County to consider new fees, taxes

As it enters the final day of its budget workshops, county leaders will discuss ways to balance its budget. They’ll have nearly $17 million less in property-tax revenue to do so this year.

County management offered commissioners a few ways to increase revenue to offset those losses, including a 1% to 10% public-service tax on things such as electricity, natural gas and water.

The tax would raise from $1.5 million to $15 million per year and would only be implemented in the unincorporated parts of the county. Three municipalities, Sarasota, Venice and North Port, already have a similar tax.

Another suggestion was imposing paid parking at county beaches, which would generate between $1.5 million and $2.3 million per year. Commissioners have rejected this in the past.

The commission also will set next year’s millage rate this afternoon.

The total estimated budget for 2011 is $998,060,368, which is down from this year’s $1,003,216,329 budget.

Contact Robin Roy at [email protected].