Suncoast groups warn tax vote hits services

NAMI Central Suncoast and United Way Suncoast warned on Monday that Amendment 3, a proposed property tax relief measure for Florida homeowners, could reduce county funding for local mental health services. The ballot measure is scheduled for Election Day, with polls opening in approximately 12 hours.

NAMI Central Suncoast relies on grants from Sarasota and Manatee counties to provide free peer support, education classes, and outreach. CEO Colleen O'Neil Thayer stated that if the amendment passes, the organization may need to reduce the number of support groups and classes available. She clarified that the group does not expect to close entirely, but the level of service could change.

Jennifer Propsem, a current NAMI staff member who first sought help in 2020, described the difficulty of finding care for her daughter. She said insurance barriers and age restrictions previously blocked access to treatment. Propsem now works with families facing similar crises. She warned that any reduction in family and youth programs would be detrimental, noting that NAMI is already operating near capacity.

United Way Suncoast CEO Kourtney Sanchez said nonprofits will face a double challenge: more people seeking help while government funding decreases. Sanchez stated that philanthropy alone cannot replace lost public funds. She described the situation as nonprofits bridging gaps created by the amendment's budget implications.

Both organizations said they are not taking an official position for or against Amendment 3. Instead, they are working to educate the community about the potential financial impact on local services. The groups are preparing for various outcomes as the election approaches.

The vote will determine whether certain homeowners receive tax relief. In exchange, local governments and county budgets may face adjustments that affect funding for nonprofit partners. Sarasota and Manatee counties currently provide the financial base for NAMI's free programs.

Sanchez emphasized that the gap between public funding and private philanthropy is widening. Thayer reiterated that the primary risk is a reduction in the volume of services rather than a complete cessation of operations. Both leaders urged voters to consider the local service impact when casting their ballots.