City Council Increases Property Millage Tax

BRADENTON -- The Bradenton City Council voted 5-0 to approve a tentative increase in the property millage tax with a new proposed millage of 5.202. Carl Callahan, Bradenton's city clerk and treasurer, stated that even with the increase millage, revenue will remain flat. He said he would like to keep any further cuts away from law enforcement but all other public services will have less operational revenue to work with, adding, "É we cannot reduce city workforce any more." He emphasized that the proposed budget has not been down to this level since 2005. He finished his presentation stating the public service of the City of Bradenton is "still efficient and effective."

Concerns about the low moral among some current employees was shared by all members and they spoke about the difficulty of cutting jobs. Most agreed with Carl Callahan, they felt fewer people at the top and more at the base would be better for the city. Most council members also agreed it would be easier, if persented with the opportunity, to lower the millage rate later then it would be to raise it again -- so they opted for the increased amount now. The next millage budget hearings will be September 12, 2011 at 5:01, pm, and September 21, 2011 at 5:01 pm.