Issue link: https://newsleader.uberflip.com/i/138828
Sarasota News Leader June 21, 2013 After the board members discussed the next position on the list — a proposed sustainability outreach specialist — Patterson said it was too early to add new staff — that the county needed to remain conservative in spending. Page 21 going to get back to that [prior staffing level]," he stressed. The commission already agreed earlier this year to add the equivalent of 67.88 positions at a cost of $2,971,567 in the FY 2014 budget, Reid noted. Twenty-four of those were for inhouse employees to help with the county's roadside mowing; another 18.88 were hired to handle athletic field maintenance, which also had been overdue in a number of cases; and nine were added as operators for the Sarasota County Area Transit bus system. Reid pointed out that with the extra revenue generated by the 3.37 percent preliminary increase in property values, the commissioners could consider his proposal for a salary boost for non-union employees, approving the requested new positions or pursuing renewal of ongoing contracts that would require extra funding. All those positions, he pointed out, "touched on areas that were crumbling when I got The Office of Financial Planning has estimathere." Reid began work in January 2012. ed the additional revenue for the county's genReferring to the 13 proposed new employees, eral fund at $3.5 million. Robinson said she wanted details on them as Referring to the list of proposed employees, soon as possible. Reid noted, "These positions are basically the top positions [sought by] the departments …" Vice Chairman Charles Hines also requested that staff give the board members information Barbetta pointed out that the county has about about services that would not be provided if 100 fewer employees than it had before the the board decided against funding the posirecession began. "We were way over-staffed tions. [then]," he added. "I want justification for the The commissioners then would have the necnew hires." essary information to explain their decision to Reid responded that 171 positions were elim- the public, he said. "We have to decide to live inated as a result of the recession. "We're not with [the hiring] or not." % Tonya Herschberger & Linda Keefe "After a terrible accident I required surgery. Tonya shared with me that Dr. Koval was responsible for her beautiful smile. She gave me hope and direction. I'm so grateful to Dr, Koval. Now I have a smile that I love to share with everyone." For a complimentary consultation call 941.923.5406 | Christine Koval, D.M.D. | www.askdrkoval.com