Subject:
Title
Resolution adopting Municipal Services Taxing Unit Special Project Funding Program guidelines.
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Recommended Action:
Recommended Action
Adoption of a resolution to establish Municipal Services Taxing Unit (MSTU) special project funding program guidelines.
• This program was created in Fiscal Year 2016 by the Board of Couty Commissioners to support nonprofits in the unincorporated areas.
• This resolution will establish a formal policy for the MSTU special projects funding program.
• The formalization of this program will establish clear and consistent guidelines, including a maximum funding award of $25,000.00 per project per year, a single quarterly application period, and a limit of one application per project.
• This resolution, by itself, has no fiscal impact on Pinellas County. Funding for the MSTU Special Project Program is included in the Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 Budget for General Government within the General Fund. There is a total of $310,108.94 (which includes $220,000.00 of new funding in FY26) remaining available balance for Board approved MSTU projects (pending a future Board approval of a carry forward budget amendment).
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Strategic Priorities:
Smart Service Delivery
4.4 Pursue continuous improvement.
Summary:
Summary
The proposed resolution establishes formal guidelines for the Municipal Services Taxing Unit (MSTU) Special Projects Funding Program. Originally created in FY16 by the Board of County Commissioners to support nonprofit organizations serving unincorporated areas, the program has operated without a formally adopted policy. Adoption of this resolution will formalize the program and provide clear, consistent guidelines for entities applying for funding, ensuring transparency and uniformity in the application and review process.
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Background Information:
The MSTU Special Projects Funding opportunity was created by the Board of County Commissioners for the purpose of supporting projects that enhance community and neighborhood opportunities in unincorporated areas of Pinellas County. These MSTU Special Project Funding Awards are intended to support culture, recreation, and community engagement opportunities for residents in unincorporated areas that are comparable to those opportunities which municipalities typically provide to their residents.
Fiscal Impact:
This resolution, by itself, has no fiscal impact on Pinellas County.
Staff Member Responsible:
BJ Gavin, Amy Davis, and Audrey Ables, Community Coordinators
Partners:
N/A
Attachments:
Municipal Service Taxing Unit Special Project Guidelines Revisions from Work Session
Municipal Service Taxing Unit Special Project Guidelines Resolution
MSTU Guidelines Resolution AATF for BCC Meeting