Issue link: https://newsleader.uberflip.com/i/157038
Sarasota News Leader August 23, 2013 During their May 14 budget workshop, the commissioners split 3-2 on a vote to change the reserve policy. At that time, the county's chief financial planning officer, Steve Botelho, reported that the action would give them an extra $8,131,269 that they could choose to spend in the coming fiscal year. Page 42 That was authorization for the county to buy a specific type of boat needed for major rowing regattas at Benderson Park. The cost will be about $20,000. County Administrator Randall Reid pointed out that the Manatee County Commission was considering purchasing one of the boats as well. If both boards acted, Reid said, boats christened "Miss Sarasota County" and "Miss Manatee County" would be added as equipment at the park, which hopes to host the 2017 World Rowing Championships. During the Aug. 21 budget workshop, Botelho informed the commissioners they would have to vote on a formal resolution to change the policy. That is the action scheduled for Aug. 27, when the board holds its next regular meeting, scheduled at the Administration If Benderson wins the bid for that internationCenter on Ringling Boulevard in Sarasota. al event, Reid continued, the park will have to Although Barbetta urged his fellow commis- have five or six of those specific boats ready sioners on Aug. 20 to act on several sports for use. tourism-related proposals costing about $1,045,000 out of that potential $8 million, he Commissioner Nora Patterson was willing to managed to succeed with only one motion. make a motion to purchase one boat, but she I'm not trying to spend money here that we're not going to get a return on investment on. Joe Barbetta Commissioner Sarasota County The BMX venue in London was used during the 2012 Olympics. Photo by carlbob via Wikimedia Commons