Issue link: https://newsleader.uberflip.com/i/293799
On Monday, April 14, the Sarasota City com missioners will get their first peek at staff's draft of the next fiscal year's budget. City Finance Director John Lege, who has been collecting the budget requests of each city department, will present an overview during the 2 p.m. workshop. One new wrinkle Lege still was wrestling with at press time was how to incorporate a com mission directive to apply a 3percent cap on increases in general fund expenses, using a system similar to a charter amendment approved by voters in the City of Venice. While the City Commission, on a 32 vote, approved the exploration of such a cap (with Commissioner Susan Chapman and Vice Mayor Willie Shaw opposed), even supporters were not enthusiastic about it. Commissioner Suzanne Atwell, who had the swing vote, said, "I'm willing to listen, but I'm leery of capping funds. We have issues coming up — a home less shelter, a parking deficit." Lege told The Sarasota News Leader he will not be posting lengthy or complicated financial documents as part of the agenda backup material. Instead, he will try to make a short and succinct presentation during the workshop. The City Commission's first budget workshop will begin at 2 p.m. on April 14 at City Hall. Photo by Norman Schimmel ON MONDAY, THE CITY COMMISSION WILL GET ITS FIRST LOOK AT A DRAFT OF ITS 2015 FISCAL YEAR SPENDING PLAN CITY BUDGET CYCLE TO BEGIN By Stan Zimmerman City Editor