Sarasota Mayor Ohlrich Takes Oath as Amendment 3 Threatens $5.6 Million in Local Funds
The new leadership faces a constitutional tax cut that passed statewide despite local opposition, forcing the city to restructure its budget immediately.
By Anthony Foster ·
Kathy Kelley Ohlrich assumed the role of Sarasota mayor on Friday, taking office at a ceremony marked by laughter and tears. The transition occurred under the weight of Amendment 3, a constitutional measure that Florida voters approved on Tuesday. The new law cuts property taxes and forces a major overhaul of city and county budgets across the state.
The city projects a loss of $5.6 million in the coming year due to the amendment. An Economic Policy Institute study estimates the change will remove $12 billion from local budgets statewide. That study also identifies 123,000 jobs in Florida as being at risk. The amendment raises the homestead property tax exemption to $250,000 by 2028. It received 62% of the statewide vote.
Ohlrich, Liz Alpert, and Ahearn-Koch now hold a majority on the city commission. Ahearn-Koch was elected vice mayor. The three officials rose through local politics by working in neighborhood associations. Ohlrich managed Ahearn-Koch’s campaigns in 2018 and 2022. This bloc will oversee decisions on parking enforcement, a new sound ordinance, and land use development.
Outgoing Mayor Debbie Trice noted that Sarasota residents voted against the measure. Most voters in the city opposed the initiative, Trice said. “The voters in our city, most of the voters, who I am so proud of, recognized that Amendment 3 would do more harm than good,” Trice said. “Unfortunately, it’s the statewide vote that counts.”
City Manager Karie Friling released a statement one day after the vote. The city is conducting a comprehensive financial analysis of the impact. “Our responsibility is not simply to react to this decision, but to plan responsibly for the future,” Friling said. The administration will evaluate options and communicate with employees and the community.
Commissioners addressed the amendment during their remarks. Alpert said the next several years would be challenging. Kyle Battie described the local rejection of the measure as a display of resident selflessness. He accepted the new reality as budget season begins. “We’ll get through it as we’ve gotten through so much,” Battie said.
Ohlrich pledged to guide the commission toward a shared purpose. She noted that this common goal has been fuzzy in recent years. “Now is the time to clarify it by developing a new strategic plan that guides our decision-making,” Ohlrich said.
