County advances BMX renovations

Sarasota County commissioners approved the first step toward renovations to the Sarasota BMX track, but questioned a business plan for the future of the park during a meeting today.

Commissioners agreed to spend $31,000 to hire Tandem Construction as the construction manager at risk for the initial phases of the project. The County Commission has already authorized up to $1 million for the project contingent on an operating agreement, and other assumptions, and instructed the County Attorney Stephen DeMarsh to find a method to use a portion of tourist development taxes for additional funding

But, the ambitious business plan Southwest District Parents' Council Inc. presented failed to impress Commissioner Christine Robinson, and the current projected price, $2.1 million, is $400,000 greater than its estimated budget.

The organization expects revenues to grow by eleven times the amount they expect in the current fiscal year to $315,900 in fiscal year 2016. Expenses are expected to increase from $23,660 to $136,214 in the same period. But, the plan includes an assumptions about increasing local membership 25% without explanation of how that would happen, and outlines new costs and revenues without many details.

"I want this business plan modified before it comes back to us," Robinson said.

Facilities Manager Brad Gaubatz assured commissioners the project would settle into its $1.7 million budget as the design process progresses past its current 60% stage.