Property tax overhaul may put Longboat Key library in jeopardy

For the time being, progress toward the new Sarasota County library on Longboat Key remains on course. If Florida voters approve the property tax reform referendum in November, though, the county may well check out of the project.

Near the conclusion of the June 17 Sarasota County Commission budget workshop, Director of Capital Projects Carolyn Eastwood told commissioners the library has reached the 70% design stage and that work will continue through completion. 

Eastwood's remarks came during a commission discussion about capital projects at various planning stages that will eventually require annual funding to cover operational costs such as staffing, utilities, maintenance and more.

In addition to the $11 million core library — which would be funded by library impact fees — a Longboat Key philanthropic effort has exceeded a $3.5 million capital campaign goal for enhancements to the library and surrounding property. 

The capital to build the library is separate and apart from the general fund, which pays to operate it and could take as much as an $87 million hit beginning in fiscal year 2029 should the proposed $250,000 homestead exemption take effect. That equals 17% of the projected general fund for fiscal year 2027.

Operating the library, however, at a cost estimated at more than $1 million per year, would come from that property tax-fed general fund, which was enough to give pause to the commissioners regarding a commitment to construction. 

County Administrator Jonathan Lewis said the matter would not come before commissioners prior to the election anyway, so no final decision is needed now.

“Looking at the operating impacts, a partial year in 2028 is almost $740,000, and going from $1.1 million (in 2029) up to $1.4 million in 2031,” Deputy County Administrator and Chief Financial Management Officer Steve Botelho told commissioners about library operations costs.

The $3.5 million in enhancements include a larger meeting space to accommodate about 200, as well as a terrace for outdoor gathering space to provide a connection between the library and the Town Center Green and the Karon Family Pavilion. 

The Library Foundation for Sarasota County has received the majority of the donations for the project and maintain records of all contributions, and those proceeds have been transferred to the county government. 

According to a county spokesperson, in the event the project does not proceed, contributions would be returned to donors. 

"I don't think any of us are saying that these aren't important," said Commissioner Teresa Mast about re-examining projects that include ongoing costs. "We're just saying we have to make some tough decisions. Part of making that tough decision is prioritizing."