City enhances financial transparency

In an attempt to enhance financial transparency, the city of Sarasota is now providing more detailed budget information on its website, www.sarasotagov.com.

Monthly revenue and expenditure line items for all city operations can be reviewed within the finance area of the website. From the homepage, under ‘City Departments & Info,’ click ‘Financial Administration,’ then ‘Monthly Finance Reports.’ Year-to-date information is also posted.

Revenue and expenditure line items are provided for each operating fund, district fund, as well as special revenue funds and water and sewer debt service funds. For example, viewers can see how much revenue was generated via right-of-way permits and how much was expended for computer software.

The city has posted monthly financial reports online since 2008. Additional transparency is provided now by drilling down to line items within individual operating funds. It is anticipated even more financial detail will be available in the future.

Budget and financial issues are one of the Sarasota City Commission’s top five priorities. Other priorities include economic development, sustainability, transportation and quality of life.

For more information on financial transparency, contact Finance Director Chris Lyons at 365-2200, ext. 4104
Contact Kurt Schultheis at [email protected].