Issue link: https://newsleader.uberflip.com/i/247585
Sarasota News Leader January 24, 2014 Page 35 leaders on Jan. 17 that the district's construc- said. "[The project] should be done, and I tion plans have been limited over the past five think it can be done. It's going to behoove all years, since the Legislature cut the allowable of us to continue to work together to have these conversations to property tax for capimake it happen." tal funds from 2.0 mills to 1.5 mills. One mill I think it's the most exciting "I know it can be done, brings in about $40 thing that we could possibly do in the especially with all the million, she added. school district. people sitting in this Seeking help from the room," School Board Jane Goodwin county's legislative Chairwoman member Caroline Sarasota County School Board delegation to allow Zucker added. the district to go back to the 2-mill level "may be one of our major "This could be a game-changer for North priorities" during the 2014 legislative session, Port and for Sarasota County," County she pointed out. Commissioner Christine Robinson said. "What role [is the county] going to play in Then North Port Mayor Blucher announced that North Port leaders already had been this?" she asked. working with Detert. The City Commission Interim County Administrator Tom Harmer would like to see the combined SCTI/library replied that over the next couple of months, the completed as soon as possible. County Commission would be crafting its next "I think this is an exciting opportunity for all five-year capital budget priorities list, so the of us," County Commissioner Carolyn Mason library funding could be part of that discussion. (From left) Sarasota Vice Mayor Willie Shaw, North Port City Commissioner Linda Yates, Vice Mayor Emilio Carlesimo of Venice, Longboat Town Manager Dave Bullock and Mayor Jim Brown of Longboat Key listen to the discussion during the Convocation of Governments. Photo by Rachel Hackney