Marion County, Ocala officials outline funding priorities at annual legislative delegation meeting

The Florida Department of Health Marion County is shown on SE 110th Street Road in Belleview, Fla. on Sept. 30, 2025. The county is asking for a state appropriations request of $250,000 to cover the cost of designing a permanent Florida Department of Health facility in Belleview that is currently housed in a modular building more than 25 years old. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette] 2025.

When Marion County government and community leaders met recently with the local Florida legislative delegation to present their funding and policy priorities for the 2026 legislative session, one question hung over the discussions: How will eliminating property taxes, a topic gaining traction in Tallahassee, impact local rule, levels of service, and future funding of local government decisions?

Ocala City Council President Kristen Dreyer was the only local official to address the concern directly to the legislators, who included State Reps. Yvonne Hayes Hinson, J.J. Grow, Ryan Chamberlin, Judson Sapp and Richard Gentry. State Sen. Stan McClain, whose district encompasses all of Marion County, was unable to attend but was represented by his staff.

“Top of mind for all Florida municipalities this year are the conversations surrounding the elimination of the real estate property tax,” Dreyer said during the Oct. 1 at the College of Central Florida.

“The city of Ocala supports thoughtful reform of the Florida residential property tax system, provided that any proposal includes a sustainable alternative revenue source allowing us to maintain current service levels and ensure capacity for future growth. Fiscal decisions made at the local level provides us flexibility to address the unique needs of our community- while ensuring our residents continue to receive the high-quality services that they expect,” she said.

The legislators did not address the issue directly during the meeting.

County Commission Chair Kathy Bryant, who opened last year’s session’s delegation meeting address with, “I want to throw two things at you to remember as to this legislative [session]: home rule and no preemptions,” against laughter and hooting from the audience, quickly brushed past the topic of home rule during this year’s meeting.

Last session, Florida legislators filed a host of bills that would erode local control of development across the state and open hundreds of thousands of agricultural acres to developers without local approval. Those measures received significant pushback from local elected officials and advocates across multiple industry sectors.

For example, during the last session, local bipartisan opposition came against Senate Bill 1118 filed by local McClain, R-Marion, because opponents said it would wrest local control of development of cities and counties across the state. Some called it an “attack” on home rule.

With the possibility of local purse strings coming under the state’s authority if locals can’t control real estate taxes, it’s expected to be a hot topic this session as well.

County seeks funding for infrastructure, clean water, and historic preservation

Bryant presented Marion County’s 2026 Legislative Priorities, emphasizing how rapid growth has strained infrastructure, natural resources, and public services. The county’s top appropriation requests total $8 million, including projects to expand clean drinking water, improve roads, and protect local history.

Among the requests:

• Lowell municipal drinking water project – $2.5 million to extend potable water to the Lowell area and state facilities including the Florida State Fire College.
• Marion Oaks Manor extension project – $2 million for design and right-of-way work for a new Interstate 75 flyover bridge.
• Silver Springs swimming restoration – $2.5 million to restore public swimming at Silver Springs State Park.
• Belleview Health Clinic replacement – $250,000 to cover the cost of designing a permanent Florida Department of Health facility in Belleview that is currently housed in a modular building more than 25 years old.
• Ma Barker House Museum improvements – $750,000 for accessibility and infrastructure upgrades at the historic home relocated to Carney Island.

Bryant also urged lawmakers to support a statutory change allowing local governments to use sales tax revenue for operational expenses, flexibility counties currently lack under state law.

“We are asking for changes in the language regarding sales tax to allow communities to use some of that sales tax for operational purposes, therefore being able to lower millage rates,” Bryant told the delegation. “Should property taxes still be here, we’d like the flexibility to use a small portion for operations.”

Bryant said the proposal would give counties “the tools and flexibilities needed to meet growing responsibilities” without over-reliance on property tax hikes.

City of Ocala emphasizes home rule, mental health, and public safety

Dreyer thanked lawmakers for recent infrastructure funding and described the city’s 2026 legislative priorities centered on preserving home rule and maintaining flexibility to address the unique needs of the community.

“Included in our 2026 legislative priorities, our support for Home Rule, continued, property insurance reform, funding for transportation, water infrastructure, mental health services and enhancements for public safety personnel, protecting our springs and providing safe and efficient roadways remain top priorities for both Ocala leadership and our citizens,” Dreyer said.

Dreyer outlined three city appropriation requests:

1. Sewer exfiltration project – $1 million to reduce nutrient pollution entering the Silver and Rainbow Springs;
2. Force main construction – $1 million to expand wastewater capacity;
3. SW 42nd Street and SW Seventh Avenue intersection improvements – $750,000 to enhance pedestrian and vehicular safety.

The city also asked for full funding of the Sadowski Affordable Housing Trust Fund, expansion of the Hometown Heroes program to assist first responders become homeowners, and continued support for property insurance reform and transportation projects.

School board prioritizes attendance reform and workforce training

Marion County Public Schools leaders thanked legislators for the $5.6 million allocated last year for new aviation and diesel mechanic facilities at Marion Technical College (MTC), with programs launching this winter. Interim superintendent Dr. Danielle Brewer said the district is now requesting $3 million to expand trade and technical programs, including a new plumbing program and an expanded commercial driving and electrical apprenticeship facility.

The school board’s legislative priorities also call for:

• Amending state attendance laws to allow districts to intervene after five unexcused absences instead of 15;
• Raising the compulsory school attendance age to begin at 5;
• Increasing Safe Schools allocations to keep pace with security mandates and aging campuses;
• Creating a separate statute for gifted education to standardize identification and funding statewide; and
• Adjusting transportation funding formulas to support large, rural districts like Marion County, where 40,000 students are bused daily across 1,300 square miles.

School Board Member Nancy Thrower said improving attendance and early intervention “helps break the cycle that leads some young people to crime,” adding, “Our priorities are foundational. When kids get a good, solid education, they’re much less likely to turn to crime.”

Legislators pledge follow-up meetings

Delegation Chair Sapp thanked presenters, noting that while the meeting’s three-minute limit kept testimony brief, legislators will “follow up individually with agencies and local governments as we move into the appropriations process.”

Hayes Hinson announced she will not seek re-election. “It has been my greatest honor to serve you,” she said. “I’ve tried to stand on my values as well as honor and respect yours.”

Reps. Grow, Chamberlin, and Gentry echoed  appreciation for local officials, with Chamberlin adding that Marion County “continues to model a remarkable level of collaboration between state and local government.”

Florida Dept Of Health – Belleview

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