Town approves general fund budget

Longboat Key finalized its fiscal year 2017-2018 budget Sept. 25, keeping its same operating millage rate as the previous fiscal year. Overall, the town will see only minor changes to its revenues and expenditures, meaning residents should see similar levels of funding for town services.

The operating millage rate was formalized at 2.1144. The total general fund budget is $16,325,714, a 5.08% increase from last fiscal year. That budget also is projected to use $338,178 in fund balance.

The town saw an increase in property tax values for each county in its jurisdiction. Sarasota County saw a 3.67% increase while Manatee County saw a 8.93% increase, averaging out to 5.17% overall.

Public safety, encompassing services like police and fire, make up 60% of this year’s budget. Another 31% is dedicated to government entities like public works and human recourses.

The new fiscal year begins on Oct. 1.