Fort Pierce budget overspending is under scrutiny after Florida Chief Financial Officer Blaise Ingoglia announced that the City of Fort Pierce has exceeded its budget by over $10 million. According to Ingoglia, the city’s General Fund Budget has increased nearly 60% since Fiscal Year 2019-2020.
Fort Pierce Budget Overspending Detailed by CFO Ingoglia
On February 18, 2026, Chief Financial Officer Blaise Ingoglia stated that the City of Fort Pierce is engaging in excessive and wasteful spending. According to Ingoglia, the city’s General Fund Budget rose by $25,357,239, or 59.76%, from Fiscal Year 2019-2020 to Fiscal Year 2025-2026. This announcement comes in the wake of recent developments, including the resignation of a Fort Pierce commissioner following an arrest, which has placed additional focus on the city’s financial management.
During this period, the population of Fort Pierce increased by 4,546 residents. For each new resident, the budget increased by $5,578. For every family of four, the budget rose by $22,312, according to data referenced by the CFO.
Staffing and Budget Growth in Fort Pierce
The City of Fort Pierce added 90 full-time employees between Fiscal Year 2019-2020 and Fiscal Year 2025-2026. Of these, only 15 positions were designated as first responders. CFO Ingoglia highlighted this staffing expansion as a component of the overall budget growth. These changes have also been discussed in recent city meetings, such as the Fort Pierce City Commission meeting regarding Commissioner James Taylor.
FAFO Recommendations for Property Tax Relief
The Florida Agency for Fiscal Oversight (FAFO) found that the City of Fort Pierce could lower its millage rate by 1.93 mills without impacting fundamental services provided to residents. According to FAFO, if this recommendation were implemented, homeowners could save the following amounts annually:
- $772 for a taxable home value of $400,000
- $965 for a taxable home value of $500,000
- $1,158 for a taxable home value of $600,000
CFO Ingoglia urged the City of Fort Pierce to consider these savings and provide meaningful property tax relief to residents. In light of recent events, such as the special election planned after a commissioner arrest, financial transparency and accountability remain a priority for the community.
Statements from Officials on Fort Pierce Budget Overspending
CFO Ingoglia stated, “Constituents across Florida have made it abundantly clear that they want property tax relief. Our FAFO methodology has continually demonstrated that local governments have the ability to cut their budgets and help homeowners keep more of their hard-earned money in their pockets. It is time to hold local government bureaucrats accountable for their reckless spending and take real steps towards making housing more affordable.”
David Santiago, Strategic Director of LIBRE-Florida, said, “Fiscal irresponsibility from government officials can deeply impact the lives of hard-working Floridians and business owners. Property tax relief is much needed, and I fully support CFO Ingoglia’s mission to expose wasteful spending in local government budgets.”
Statewide Findings on Excessive Spending
According to CFO Ingoglia, more than $1.98 billion in excessive and wasteful spending has been identified in General Fund Budgets across fourteen local governments over the past two fiscal years. Ingoglia indicated plans to continue examining local government budgets and exposing excessive expenditures as part of his role as Florida’s Chief Financial Officer.
About CFO Blaise Ingoglia
Blaise Ingoglia serves as Florida’s Chief Financial Officer and State Fire Marshal. As CFO, he oversees state funds, works to protect taxpayer dollars, and is a member of the Florida Cabinet. In his role as State Fire Marshal, Ingoglia supports first responders throughout Florida.
Frequently Asked Questions About Fort Pierce Budget Overspending
What did CFO Blaise Ingoglia announce about Fort Pierce budget overspending?
CFO Blaise Ingoglia announced that the City of Fort Pierce has overspent by over $10 million, with the General Fund Budget increasing by nearly 60% since Fiscal Year 2019-2020.
How much has the Fort Pierce General Fund Budget grown?
The General Fund Budget for Fort Pierce increased by $25,357,239, or 59.76%, between Fiscal Year 2019-2020 and Fiscal Year 2025-2026.
What are the recommended property tax savings for Fort Pierce homeowners?
According to the Florida Agency for Fiscal Oversight, homeowners could save $772 per year on a $400,000 home, $965 on a $500,000 home, and $1,158 on a $600,000 home if the city lowers its millage rate by 1.93 mills.
How many new employees did Fort Pierce add, and how many were first responders?
The City of Fort Pierce added 90 full-time employees, with 15 of these positions being first responders, according to the data provided by CFO Ingoglia.
Who is Blaise Ingoglia?
Blaise Ingoglia is Florida’s Chief Financial Officer and State Fire Marshal. He oversees state funds, works to protect taxpayer dollars, and supports first responders across Florida.
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