Police, Fire Cuts Loom in Hillsborough

Tampa Police

Cuts to police, fire stations parks and libraries could be facing Hillsborough County residents if tax cuts proposed in Tallahassee become a reality.

Tax relief for homeowners coming out of the upcoming special legislative session could hit home - hard. That's the message Friday from Hillsborough County Administrator Pat Bean. She unveiled a series of possible cuts to everything from senior programs to new fire stations, if lawmakers order property tax cuts.

Bean says depending on how much of a tax cut is given, Hillsborough County may have to trim between $46 million and $217 million. That would include seven new library branches that are scheduled to be built or enlarged, 10 new fire stations and the elimination of 45 jobs.