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Harmer has made the county's budget one of his priorities. Under his oversight, work- shops began atypically early this year — Feb. 21. Harmer has also been more involved in creating the fiscal year 2015 budget, pledging to review all department spending plans and calling the document that will be presented this summer for final approval his "County Administrator's Budget." Robinson said Harmer's earlier workshops, combined with his focus on a fiscally con- servative approach to county operations, are already indications of a better conclusion to the process than she has observed in the past. A projected deficit has been reduced and pushed out to a later year, for example, Robinson pointed out. "It's a sign of a more stable budget." Robinson said fiscal difficulties remain, but Harmer "recognizes those challenges." Harmer has made it clear to staffers, Robinson noted, that they have to be frugal as they approach projects. The previous administrator, Randall Reid, did not work closely with county department managers as they pulled their department budgets together, she added. Another prob- lem under Reid's administration, Robinson said, was a lack of communication, especially when unexpected issues arose. "We had a problem with transparency — and even the commission understanding what is being put before them," Robinson added. "This budget process has been like night and day. I am very pleased with the way Mr. Harmer is leading this budget process." CHALLENGES ALONG WITH PROGRESS Two projects on Harmer's list reflect as much of a challenge as they do an achievement. No. 10 is "embarked on an ambitious plan to combat homelessness," and No. 89 highlights the agreement with SANCA to operate the Nathan Benderson Park rowing venue. Robinson said both of these are "cutting-edge" projects. "With that comes challenges," she pointed out. "When you are willing to invest in your community in another way, you get challenges with that." It is better than the alternative, Robinson added, which is saying things are fine just as they are. SANCA, the nonprofit that manages the row- ing venue, had to face a big setback last month: State lawmakers refused to give it the $2.5 million in funding it sought. Legislators said they wanted to see some of the promised, private financial donations coming in before contributing more public dollars. "I think the challenges are going to be making sure the private sector steps up to the plate and has a stake in this," Robinson said. Progress continues, Harmer told the News Leader. "We are marching ahead to the 2017 International Rowing Championships with a number of events scheduled leading up to that showcase event." DOWNLOAD THE PDF Read County Administrator Tom Harmer's First 100 Days list. Sarasota News Leader May 30, 2014 Page 32