Manatee County cuts tax rate, funds major improvement projects with 2023 budget approval
Manatee County finalized its tax rate Tuesday evening when county commissioners unanimously approved a $2.4 gross budget for the upcoming fiscal year.
Commissioners approved a 6.2326 tax rate, which is a reduction of 1.5 mills from last year, despite a new environmental lands tax approved by voters in November 2020 that is being levied this year. Although the tax rate went down, homeowners are still expected more in overall taxes due to the increase in real estate values.
The board also approved a $1.2 billion capital improvement plan that invests $320 million into projects this year and allocates a total of $2.3 billion overall by the fiscal year 2027.
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It represents the largest five-year CIP in the county’s history, with $435 million earmarked for transportation, $132 million for parks, and $48 million for public safety.
County officials secured $232 million in bonds this week to speed up 19 projects. They will be paid back at a 4.09% interest rate over the next 30 years.
Highlights this year include $6 million in funding to expand the Bishop Animal Shelter, $18.3 million to update the size of the Premier Sports Complex swimming pool to 50 meters and build the $17.7 million Lakewood Ranch Library.
The CIP also includes major transportation projects on Fort Hamer Road, including an expansion of the bridge across the Manatee River. The project will receive about $95 million from multiple sources, and Manatee County’s contribution will be decided at a future time.
The county is also moving forward with its "Big 6" transportation projects that include improvements on 59th Street West, 75th Street West, 63rd Avenue East, Lena Road, Lorraine Road, and Upper Manatee River Road.
Funded, not funded
The budget included funding for 55 new county staff positions, including 17 staff members for the new Lakewood Ranch Library and 16 utility technician jobs.
The county also fully funded the Manatee County Sheriff's Office budget request for a total of $172 million.
The county did not fund this year’s request by Manatee County Clerk of Circuit Court and Comptroller Angelina Colonneso, who criticized County Administrator Scott Hopes in a scathing letter sent to the county commissioners in May.
She received funding for an accountant and two positions but was denied a request for two additional inspector general positions. Colonesso created the inspector general's office in 2019. Findings by the office played a significant role in an investigation that uncovered favoritism in the county's building and services department publicized in March.
The county also did not fund a request by the Holmes Beach Police Department for more funding to patrol the Manatee County public beach and Kingfish Boat Ramp.
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The department has played a role in decisions to decrease the speed limit on Gulf Drive to 25 mph and in the reduction of roadside beach parking available for visitors in the city. The decisions have led to heated and public disputes between city and county officials.
During public comment, Lt. Brian Hall said the two areas have seen an increase in activity, and the department requested additional funding to respond to demand. The county did maintain the $46,000 in funding that was previously in place.
This article originally appeared on Sarasota Herald-Tribune: Manatee County cuts tax rate with 2023 budget approval
