News Briefs 05.27.10

+ Manatee County cuts 60 more jobs
Manatee County has eliminated 60 positions to prepare for upcoming budget cuts.

County Administrator Ed Hunzeker said the county has calculated property tax revenue will be down at least 12%, or about $24 million, next year, and more cuts are anticipated.

Hunzeker is expected to present his proposed budget to the Manatee County Board of County Commissioners at their meeting May 27.

+ Tea Party hosts candidate discussion
Candidates for the Manatee County Board of County Commissioners and the Manatee County School Board discussed their platforms during the Tea Party Manatee’s Meet Your Candidates Forum May 23 at Mixon Fruit Farms.

About 200 voters attended the event to hear county commission District 4 candidates Norm Luppino, Tim Norwood, Robin DiSabatino and Roger Galle discuss county issues.

School board candidates Julie Aranibar, Albert Yusko and Jane Pfeilsticker (District 3); Barbara Harvey (District 1); and Karen Carpenter (District 5) also attended the event.