Manatee County budget expected to take $30 million hit in 2021 due to COVID-19 pandemic
The COVID-19 pandemic is expected to have a $30 million impact on Manatee County’s 2021-2022 budget, according to County Administrator Cheri Coryea.
There are still several uncertain factors in the budget plan, Coryea said, but the county is keeping a flexible plan to adjust to any unforeseen financial impacts.
“The year most likely holds more uncertainty than any other year in recent memory,” Coryea said in a video presentation.
“We really don’t know what the situation is going to be,” Commissioner Betsy Benac added.
County staff are planning for a $710.7 million budget, which would be a $28.6 million decrease compared to last year’s budget. The budget includes money to fortify buildings, rebuild the economy, strengthen the county’s workforce and maintain quality of life, said Coryea.
Last year, the Board of County Commissioners approved a $1.5 billion 2-year budget. Because the future is still cloudy, county staff modified their approach to focus solely on the year ahead.
“We pulled back in the areas we just weren’t confident we could move forward in while still maintaining service for our residents,” Coryea said.
The millage rate is expected to remain at 6.4326.
Not included in the recommended budget is the $70 million that Manatee County stands to receive in CARES Act funding from the federal government. That money will be used to help residents and businesses with housing assistance, bill payments and a small business grant program.
“We have not forgotten that residents are impacted,” said Coryea. “That money is not included in the budget presentation but will be woven into next year’s activities.”
Also included in the budget is additional funding for the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office, which stands to receive enough money to bring in 12 new positions, including six patrol deputies, a detective and a fleet mechanic. Coryea also recommends providing the agency with $200,000 for de-escalation training.
Coryea also discussed the county’s recommended five-year Capital Improvement Plan, which includes funding to complete the final stretch of the 44th Avenue East extension, lane changes on 60th Avenue East near the Ellenton Premium Outlets and the widening Moccasin Wallow Road.
Commissioners will discuss the budget again at a July 28 meeting.
This story was originally published June 26, 2020 at 10:40 AM.
