Commission takes tax to public

After nearly five hours of presentations and public discussion, the Manatee County Board of County Commissioners has agreed to take a decision to fund indigent healthcare costs through a half-cent sales tax to the Manatee County residents.

Following two failed motions — one to adopt the proposed ordinance, but put it on a November ballot and one to deny the proposed ordinance — commissioners voted 4-3 to put the issue on the ballot June 18.

Commissioners said details of the plan, as well as the timing, raised concerns, as many issues that could affect the need for the surtax are still unknown.

For a complete story, see the March 21 issue of the East County Observer.

To view the ordinance, visit http://www.mymanatee.org/home/government/board-of-commissioners/bocc-meetings/agendas-web.html.

Contact Pam Eubanks at [email protected].