Issue link: https://newsleader.uberflip.com/i/260020
A series of votes scheduled for next week will determine the pace of progress — or, poten- tially, the lack thereof — regarding a proposed homeless shelter in the city of Sarasota. On Feb. 28, consultant Robert Marbut's con- tract will be up. Marbut was hired last year by the City and County of Sarasota to study the issue of homelessness in the community. He is working with staff from both local g o v e r n m e n t s t o implement the list of recommendations he released in November 2013, including the come-as-you-are shelter. Next week, both the City and County com- missions are scheduled to vote on whether to share two expenses. The first is the $83,658 necessary to extend Marbut's contract for nine months. The two boards will also address the $40,000 cost for additional environ- mental site analysis at two possible shelter locales, both in the city of Sarasota. The Phase Two environmental The site at 1330 N. Osprey Ave. has been consultant Robert Marbut's preferred location for a shelter. Image from Google Maps THE CITY AND COUNTY COMMISSIONS WILL VOTE NEXT WEEK ON RENEWING HOMELESSNESS CONSULTANT ROBERT MARBUT'S CONTRACT AND FURTHER ANALYSIS ON SHELTER LOCATIONS DOWN TO TWO SITES Next week's meetings are critical. Wayne Applebee Homelessness Coordinator Sarasota County By Roger Drouin County Editor