Preliminary budget forecasted to increase 3%

The Sarasota County Office of Financial Planning released the 2013 fiscal year preliminary budget ahead of two county commission budget workshops next week.

Annual spending is forecasted to grow by 3% to $894.6 million compared to the 2012 fiscal year, with the economic development budget swelling to double what it was last year and planning and development spending dropping by 20%.

The county budget had been on a steady decline from the 2009 fiscal year until 2012. The largest increase in county revenues is expected to come from impact fees, which will increase by 28% for the 2013 fiscal year compared with the previous year.

One reason for the budget uptick in the coming fiscal year is the consideration for greater fuel costs in 2013, said Sarasota County Budget Director Steve Botelho. That affects he operating budget and several public works projects will increase the county's capital spending, he explained.

The Sarasota County Commission will meet on Tuesday, June 12, and Wednesday, June 13, in the third floor think tank at the county administration building for budget workshops beginning at 9 a.m. Another work shop is scheduled for Friday the same week. Bothelo said he expects spending on mosquito management, health and human services and Sarasota County Area Transit to dominate discussion.

County Administrator Randall Reid and the Sarasota County Office of Financial Planning in September will present a final proposed budget to commissioners for approval.

There are public hearings scheduled for Monday, Sept. 10 at the R.L. Anderson administration building in Venice and Monday, Sept. 24 at the Administration Center in Sarasota.

Click here to view the 474-page preliminary budget.

For a detailed analysis of the county budget and a look at its implications for Siesta Key residents and businesses, pick up a copy of the June 14 edition of the Pelican Press.