More projects without more property tax
While routine maintenance of roads or public parks comes from the general fund – supported by property tax – the Penny pays for most of Pinellas County’s long-term capital projects, covering most of their costs and attracting matching funds from the state and federal government.
Penny funds are shared between the County and 24 cities based on population, with each local government setting its own project plans based on community needs. Learn more about how Penny funds are budgeted.
What is a Capital Project?
Capital projects are major upgrades or new construction projects that provide a public benefit for many years. The Penny cannot be used for daily government operations. Here’s what state law says about the Local Government Infrastructure Sales Tax.
Recent Project Highlights
See highlights of recent Penny-supported projects completed or currently under construction by Pinellas County or your city. For a detailed list of all planned and completed Penny projects, see Pinellas County’s Capital Improvement Plan or check your city’s Capital Improvement Plan.
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Project Planning
Current project priorities are based on broad public input before the 2017 Penny referendum, including the Citizen Values Survey, partner feedback, countywide public meetings, the Penny for Pinellas Priorities Survey and guidance from Pinellas County’s Strategic Plan. The Board of County Commissioners approved project priorities before the referendum ranked according to public support and community needs. See Pinellas County’s annual Six-Year Capital Improvement Plan for the latest information on long-range project plans.
ARPA Projects: Many projects originally planned for Penny funding are now being supported by the federal American Rescue Plan Act. Pinellas County’s portion of ARPA funds ($189 million) support projects in underserved communities ranging from parks and improved pedestrian safety to upgraded water and wastewater infrastructure. See Pinellas County’s ARPA Projects.