Manatee commissioners to reconsider healthcare referendum date

The Manatee County Board of County Commissioners today will reconsider when they will place a tax referendum to fund indigent healthcare on the ballot.

The discussion is set for 9:30 a.m. today, at the Manatee County Commission's meeting chambers, 1112 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton.

Board members will discuss whether to hold a public referendum on the proposed half-cent sales tax on June 18, as currently approved, or to move the date to Aug. 6.

The half-cent sales tax, if approved, would generate $23 million. Money would be used to pay for indigent healthcare.

A healthcare trust fund that previously covered costs for care will be depleted in 2015.

Proponents of the tax say it would allow the county to reduce property taxes, thus spreading the costs of care to the entire community, rather than only on property owners.

The meeting can be viewed online at mymanatee.org/mga.

Click here to view the full agenda.

Contact Pam Eubanks at [email protected].