Learn the basics of Sarasota’s budget process at town hall session

City residents are invited to attend a town hall session to learn about Sarasota’s annual budget process from 5:30-7:30 p.m. Tuesday, May 7, in the SRQ Media Studio in the City Hall Annex, 1565 First St.

The town hall will include a 30-minute presentation about the annual budget with an overview of the general fund and special funds, as well as spending restrictions. The presentation will be provided by Financial Administration Director Kelly Strickland, followed by a question-and-answer period.

The fiscal year for the city runs Oct. 1 to Sept. 30. The city is required by Florida statute to adopt a balanced budget each year following two public hearings.

The budget process begins annually in March with each department submitting a proposed budget, followed by individual department meetings with the administration to discuss budgetary needs. During workshops in July, the city manager presents a proposed budget to the City Commission, after which adjustments may be made prior to the commission setting a tentative property millage rate.

Once the millage rate is set, two public hearings are held by the commission in September prior to adopting the next fiscal year’s budget.