Neunder to BCC: Key Policy Topics for May 21 Stormwater Workshop

Sarasota Commission Chair Joe Neunder sent this to the Board today:


Policy Topics for consideration/discussion for BOCC

Consolidation of the SEU (Stormwater Environmental Utility) and Fund 440 that should be overseen by a subject matter expert in stormwater management with a goal of creating a state-of-the-art program providing BOTH flood protection and stormwater quality that is truly a model for the rest of Florida. Internal core expertise of staff should be built to proactively manage the technical, operational and customer service aspects of the program. A restructuring would likely require that market rate competitive salaries be considered to attract and retain employees and should be a priority of leadership. County Admin would be responsible for filling said position at direction/funding from the BOCC.

Independent of what business center the SEU resides, at this time it should be its own complete dept, reporting directly to County Admin.

If stormwater funds are desired to maintain roadway projects, then an open and transparent conversation needs to happen addressing legal/policy issues that meet a reasonable “Nexus” test for funding. This should be in writing if not already in existence.




County workers shuttling hundreds of residents from their flooded homes - NPR photo


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