Local Government County Administrator Recommends Tax Increase Keeping Millage Rate the Same

BRADENTON — On Thursday, Manatee County Administrator Ed Hunzeker announced his recommended 2015-16 budget of $550 million – $20 million more than the current budget – but suggested there be no tax increase.

Hunzeker sat before a county commission of six (Commissioner Bustle absent) and a room of 30 or more, detailing what he called the county's "five priorities."

Ed Hunzeker

The biggest ticket was $15 million for the county's new regional 800-megahertz P-25 radio system, then $6.9 million for indigent and low-income health care and $6.8 million for employee pay raises. 

Additional requests included $381,456 for the Manatee County Area Transit system expansion and upgrades for the redesign of Animal Services, which came in at an estimated $286,186.

The proposed budget reflects a return of the upward growth within the economy, said Hunzeker. He stated declining property values and a lower tax base presented our local government with great challenges. saying, "I believe we have met those challenges and are ready for a new stage of recovery."

Hunzeker was cautious of zeroing in on exact amounts and said the property appraiser's office will announce the taxable values on July 1, but noted that his figures presume taxable property values will rise by 9 percent.

The county administrator said the budget was $40 million lower than it was in 2007, while still maintaining service levels. He then reflected on years past, saying, "Life in unincorporated Manatee County is truly a bargain."  

Hunzeker recommended not funding new tax supported positions for constitutional offices, but does support a 4 percent raise for constitutional officers. 

Infrastructure cost, impact fees and transportation were subjects that were associated with recent bond debt. Hunzeker cited the 44th Avenue project's cost and said, "That will have to come out of future impact fees."

Commissioner Charles Smith said he wants to know where the increased funds in the budget are going, and alluded to, "I have neighborhoods that don't have any sidewalks or lighting." Smith said he wanted to discuss the issue, adding, "No Commissioner should be up here arguing about sidewalks and lights. They are basic qualities of life."

Raising taxes often slipped into the conversation between the administrator and commissioners, when their squeaky wheels became conversation, but Hunzeker would often refer to the importance of rebuilding the reserve and protecting the county's credit rating. 

In September, the commission will adopt a budget, after a series of public meetings. 

The first budget summary will be on June 3 at 1:30 p.m.At 1:30 p.m., in the Manatee Room on the 4th floor of the administration building; then June 8 and June 9 will bring more discussion, same time and place. On June 10 there will be a meeting for Constitutional Officers, also in the Manatee Room at 1:30 p.m., and June 11, again same place and time for capital appropriations. On July 30 at 6 p.m. there will be a special meeting on setting the mill rate.