Does sales tax make cents?

A proposed half-cent sales tax in Manatee County could reap big rewards for the East County community in terms of community assets, particularly for libraries and parks.

Manatee County Administrator Ed Hunzeker last week released a list of infrastructure-improvement projects Manatee would commit to, if commissioners put the tax on the ballot in November and voters approve it. The list is subject to change, but it’s based primarily on projects already identified by county staff as needed, but unfunded.

It dedicates $1.2 million for a new East County library, as well as $500,000 for an expansion to the Braden River Branch library.

“We haven’t had any expansions in a long time,” Deputy County Administrator Dan Schlandt said. “I think we’ve continued to add people and demand and our number shows the numbers continue to be there.”

Other projects include a fenced dog park at Braden River District Park and new tennis courts at Lakewood Ranch District Park, among others.

“We’re improving a lot of our parks because we built parks over the last 20 years with impact fees,” Hunzeker said. “Tennis court surfaces need fixing and we haven’t had any money for them.”

Hunzeker said the county has been relying on reserves from the housing boom a decade ago, and in 2018, will have to reduce services if a solution is not found for funding the needs associated with aging infrastructure. A Citizens Financial Structure Advisory Board told commissioners in April the 0.5% sales tax, which would increase the county’s total sales tax to 7%, would be the most equitable way to fund the upkeep of aging infrastructure and other needs because it impacts all residents and tourists, not just property owners.

Commissioners will decide whether to put the tax on the ballot June 21, at their regularly scheduled commission meeting at the county administration building, 1112 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton. If approved, voters would decide whether to implement the tax.

Below is a breakdown of projects.

TRANSPORTATION

65% of revenues

• 82 sidewalk projects

• 23 intersection improvements

• 25 major projects, including:

• 37th Street East from 38th Avenue East to State Road 70: Upgrade road to current standards for travel lanes, sidewalks, bike lanes and lighting ($12.97 million)

• Honore Avenue from 83rd Avenue East to Cooper Creek Boulevard: Add two lanes to existing roadway ($2.67 million)

• Upper Manatee River Road from Fort Hamer Bridge to Rye Road: Upgrade road to current standards for travel lanes, sidewalks, bike lanes and lighting ($8.05 million)

PARKS AND FACILITIES

13% of revenues

30 park-related improvements, including:

Braden River District Park

• Construct fenced dog park with pavilions, picnic tables, benches, water fountains and more ($300,000)

• Complete ball field No. 6 renovation to outfield to include soil, grading, rolling and sodding to combat settlement ($250,000)

Lakewood Ranch District Park

• Remove and replace tennis courts ($225,000)

• Remove handball courts and replace with pickle ball courts ($300,000)

• Upgrade tennis court lighting to LED ($250,000)

• Destination shaded playground structure ($937,500)

John H. Marble

• Replace pavilion with new pavilion and restroom ($250,000)

• Repave parking lot ($150,000)

• Facility retrofit Phase II- picnic shelters, pool deck expansion ($500,000)

• Gymnasium replacement, community center ($2.58 million)

Bennett Regional Park

• Install shade structure for existing playground ($30,000)

PUBLIC SAFETY AND LAW ENFORCEMENT

14% of revenues

$1.68 million annually goes toward ... 

• Helicopter replacement

• New facilities

• Jail renovations

• Bariatric ambulance with paramedic training equipment

• 911 and public safety technology upgrades

• Other needs