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There is fiscal incentive for studying the pri- vatization option. At $21 million a year, SCAT's budget is the second largest in the county's general fund, behind that of the Sheriff's Office. (See the related County Commission budget story in this issue.) "I want to explore this," Barbetta said. One of the guiding factors in reaching consen- sus would be determining how much money could be saved, added County Commissioner Nora Patterson. "That's part of the decision … What are we going to get for the bucks?" The discussions have always focused on two separate agencies, Barbetta noted. "We are talking about a public-private part- nership to operate two systems and therefore have economy of scale and more efficient operation," Barbetta said. "It does work around the country. I think that is why we are exploring it, because we are continuing to pump a lot of money into SCAT." Barbetta suggested seeking a consultant with a proven track record of establishing pub- lic-private bus systems. Patterson questioned whether privatization would be "a slam dunk for me." One option is to just let Manatee County try it and see how that works, as resident Baez sug- gested during public comments at the Feb. 21 meeting. If the county moves ahead with privatization, but retains ownership of SCAT and leases the buses to the operator, a way out theoretically exists if the plan fails to proceed as the board would like. An aerial view shows the proximity of the current downtown bus transfer station to Whole Foods and City Hall. Image courtesy Sarasota County Sarasota News Leader February 28, 2014 Page 18