This Week in Manatee Governments, July 26-30, 2010

MANATEE COUNTY -- Summer recess is over and local governments are back in full swing this week. Each and every one of them face the daunting task of balancing budgets with drastically reduced revenues. So far, we've seen creative efforts to pool resources, reduce cost duplication and save jobs when at all possible, while still providing the level of service that citizens demand. In most cases, I've been very impressed. This year looks like it is the last opportunity to creatively refocus resources without as many of the most painful cuts that will likely need to come next.

Monday, July 26

The Sarasota-Manatee MPO will vote on a priority list for the Congestion Management System and a presentation of the Bradenton-Palmetto Downtown Mobility Study, among the items on this month's agenda.

Sarasota-Manatee MPO
9:30 a.m.
USF Sarasota-Manatee Campus
Selby Auditorium
8350 N. Tamiami Trail,
Bradenton

Public Hearings on food allergy and student progression policies are among the items on this month's school board agenda.

Manatee School Board Meeting
5:45 p.m.
Manatee School Board Building
215 Manatee Avenue West
Bradenton


The City of Palmetto will officially vote for the millage rate agreed upon this week. An update on the 23rd Street realignment/baseball issue will also be given. Click here for agenda.
 
Palmetto City Council Meeting
4:30 p.m. work session
7:00 p.m. meeting
City Hall Commission Chambers
516 8th Avenue West
Palmetto

Tuesday, July 27

Just when you thought you could celebrate a victory for the little guy... The Manatee County BCC returns from summer recess to another effort by Neal Communities regarding the previously defeated and hotly contested Robinson Farms comp change application. Click here for the agenda.

Manatee Board of County Commissioners Meeting
9 a.m. (Port Authority 2 pm)
BOCC Chambers, 1st Floor
County Administrative Center
1112 Manatee Avenue West
Bradenton



Thursday, July 29

As budget season comes down to crunch time, the BCC will continue to attempt to reconcile its shrinking budget resources with the vital services citizens demand. Click here for the agenda.

Manatee Board of County Commissioners Budget Reconciliation Meeting
9 a.m.
BOCC Chambers
1st Floor
County Administrative Center
1112 Manatee Avenue West
Bradenton