News briefs

Recommended budget capitalizes on property value increases

Manatee County Administrator Ed Hunzeker’s recommended budget for the 2015-16 uses a gain of approximately $20 million from property tax increases to budget for priorities addressed during an April budget workshop: community health care, employee compensation, animal services, P25 public safety radio and new MCAT routes.

The budget does not include any proposed millage increases. 

Hunzeker recommends allocating $6.9 million toward health care programs for the “working poor,” a 4% increase in employee salaries and continued funding for Manatee’s “no kill” animal services efforts. It also provides for debt service payments toward Manatee’s $15 million portion of the public safety radio system, which it’s purchasing in coordination with Sarasota County, as well as continued funding for MCAT routes, including one connecting Lakewood Ranch to Bradenton Beach by State Road 70.

Six budget workshops will be held June 3 through June 11, with the budget public hearing at 6 p.m. June 11 and the special meting on budget reconciliation and adoption of a tentative millage rate at 1:30 p.m. July 30.

Budget materials are posted at mymanatee.org/budget.

Fertilizer ban takes effect

Manatee County’s fertilizer ordinance went into affect June 1 and runs through Sept. 30. During this time, residents and contractors are prohibited from applying any fertilizers containing nitrogen or phosphorous to lawns or landscaping. 

Correction

The East County Observer incorrectly stated the age of World War II veteran Alma Geraldine Haller, 95, who rode in the Tribute to Heroes Memorial Day Parade, in its May 28 issue. Haller served in the Women’s Army Auxiliary Corps, which later became the Women’s Army Corps.