Budget Boom or Growth Gone Wild? Nassau’s Spending Triples While Population Creeps

Everyone’s heard it: “Nassau County is one of the fastest-growing counties in the nation.” It’s a headline repeated so often, you’d think we were the next Austin or Atlanta. But the real story isn’t just in the people moving here — it’s in the dollars.

Yes, Nassau’s population has grown. But it’s the budget that’s grown faster — and far more dramatically.

By the Numbers:

Population (2014): 76,536
Population (2023 est): 103,990
Growth: +27,454 people → 36% increase

Meanwhile…

County Budget (2014): $169 million
County Budget (2023): $481 million
Growth: +$312 million → 185% increase

That’s right: population rose 36% over 10 years, but the budget nearly tripled.

So what’s driving the spending?

Cost Per Resident Doubled

Back in 2014, the County spent $2,200 per resident.
In 2023, that number is now over $4,600 per resident.

Even when accounting for inflation, that’s a staggering increase. Are we getting double the services? Or just double the government?

What About Employees?

Non-public safety employees added: 106 over 10 years → 52% increase
All employees including police, fire, EMS: 272 new hires → 50% increase

This hiring pace is actually slightly better than the population growth — a sign that staffing levels are not necessarily the problem. So again, we ask:

Rising Property Values = Quiet Tax Hikes

Here’s the kicker: even if the millage rate stays the same, rising property values mean the county collects more tax revenue every year. A LOT more.

It’s like getting a raise without telling your boss. If you don’t lower the rate when values spike, the public pays more automatically. Most residents don’t even realize it’s happening — but their wallets do.

Time for Transparency

We aren’t saying growth doesn’t cost money. But nearly a HALF BILLION DOLLARS is a big number. And if that budget is going to continue growing at this pace, taxpayers deserve clear answers — and real accountability.

Where is the money going?
Are results improving along with revenue?
Is the County getting more efficient or just more bloated?

What NassauFLDOGE Recommends

Independent budget audit or bring in State of Florida DOGE staff to do the audit
Bring in outside eyes to examine where the growth is happening and why.
Zero-based budgeting
Start each year’s budget from scratch — not last year’s spending.
Transparent performance metrics
Link spending to outcomes. Don’t just grow government — measure its value.
Adjust the millage rate when property values surge
Don’t use inflation as a hidden tax increase.

The data is clear. The budget is outpacing the people. Let’s stop that trend and fix it now.

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Reconsideration of the Westside Regional Park Investment

Petition to the Nassau County Board of County Commissioners

Subject: Reconsideration of the Westside Regional Park Investment

Dear Commissioners,

We, the undersigned residents of Nassau County, respectfully submit this petition regarding the allocation of public funds toward the development of the Westside Regional Park.

It would surprise many to learn that 82.7% of all Nassau County Ad Valorem taxes are paid by properties located east of Interstate 95. Yet, the County has programmed $22.86 million into the Westside Regional Park, located 20 miles west of Interstate 95 — a location largely inaccessible to the majority of residents who are funding it.

This project spans over 100 acres with an estimated construction cost of $21 million. Although the land was purchased in 2007 for $1.09 million, it has taken 17 years to bring forward a plan, raising additional concerns about the project's long-term viability and true priority.

Over 67% of Nassau County’s population lives in the easternmost zip codes of 32034 and 32097, areas where residents would have to travel up to 35 miles to access the park. Research shows that individuals living more than 10 miles away from a park are unlikely to use it regularly, if at all.

In short: the taxpayers bearing the largest burden for this project are the least likely to benefit from it.

Given these facts, we have serious concerns about whether the Westside Regional Park is the most responsible and equitable use of taxpayer dollars.

We respectfully request the following:

A full public reassessment of the Westside Regional Park's location, accessibility, and return on investment.
Consideration of alternative investments in parks and recreation facilities that are more geographically equitable and accessible to the majority of Nassau County taxpayers.
Greater transparency and opportunity for public input regarding major capital projects moving forward.

We urge you to pause further expenditures on this project until a thorough and transparent review is conducted.

It is time for Nassau County to ensure that public funds are invested fairly, wisely, and in ways that serve the entire community — not just a select portion of it.

Thank you for your attention to this important matter.

We look forward to your leadership and stewardship of our county’s future.

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