Manatee tax collector's office, sheriff's department to move into new locations

MANATEE -- Manatee County sheriff's and tax collector's offices will both occupy new locations in Bradenton.

At its Tuesday meeting, the Manatee County Commission unanimously approved the purchase of two sites to meet the agencies' needs.

The sheriff's office will move its child protective services division to the 25,188-square-foot former Bright House building at 3500 Ninth St. W, Bradenton, which the county purchased for $2.9 million, including renovations.

The tax collector's DeSoto branch will expand into the former ABC Liquor building at 904 301 Blvd. W., which the county purchased for $375,000.

At a later date, the commission could approve a budget amendment for the demolition of the old building and construction of a new, 8,500-square-foot addition for the tax collector to address the anticipated increases in driver's license renewals.

"This is an area that is in need for redevelopment," commission Chairwoman Betsy Benac said. "Ultimately, the best-case scenario

is that these programs are no longer needed and we can get rid of the building. That's not the case we are in right now. We are faced with a growing demand. ... At this time, I'm not so sure we have a choice."

Commissioner Charles Smith expressed his concern with the offices outgrowing the additional space in the future.

"I hate to be here three years from now having to look at this again," Smith said. "If we keep doing this every two to three years, we get into the business of building."

County property management department director Charlie Bishop said they've met with all constitutional officers.

"These are the greatest needs at this time," he said.

Bishop said none of the facilities the county currently owns fits the needs, adding that the county plans to sell other properties in the future.

In other business:

The commission adopted a resolution to authorize the issuing of public utilities revenue refunding and improvement bonds not to exceed $95 million. Eighty-nine percent of the bond will be paid back by rates the county's customers are charged and no property taxes go toward repayment.

County commissioners are headed to Tallahassee to meet with state representatives this week. At the Tuesday meeting, Charlie Hunsicker, the county's parks and natural resources department director, briefed the commission on the county's federal legislative priorities, including accelerating the construction of 15th Street East from Tallevast Road to U.S. 41, communicating the environmental importance of Sarasota Bay and expanding transit facilities and bus services to meet needs in 2030.

The commission discussed the design of the Cortez Road Bridge and Anna Maria Bridge improvements. Commissioner John Chappie said the commission needed to hear from the Florida Department of Transportation about the possibility of adding a bus lane to the design. "We've been suffering a long time," he said. "I just don't want this bridge getting away from us. ... This needs to be a priority for us."

Smith discussed the possibility of the Manatee County School Board expanding from five to seven members to address the board's issues and improve its functionality. "What is taking place now, right or wrong, is going to affect Manatee County government," Smith said. "Whatever it takes, something needs to be done because I think it is going to get worse before it gets better."

The commission confirmed Robert Smith as the county's new public safety director. Smith will begin April 15.

The commission approved having Commissioner Carol Whitmore, the chairwoman of the port authority, ask for assistance with the county's $3.2 million local share for repairing one of berths at the port.

Claire Aronson, Manatee County reporter, can be reached at 941-745-7024 or at caronson@bradenton.com. Follow her on Twitter @Claire_Aronson.

This story was originally published March 25, 2015 at 12:00 AM with the headline "Manatee tax collector's office, sheriff's department to move into new locations ."