Cuts will not affect East County

EAST COUNTY — Although Manatee County will reduce its fiscal year 2011/12 net budget by $16.7 million from this year, cuts will have little direct impact on East County residents, county officials say.

County Administrator Ed Hunzeker and Financial Director Jim Seuffert said many of the budget reductions are due to reductions in workload and will not require serious disruptions to county programs. Additionally, the county plans to use $50 million in budget stabilization reserves over the next four years until revenues and expenses return to an equilibrium.

The county administrator has eliminated 54 jobs as part of his balanced budget proposal. The Parks and Recreation Department will feel the brunt of the layoffs with 17 positions lost, while the Property Management Department is taking the next hardest hit with seven positions eliminated.

The recommended budget also includes an $8 million reduction in property taxes, as well as a 3% increase for both water and sewer fees. County millage is set to remain the same at 6.2993, as recommended by Hunzeker.

Commissioners on Monday began delving into the budget line item by line item, and will host a public hearing on the budget June 16.

“This is in the very early stages,” Manatee County Commissioner Donna Hayes said. “We still have a long way to go.”

Budget documents show the administrator’s proposed budget recommends funding for only two of the East County’s parks — Bennett and Conservatory parks, both of which are being partially funded through a Florida Communities Trust Grant.

Bennett Park, located at 280 Cypress Creek Road near the State Road 64 Walmart, will receive $54,185 of $142,140 requested for this year. The passive recreation park was slated to have its first phase completed this summer.

The county expects to start construction on Conservatory Park, located between the Sonoma and Palm Aire communities, later this year. The 55-acre park will include a canoe/kayak launch, pier and observation area and more. The administrator is recommending funding all of the $31,206 requested.

Funding for Fort Hamer Park/rowing and Creekwood Park is not being recommended.

Hayes said although the county is cutting funds for libraries, the Braden River Branch Library will not be affected.

The county’s budget has declined cumulatively by $137 million over the past five years.

To view budget documents, visit www.mymanatee.org.

Appropriation by function
Physical environment — 30% ($136 million)
Public safety — 29% ($132 million)
General government — 16% ($73 million)
Human services — 6% ($27 million)
Other — 6% ($25 million)
Capital Outlay — 5% ($21 million)
Culture & recreation — 4% ($20 million)
Transportation — 4% ($20 million)
Recommended budget — ($454 million)


Contact Pam Eubanks at [email protected].