County commissioners are calling for cuts to 2007's proposed $1.1 billion budget. This is despite receiving the news that Sarasota County is anticipating a 24 percent increase in the value of its property tax base by 2007.

Sarasota County Commissioner Jon Thaxton told his colleagues during Thursday's budget workshop that the county should not become dependent on its booming real estate values. He insisted that commissioners should reduce the county's property tax rate more than the 0.25 mills proposed by County Administrator James Ley.

He recommended commissioners consider including more than $29.4 million in new or improved services to the public in the 2007 budget even though Ley agreed that the "wild economic ride" driving the value of Sarasota County's property tax base may eventually slow.

Shannon Staub, Sarasota County Commissioner, said she understood Ley's desire to address some of the outstanding needs of the county while the property tax value is so high. She said she was shocked to learn that the estimated property tax value for next year is scheduled to increase to $57.6 million.

On the other hand, Sarasota County Commissioner Nora Patterson argued that taxpayers are being hit hard enough and they need a break. She said that she expected an increase, but not that much of an increase.

By M. Sese
http://realestatepress.org