County tax collector files for 10th term

Barbara Ford-Coates has filed to run for her 10th term as Sarasota County tax collector. She was first elected tax collector in 1984 and has held the office since.

The Tax Collector’s Office is responsible for collecting property, business and tourist taxes; issuing drivers’ licenses, vehicle registrations, hunting and fishing licenses; and performing other state and local services. The tax collector oversees a staff of 100 and an annual budget of more than $10 million.

"Serving as your tax collector has been an honor and an exciting challenge," Ford-Coates said in a news release. “I hope the voters want to keep the same quality of service and efficiency they have experienced when visiting my office.”

Ford-Coates is being challenged by Sarasota County Commission Chairman and District 1 representative Mike Moran, whose second four-year term expires this year. County commissioners are limited to two terms.