County votes to adopt budget tonight

The Manatee County Board of County Commissioners will adopt a final budget at its last public hearing, 6 p.m., Thursday night. 

They will vote on a $530 million budget that keeps the millage rate the same as today — 6.2933 mills for property owners in incorporated areas and 6.9102 mills for unincorporated property owners.

Although the rates are unchanged, homeowners will pay more in property taxes due to a countywide average 4% increase in property values.

The increased property values will give the county an additional $1.2 million in revenue, which the board decided to give to Manatee County Sheriff Brad Steube to hire more personnel.

Contact Josh Siegel at [email protected].