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"We catch them in the field and test them in here," explained biologist Calvin Hancock in his county office. Hancock showed the News Leader a sam- ple of how a positive test for West Nile would be indicated in genetic imaging of the mosquitoes. Smith is also embarking on figuratively new terrain uncommon to many mosquito man- agement agencies. He is implementing a program to test creeks and rivers to see if the use of pesticides is having an impact on water quality. "We want to do what we can to make sure what we are doing [to control mosquitoes] is not harming the environment," Smith said. This week, a biologist at the county's mosquito lab was calibrating new equipment that will be used in the field to test water quality. The U.S. Geological Survey (USGC) has agreed to partner with the county on the project and fund 49 percent of the costs, Smith noted. Biologists are also working on an initiative to breed the native mosquito fish, gambusia, on-site. The fish can then be given to resi- dents, who can put them in newly dug ponds, livestock tanks or rain barrels. In 2012, the Sarasota County commissioners voted to increase the tax rate for mosquito control for the first time since 2003. It was a testament to the importance of the activities. One goal for Smith is to build up a healthy reserve fund within his budget so if a hur- ricane strikes the area and leaves a lot of standing water, he will have the necessary money to ramp up efforts to ensure mosqui- toes are monitored and controlled. % AUGUST 7, 2014 • 4:30 PM St. Boniface Church 5615 Midnight Pass Road, Room F PUBLIC IS ALWAYS WELCOME WITH QUESTIONS FOR OUR GUEST The Electoral Process: How It Works In Sarasota SiestaKeyAssociation.com Please join us as we welcome guest speaker Kathy D ent Sarasota County S upervisor of Elections MONTHLY MEETING Sarasota News Leader August 1, 2014 Page 31