Sarasota County budget set to fall 6%

While Sarasota County is set to add more than 100 new employees in the next fiscal year, its overall budget is slated to fall nearly 6%. If approved, it will be the first time the county’s budget has decreased since the 2012 fiscal year

Commissioners will meet for a budget workshop Wednesday to discuss the $1.08 billion preliminary budget, which includes a 2% increase in operating spending and 5% more general fund expenditures than the previous year. The county aims to hold its millage rate steady at 3.39, which remains the second lowest rate in Florida.

County spokesman Jason Bartolone said the decrease is primarily due the county’s debt spending being $100 million less than the previous year. Financial staff negotiated lower rates on surtax, solid waste and utilities bonds for the coming fiscal year.

But, the county’s operating budget continues an upward trajectory it has followed since the 2011 fiscal year, with the parks, recreation and natural resources department planning for a 19% increase in operating costs and a 13% increase in its overall budget. 

"The budget increased due to growing (capital improvement plan) operating impacts, expanded resources for Siesta Beach and a shift of maintenance costs at Benderson Park,” according to a staff presentation.

On the revenue side, staff expect impact fees to increase 48% to $19.9 million and property taxes to jump 7% to $149.9 million. Tourist development taxes, which have been on a steady incline, are expected to increase 8% to $18.2 million.