Manatee County Administrator Downplays Rumors as County Budgeting Process Approaches

Manatee County Administrator Ed Hunzeker

MANATEE COUNTY – In an effort to squelch budget rumors Manatee County Administrator Ed Hunzeker today informed County Commissioners he will deliver a recommended two-year budget to them by June 1.

”On June 1 we will present you with a proposed budget,“ Hunzeker told the Board during a morning discussion. ”Over the next month you’ll hear plenty of rumors over what’s in the budget and what’s not in the budget. At this point in time it’s all rumor.“

Since 2007 Manatee County has trimmed $122 million from its annual operating budget. Declining property values will mean another $8 million revenue reduction in this year’s budget. Hunzeker emphasized that no budget decisions have been made yet and that nearly every agency, department and program funded by the County Commission is subject to potential reduction.

Budget recommendations will firm up over the next month. Throughout May the County’s finance team will balance and re-balance funds to ensure statutory requirements are met during the process.

The public is encouraged to participate in a number of budget workshops when discussions are held for Fiscal Year 2011-12 which begins Oct. 1, 2011. Each of the meetings is open to the public and will be held in the Manatee County Administrative Center. The schedule is as follows:

Wed., June 1, 1:30 p.m. -- Budget Presentation, First Floor Chambers

Mon., June 6, 9 a.m. – Budget Fund Analysis, Fourth Floor Manatee Room
Mon., June 6, 1:30 p.m. – Decision Unit Review, Fourth Floor Manatee Room

Thurs., June 9, 9 a.m. – Decision Unit Review, Fourth Floor Manatee Room

Tues., June 14, 9 a.m. – Capital Improvement Program (CIP) Presentation, Fourth Floor Manatee Room
Tues., June 14, 1:30 p.m. – Constitutional Officers’ Budgets, Fourth Floor Manatee Room

Thurs., June 16, 1:30 p.m. – Decision Unit Review (if needed), Fourth Floor Manatee Room
Thurs., June 16, 6 p.m. – Public Hearing, First Floor Chambers

Thurs., July 28, 9 a.m. – Budget Reconciliation, First Floor Chambers

Budget materials will be available by June 1 at www.mymanatee.org/budget. For more information on Manatee County Government, visit www.mymanatee.org.