With all the discussion happening across Florida about local government budgets, Alachua County is joining the conversation through this series: Cents & Sensibility: Alachua County’s Budget in Eight Chapters.
Ch. 5: Why Budgets Grow Over Time
When people hear that the county’s budget has grown, it’s easy to assume government is expanding. Most of that growth, however, stems from increasing costs — not necessarily from new programs. Budget growth means keeping pace with inflation, population growth, and the rising costs of providing the same services to more people.
Census data from the past five years shows Alachua County’s population has grown by about 8%, while regional inflation has increased by roughly 21%. In some cases, costs for goods and services far exceed that. Paired together, that means the same level of service now costs more than it did five years ago, even without any new additions.
Read Ch. 5 in full.
Catch up on previous chapters:
Ch. 4: Unfunded Mandates
Ch. 3: Understanding Property Taxes
Ch. 2: What is the General Fund?
Ch. 1: Public Influence & the Budget
For more information, contact Alachua County Communications Director Mark Sexton at 352-264-6979 or msexton@alachuacounty.us.
