Budget - Preliminary Millage Set:  Remains the Same   After spending several evenings reviewing the proposed budget for the 2016-2017 fiscal year, the City Commission unanimously set the preliminary millage rate earlier this week.  It is set at 3.1728 mills  -- the same rate for the fourth straight year. 

The proposed $206 million budget is a responsible one, taking into consideration necessary capital improvements, operating expenses, personnel needs and available revenue.

To help shape and guide future growth and implement the City Commission's updated strategic plan, the new budget restores the position of Planning Director which was cut during the Great Recession.  The budget also includes two additional police officers, four landscape-parks staff, four additions to our Utilities Department and four additions to the Neighborhood & Development Services Department to help manage the record amount of private and public construction which will continue to be underway for the next 24 months.

With Sarasota County eliminating its regional users financial contribution for the operation of the Robert L. Taylor Community Complex, which serves all of North Sarasota County, the City was left with a $500,000 funding gap for that popular facility.  Using reserves and adjusting user fees are being considered.

The City Commission will hold two public hearings on the proposed budget:

Tues., September 6:  6 p.m.
Mon., September 19:  6 p.m.

To review the complete budget click here.

A big thank you to Finance Director John Lege and his very capable team, who worked closely with all the departments to present a fiscally responsible budget with no recommended millage increase.  

John D. MacDonald Celebrations   The 100th birthday anniversary of Sarasota author John D. MacDonald will be celebrated with a host of events this Sat., July 23. 

A prolific best selling writer, MacDonald published over 70 crime and suspense novels, many of them set in Florida.  Some of his best known works include the popular detective series Travis McGee and the stand alone novel 'The Executioners', which was turned into 'Cape Fear' on the silver screen.  Another Sarasota area resident and best selling author, Stephen King, has referred to MacDonald as 'a mesmerizing storysteller' --- tremendous praise indeed.

For the 2016 One Book, One Community campaign, the Sarasota County Library opted to celebrate the works of John D. MacDonald to honor what would have been his centennial birthday.  The One Book program encourages a community to read one selected book (or in this case one chosen author) to help bring people together and spark discussions within the community.

I'm currently reading MacDonald's "Condominium", and it's terrific.

Small events have been taking place since January and the celebration will culminate with a grand finale this Saturday, including the unveiling of a plaque at Selby Five Points Park which will remain on permanent display. 

10:15 a.m. - Selby Library Auditorium:  Presentation of letters sent between MacDonald and his wife, Dorothy, during WW II.

11:15 a.m. - Selby Library Auditorium:  Theatrical readings from MacDonald presented by the Asolo Play Readers

1 p.m. - Selby Five Points Park: Plaque dedication

1:30 p.m. - Selby Library:  Birthday party & cake

2 p.m. - Selby Library Auditorium:  Free screening of the film 'A Flash of Green'

4 p.m. - 6 p.m. - Libby's Cafe (1917 S. Osprey Ave.) :  Complimentary food, birthday cake, entertainment and cash bar

Earlier this week, during the City Commission meeting, organizers of the MacDonald celebration were recognized and Mayor Shaw and the City Commission proclaimed July 24, 2016 as the '100th Birthday Anniversary of John D. MacDonald'.

Hope to see you at one or more of the events as we remember the legacy of John D. MacDonald and the lasting impact on the Sarasota community.

The following is the current show schedule through 2016. For more information visit www.VanWezel.org