Issue link: https://newsleader.uberflip.com/i/180498
Sarasota News Leader September 27, 2013 from the voter-approved tax paying for such things as picnic tables instead of land acquisition. Ramirez added that the 10-percent cap was appropriate. Page 24 Robinson added that if the county did not provide that access, voters would not approve an ad valorem tax increase and bond issue in the future to keep the lands acquisition program in place. County Commissioner Joe Barbetta said the ordinance amendments were "not just about The current 0.25 mill tax lasts through 2029. picnic tables." Commissioner Nora Patterson said setting aside a specific funding source for start-up Multiple projects are necessary, including fire work would ensure the ESLPP and NPP prolines, vegetation removal, erection of signage, grams remained viable. cleaning up fencing that created boundaries, hauling trash that was dumped on sites, "This board had the option during the recesamong other work, he pointed out, to enable sion to stop buying parklands. To the county's credit, that was never discussed," Patterson people to enjoy the lands. pointed out. "We remained completely comCommissioner Christine Robinson said that mitted to this program." when she was campaigning for the County Patterson added that other funding options Commission in 2012, she heard from residents for start-up expenses could be explored as the who valued the ability to use newly purchased economy rebounds. preserves and parklands. "I support doing this," Patterson said of ap"One of the biggest complaints I heard is how proving the amendments. "I am hoping when [long] it takes us to allow public access to the the tax base recovers and it is not necessary lands," Robinson said. "This is about being re- to use park funds to do this sort of thing, we sponsible. It's about safety; it's about cleanup." will do things differently." % A butterfly makes a landing at Red Bug Slough. The 72-acre preserve was purchased in 2000 and 2001 through the Environmentally Sensitive Lands Protection Program, with funding assistance provided by Florida Communities Trust. It has several miles of hiking trails, a small playground, picnic shelters and a fishing dock. Photo by Roger Drouin