Local Government Palmetto Given Option to Outsource Redistricting Logistics

PALMETTO -- Scott Rudacille from Kirk - Pinkerton P. A. presented the Palmetto City Commission with the option of outsourcing the redistricting logistics for the City of Palmetto at a Monday workshop. He proposed a team from the Florida State University draw up the boundaries. Commissioners were having second thoughts about strangers drawing the lines.

The city is obligated to present to the state legislature with the new boundaries if they choose to do so. Taking not only that into consideration, but Commissioner Lancaster's resignation, and the data from the 2010 census that found a considerable drop in Ward 1's population, the city attempted to personally make redistricting adjustments rather than leave it for state legislators.

Ward 1 lost 680 of its residents, according to the recent census, and Commissioners are curious to whether the figures are correct. To allow for the changes it will take to keep all of the demographic proportions that are mandated for redistricting, all three wards will need adjustment. The team at Florida State University, that has been contracted out to draw-up the boundaries, will not have the last say to how they will appear. It might take as much as two months to work through the process.

Commissioners trying to keep within budget, got the university to agree to a 10 percent discount, taking the cost for the work to $9,000 from $10,000. Commissioners are concerned about a group in Tallahassee drawing up boundaries for their neighborhood. Commissioner Cornwell said, "They don't know a thing about our neighborhoods. We want to make sure it is done by someone who knows the place." Cornwell was the dissent vote.

In other Workshop business, Palmetto's financial team received their sixth continuos Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (CAFR) Award. Department Clerk of Finance, Karen Simpson, Senior Accountant, Cheryl Miller, and Accountant Matt Misco proudly stand before the commission, holding their award, getting praise for another job well done.