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Another challenge will be retaining employ- ees as the economy recovers. A RELIEVED COMMISSION Chairman Charles Hines said, "Nickels and dimes do matter." He cited annual savings of $100,000 from a planned debt restructuring as one example of how Harmer has trimmed expenses. Commissioner Nora Patterson also praised Harmer for "good budget work to vastly improve our budget situation." But Patterson noted that some economic uncertainty funds were used to balance the budget and delete the projected deficit for FY 2015. Before the recession hit, the county put away millions of dollars during the "boom years" as a cushion against a downturn. "I am hopeful that our outgoing expenses and income will really equal each other out, and only at that point will our reserves be safe," Patterson said. Sarasota County long has had the third lowest millage rate in the state. At 3.3912 per $1,000 in property value, the county now has the sec- ond lowest rate, behind only Monroe County. That was a fact to which Commissioner Joe Barbetta seemed happy to draw attention when Harmer showed the board a state map with details about county rates. "We hear often that the development commu- nity is costing our taxpayers a lot of money and that everything is happening on the backs of taxpayers," Barbetta said. "It shows over the years we have maintained No. 3 and now No. 2 lowest millage." % • Gene Burgess and Melonie Burgess, licensed acupuncture physicians • Serving Sarasota since 2008 • Treatment rates are on a sliding scale, from $15-$35; new patients pay a one-time additional fee of $10 AFFORDABLE ACUPUNCTURE FOR EVERYONE 3615 Webber St • Sarasota, FL 34232 (941) 922-4611 SarasotaCommunityAcupuncture.com Open Tuesday through Saturday Our Mission To provide our community with high quality and affordable acupuncture and herbal medicine and to create a treatment space that connects people and builds community. Click for larger map and driving directions Click To Schedule An Appointment Online MENTION THIS AD TO RECEIVE $5 OFF THE NEW PATIENT FEE Sarasota News Leader June 27, 2014 Page 25