What Would You Do With Sarasota's Budget?

Sarasota's budget will be up for residents to hash out their thoughts in September as the city commission wrapped up its budget workshops this week. 

The city's  proposed fiscal 2013 budget is about $178 million. The fiscal year ends on Sept. 30 and begins Oct. 1.

Property values in the city boosted city coffers by $151,575, City Finance Director Christopher Lyons said, but the city is considering to use $1.68 million of a $3 million reserve, or rainy day, fund, to help balance most of a $3 million deficit. The deficit was originally projected at $5.9 million in February before more figures came in, Lyons said.

Helping balance that budget:

• Property tax rate proposed to remain at 2.9249 mills 

• Sewer and water rates to increase by 4 percent

• Four-month hiring freeze to save about $500,000

• Layoff about 10 employees

• $1 million savings in

• Usings $164,000 in fees collected from Florida Power and Light for the general fund

The hiring freeze would be through attrition, where when someone resigns or retires as of Oct. 1, each position would be left vacant for four months, Deputy City Manager Marlon Brown said.

The bulk of the budget is to fund the Sarasota Police Department, and includes a $1.7 million increase in expenses, most from pension cost increase, Lyons said Wednesday.

A modified take-home policy on police cruisers is being considered, but that would be better through impact bargaining, Interim City Manager Terry Lewis said, which is to change conditions of employment and would have to be worked out with the police union.

The new budget also features funding for the first phases of Main Street improvements, roundabouts on U.S. 41 at 10th and 14th streets, Lido Beach sand replenishment and updated Van Wezel Performing Arts Center restrooms and carpeting.

The budget will formally be voted on in September after public hearings, Lyons said.

View the city's budget online.

CHIME IN: Tells us what you would fund or cut to help balance the City of Sarasota budget. Leave a comment below.