Sarasota County budget talks continue

Sarasota County will have the largest budget in nearly five years if commissioners approve the 2014 fiscal year budget.

County staff will recommend a preliminary budget set at $1.02 billion during a workshop scheduled for Wednesday, June 12. The total expenditures in the projected budget will increase 14% from about $896 million in the 2013 fiscal year, according to a staff presentation.

The preliminary budget includes about 100 new full-time employees and a 3% pay increase for non-bargaining employees.

Further budget highlights include:
• A $155 million estimated capital budget, which more than doubles the $65 million capital budget from the previous fiscal year
• The only reduced budget for elected/appointed officials is a 9% drop in the budget for the Supervisor of Elections Office
• The State Attorney’s Office and Clerk of the Circuit Court submitted budgets with 19% increases over the previous fiscal year
• $14.2 million projected collections from tourist development taxes

IF YOU GO
What: Sarasota County Commission budget workshop
When 10 a.m. Wednesday, June 12
Where: Administration Building, Third Floor Think Tank, 1660 Ringling Blvd.