Sarasota County went "live" on Monday, June 8, to take questions about the upcoming budget deliberations.
Broadcasting from the county studios on Ringling Boulevard on two cable television channels, and streaming live video through the county website to the Internet, residents could see and hear the responses.
The 90-minute program covered a broad range of issues, but perhaps the most important question was the last one, answered by County Administrator Jim Ley: Have we bottomed out?
"No. The system we use lags a year behind in tax assessments, " he said. "So I doubt next year is going to be any better than this one."
It was the only truly negative statement of the evening. Every other answer had a positive spin.
Q: How much less is the public going to receive in services?
A: "The level of service cuts will be spread across the board and will be barely discernible by the public," said county commission Chairman Jon Thaxton.
Q: "Will Animal Services be reduced?"
A: "We haven’t had any workshops yet, but I hope the level of service will be consistent with last year’s," said Ley
Q: "In this climate, should we be buying more endangered lands now?"
A: "This is a voter-approved program, and we cannot divert money from it for other uses. Frankly now is a very good time to be purchasing real estate," said Thaxton.
Q: "What changes will be made to libraries?"
A: Sarabeth Kalajian, director of library services, was called forward to handle this question. "We’re putting together a variety of strategies to bring some immediate efficiencies. There are more people at the libraries these days. One possible change would be a reduction from 432 hours [per week] to 422 hours," she said.
Q: "Will you be turning it over to a private contractor?"
A: "An independent panel is evaluating a [request for information] for privatization of the library system," Kalajian said. "However, we can expect the county will have direct control over library services."
Ley added, "The county will always own its libraries. But there may be a different way we stack books on the shelves, or staff the research desk."
Q: "Will you be closing any libraries?"
A: "All of our strategies keep all the libraries open," said Kalajian.
Q: "Should the county charge a flat $5 fee for parking permits?"
A: "It was considered last year, but the board said, No,’" said Ley. "It would generate about $2 million per year," said Thaxton.
Q: "Could the tourist development tax help pay for general fund shortfalls?"
A: "The board of county commissioners is seriously contemplating a fifth cent," said Thaxton, "to see if things could be funded with the TDT that are now paid for with ad valorem taxes."
Ley reminded the audience that the county has eliminated 250 jobs and has laid off 175 workers. Budget Director Steve Botelho reminded everybody the county commission goes into budget workshops on June 16, 17 and 19.
June 11th 2009 - 7:01AM