County Commissioners approve tentative referendum list

On Monday, Nov. 9, commissioners approved a tentative list of infrastructure improvements and updates. The associated $150 to $170 million cost (based on preliminary estimates) will be funded through additional taxes, if voters agree to pay them.

Staff will also ask commissioners at an upcoming meeting to amend the FY16 budget to allocate $1 million to plan the referendum, which would take place during the Nov. 8, 2016 general election.

In March, commissioners decided to explore the feasibility of funding several public safety projects through a referendum in Nov., 2016. That list of projects that may be considered by voters includes a public safety campus, a new south county courthouse, and public safety and fleet maintenance facilities.

It had originally included a new medical examiner’s facility, a history center and a central energy plant replacement, but those items were removed from the list, which commissioners approved 4-0.

Commissioners had resolved in August to remove the new Medical Examiner’s facility from the list of referendum projects in the absence of a funding commitment from Manatee County, according to a memo from County Administrator Tom Harmer. At the Oct. 29 joint commissioners’ meeting between Sarasota and Manatee counties, both boards agreed Sarasota commissioners should remove the the item.

The 12th District Medical Examiner’s Office, covers Manatee, Sarasota and DeSoto counties. Funds for operation are divided to match the relative populations of each county.

Though it not yet been removed from the list of proposed projects for the referendum, the county fleet maintenance facility is not included in the total referendum estimate given above. That total also excludes 10% contingency costs. According to Sarasota County Spokesman Jason Bartolone, it is unlikely that land to accommodate a joint fleet facility will be found.