Additional funding for law enforcement, fire, and emergency services is being allocated to Central Florida as Orange County closely examines the current needs for ensuring public safety.
The budget reflects the county’s commitment to emphasizing the importance of safety. The initial Orange County budget workshop focused on supporting first responders and public service personnel who safeguard the community.
A total of $860 million is proposed for Orange County’s public safety departments, marking a $100 million increase compared to last year’s budget.
In addition to creating new positions to enhance operations, Orange County Fire Rescue’s $300 million budget includes the expansion of its Marine Rescue program, increasing the number of stations with boats from 11 to 20.
Among other notable allocations in the public safety sector, the corrections department aims to invest in technology.
Their budget includes the implementation of a drone detection system and funding to address the recruitment and retention of corrections officers, an ongoing issue that has resulted in significant overtime expenses for the county.
Wednesday’s budget workshop is the first of several sessions that will take place before the finalization of the budget.
