Is Sarasota's Commission being coerced into raising Stormwater rates?

At 9 a.m. this Friday, September 5, the County Commission will hold its fourth Stormwater workshop. This discussion will include an administration proposal to increase our annual stormwater assessment to the tune of an additional $5 million per year.

But wait:

  • Didn't the county raise our annual stormwater assessment just a couple years ago to bring in over $10 million in additional revenue?
  • Do we not have federal grants of which $75 million is allocated for stormwater maintenance dredging?
  • Aren't Sarasota County customers already paying more per capita for stormwater management than any other county in Florida?

County administrator Jonathan Lewis says we need another increase. But last year, Stormwater "forgot" it had $15.7 million sitting in another account. 

Here's an odd thing: When the Board meets on Friday to consider another increase, there is no non-increase option. Lewis has only put before them the choice between a higher or lower increase. 

Why is that, Mr. Lewis? Must the Board comply with your determination? Why and on what grounds have you solely decided that we must have this increase?  

The fact is, we have the money -- we need to properly manage and prioritize how it is used.


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