Orlando officials say that if Gov. Charlie Crist is successful in his push to overhaul the state's property-tax system, they could be forced to raise tax rates to avoid deep cuts in services.

If Crist's plan were in effect today, it would trim at least $27.2 million from the city's general budget -- about 8 percent, according to the city's chief financial officer, Ray Elwell.

Last week, Crist announced that he wants the Legislature to call a special election so voters can decide whether to double the state's $25,000 homestead exemption and expand the Save Our Homes property-tax cap to include businesses, second homes and houses owned by out-of-state residents. He also would allow homeowners to carry those tax-cap savings with them when they move to new homes.

Crist said cities and counties need to be more disciplined in their spending of tax dollars. But local government officials across the state have made dire predictions about the effect of Crist's tax plan.

Orlando City Commissioner Patty Sheehan said she wants to protect homeowners hit with rising tax bills, but the governor's plan could force the city to slash services.

"Sooner or later you have to pay for things," Sheehan said. "What is it you don't want? Do you not want police officers? Do you not want firefighters?"

Doubling the homestead exemption would remove $4.9 million from the budget. But the biggest impact would come from extending the Save Our Homes benefit, which mandates that property assessments can increase no more than 3 percent a year, to businesses, second homes and out-of-state owners. Elwell said that would have reduced the city's budget by $21.9 million this year.