County considers shrinking mowing responsibilities

Sarasota County residents could be required to maintain grass in public areas near their properties, as county staff aim to relieve some pressure on the the general fund.

During a budget workshop Wednesday, county commissioners will consider a proposal to eliminate the upkeep of 704 miles of roadways in order to save as much as $700,000 annually, said Spencer Anderson, a senior manager with the public works department. The county currently pays contractors to mow unmaintained portions of about 1,300 acres.

The proposal would go through public hearings, and county staff will reach out to neighborhood groups for input following commissioners’ decision.

“It will all be open and public,” Anderson said.

The move would save money and also bring the county’s policies in line with those of the city of Sarasota and Venice, which do not maintain residential rights-of-ways.

According to a staff presentation, the plan could increase the demand for code enforcement and decrease citizen satisfaction with county services. If approved, the policy would take affect Sept. 30.

Commissioners will also hear an economic forecast from University of Central Florida economist Sean Snaith, who serves as director of the school’s Institute for Economic Competitiveness, during Wednesday’s workshop.