Sarasota County commissioners consider new programs for 2016 budget

Sarasota County commissioners received the first preview of possible programs which could be budgeted in to Fiscal Year 2016.

County staff presented the annual surtax discussion to the board at today's budget workshop and showed commissioners several new programs different departments had developed to address critical needs in the county. 

The surtax, or infrastructure surtax, are the 1 cent sales tax that are divvied up to pay for capital improvement projects, the school district and all municipalities. In fiscal year 2015, the county received 48.3% of the surtax (0.0048 of a penny); the school district received 25%, and municipalities, 26.7%. Total revenue amount for the county from this surtax in fiscal year 2014 was $31.6 million.

The Parks, Renovation, Upgrade and Replacement program, for which the Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources is requesting $980,000 to fund, in the next 5-year budget cycle, listed 19 projects deemed critical for funding, from tennis court resurfacing to ADA improvements. However, commissioners hesitated to agree to a $60,000 repair project for the Manhattan Produce Building in Venice. Located on the Legacy Trail, the coutny has considered making this a pit-stop for trail users. 

Commissioners questioned the practicality of funding any major rennovations to the building until after the completion of the Parks and Recreation Master Plan, for which the commissioners approved a nearly $300,000 contract to hire a consultant for the plan in February. 

"Given that we just approved that contract, it's unusual to have this (proposal)," Commissioner Paul Caragiulo said. 

The board also saw a railroad crossing improvement program, which would give railroad crossings in the county some maintenance upgrades and enhancement. County staff reported that the railroad company would provide the work for the upgrades; the county would pay for it. Proposed funding is $2.5 million. 

County staff will bring the proposed 5-year fiscal year surtax priorities back to the board for approval at the May 15 budget workshop.