Issue link: https://newsleader.uberflip.com/i/215277
Sarasota News Leader November 22, 2013 Page 32 would have to ask for the special 1 mill funding for two years or six years, neither of which option might be welcome to voters who have been supporting the tax. to be on the ballot. When the issue first arose at the commission's regular meeting on Sept. 24, Barbetta asked County Attorney Stephen DeMarsh to research the matter to determine In a Nov. 13 letter to Interim County whether the county board could set a differAdministrator Tom Harmer, Superintendent ent date than the School Board sought. Lori White referenced the two-year alternaIn an Oct. 2 memo to the commission, Deputy tive Goodwin mentioned. "There is a concern County Attorney Kathleen F. Schneider wrote that the citizens will perceive a bid for an early extension of the four-year additional that Florida Statute 1011.71(9) provides that millage as a move simply designed to give the the School Board is authorized to "direct" [School] Board an option to go back to the the county to call for the election and that voters the following year if approval is not the School Board is required to provide the wording of the measure and ballot title. achieved." However, Schneider wrote, "[T]he statute THE LAW AND THE STATISTICS does not provide that the School Board direct Under Florida law, the County Commission the County Commission as to the date of the has to call for the School Board referendum special election." Superintendent Lori White and Chairwoman Jane Goodwin prepare for a School Board workshop to begin. File photo