County introduces new budget tool

Sarasota County officials told members of the press today they will use a general budget tool for budget workshops that begin Feb. 23 to help the Sarasota County Commission see in real time how decisions they make will affect revenues, expenses and potential shortfalls several years out.

The new Excel Spreadsheet document will allow staff to crunch numbers at budget workshops instead of telling commissioners they have to get back to them at a later date.

The tool will allow staff to crunch property tax, sales tax and expenses immediately and see how projected revenues, expenses and potential shortfalls are expected through fiscal year 2017.

Commissioners will begin working on a fiscal year 2013 budget next month and must set a millage rate by July 15.

The budget for fiscal year 2013 is expected to be approximately $869 million and commissioners must decide whether or not they are willing to fund expensive items such as a $5 million expense to fund the Mosquito Control and Health And Human Services Department for another year and a $600,000 fingerprint system expense that came up because a grant for the system fell through.

Sarasota County is anticipating a 4% decrease in property values for fiscal year 2013.

For more information, pick up a copy of Thursday’s Jan. 26 Sarasota Observer.

Contact Kurt Schultheis at [email protected].