BROOKSVILLE - With the latest estimates of property values falling further than anticipated, Hernando County now estimates that its budget deficit for the coming fiscal year will climb another $2.1 million - to $10.4 million.

Property appraiser Alvin Mazourek announced last week that county property values dropped by more than 13 percent from 2008 to 2009. The 2009 value is what local governments will use to determine property tax revenue they can expect for the coming budget year. The county's 2010-11 fiscal year begins Oct. 1, and budget discussions and public hearings will take place this summer.

County budget and finance director George Zoettlein had a plan for budget cuts and readjustments for the original $8.3 million, but he told the County Commission on Tuesday that he will have to go back to the drawing board and find additional dollars.