over-burdened County budget. It is a “win-win-win”: Code Enforcement efforts and resources are reinforced; law enforcement results are heightened; and citizens gain a safer environment.