Marion Sheriff Sees $61 Million Cut
Voters approved a tax measure that threatens the sheriff's budget, prompting calls for a state special session.
By Aiko Nakamura ·
Marion County Sheriff Billy Woods stood before the public on Wednesday, Nov. 4, to deliver a stark financial forecast for his agency. With Florida voters having just approved Amendment 3, a property tax reduction, Woods warned that his department faces a projected revenue loss of $61 million over the next two years.
The constitutional measure passed with approximately 62% of the statewide vote. In Marion County specifically, the approval rate reached 69%. The tax cut directly impacts the funding structure of the sheriff's office, which relies on a Municipal Services Taxing Unit, or MSTU, for its operations.
Woods explained that roughly 98% of the MSTU funding derives from ad valorem property taxes. As that revenue stream shrinks, the sheriff must identify areas for spending reductions. He noted that personnel costs are particularly rigid because salaries consume a large share of the budget.
"I do not want to cut deputies…. it will compromise safety, and that’s what I don’t want to do," Woods said. He indicated that his office will instead scrutinize programs, technology, and other operational expenses to find savings.
Potential areas for reduction include mental health and substance abuse programs at the county jail. Technology expenses, such as body-worn cameras, also face scrutiny. These changes raise questions about how the agency will maintain its current service levels with fewer financial resources.
The financial strain occurs amid existing scrutiny of the agency's structure and costs. Published reporting shows Woods' annual salary rose from $215,220 in 2023-24 to approximately $257,625 in fiscal year 2025-26. A 2025 staffing report identified 1,120 employees, including 690 sworn personnel and 430 civilian employees. A staffing study found only 215 deputies assigned to calls for service, compared to a recommended 323.
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis announced Wednesday that he intends to call a special legislative session to address the implementation of Amendment 3. DeSantis said lawmakers would consider ways to prevent local governments from shifting the tax burden to residents through other forms of taxation. He also discussed creating state funding opportunities to help local governments maintain essential services.
Woods said he hopes local law enforcement leaders will have an opportunity to participate in those discussions. DeSantis stated, “There is no reason local governments cannot make it work.” He added that the spending of local governments in Florida is out of control.
