TAXPAYERS MAY HAVE TO FOOT BILL FOR PARKS

SARASOTA COUNTY COMMISSIONERS ARE LOOKING TO END FUNDING FOR PARKS AND RECREATION SERVICES IN THE CITY OF VENICE WHICH COULD PUT THE BURDEN OF RUNNING THEM ON TAXPAYERS.  COMMISSIONERS WILL DISCUSS THE ISSUE TODAY AT THEIR REGULAR COUNTY COMMISSION MEETING AT THE R L ANDERSON ADMINISTRATION CENTER IN SOUTH VENICE.  ACCORDING TO THE HERALD TRIBUNE, SARASOTA IS ALSO FACING THE SAME SITUATION, AND UNDER PROPOSED TERMS, THE CITIES WOULD HAVE TO PAY TO REPLACE VANDALIZED PROPERTY AT PARKS AND BEACHES, WITH THE COUNTY LIMITING EQUIPMENT REPLACEMENT COSTS TO $5000 PER YEAR PER PARK.  THE COUNTY NOW SPENDS MORE THAN A MILLION DOLLARS MAINTAINING LESS THAN HALF OF THE CITY’S PARKS AND BEACHES, WITH VENICE TAKING CARE OF ABOUT 20 NEIGHBORHOOD PARKS.  THE COUNTY HAD AN AGREEMENT TO MAINTAIN PARKS AND BEACHES IN BOTH VENICE AND SARASOTA, BUT THAT’S EXPIRED AFTER 20 YEARS.