Governor Ron DeSantis highlighted that, despite a reduction in Manatee County’s tax rate, property-tax revenue has surged by 86 percent over the past six years, punctuated by a population increase of 14 percent.
“You’ve seen a really significant increase in spending at the county level,” DeSantis remarked during his appearance at the Manatee Performing Arts Center in Bradenton.
In response, Manatee County has expressed support for an upcoming audit, which will establish a local Citizen Liaison Committee. This committee aims to “identify potential efficiencies within our operations,” as stated in their announcement.
The committee will consist of five members appointed during the Board of County Commissioners meeting scheduled for July 29, with a mission to “leverage private sector expertise while providing a venue for public participation,” the statement noted.
County Commissioner George Kruse took to Facebook, calling the audit a “great opportunity.” He remarked that while Manatee County has lowered its millage rate in three out of the last four years, there’s always room for improvement, emphasizing that they “can never rest on our laurels or assume we know best—because we certainly do not.”
“I believe CFO Blaise Ingoglia and his team will only make us a stronger county in the future,” Kruse added.
This announcement from Manatee County follows a statement from DeSantis and Ingoglia about audits commencing on July 31 in Broward County and Gainesville as part of DeSantis’ initiative to propose property tax cuts to voters in 2026.
Statement from Manatee County Government:
“Manatee County Government appreciates Governor DeSantis and Chief Financial Officer Ingoglia’s ongoing commitment to fiscal responsibility and transparency through the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) initiative. We have been proactively sharing information to promote efficiencies and welcome collaboration with the State of Florida and the DOGE team. We are proud of our progress and eager to explore further improvements.”
“Understanding the vital importance of effectively spending taxpayer dollars, we are pleased to form a local Citizen Liaison Committee for this purpose. Appointments for five committee members will be made during the next Board of County Commissioners meeting on July 29, 2025. This committee will capitalize on private sector expertise and encourage public involvement.”
“As stewards of public resources, we prioritize responsible budgeting and accountability. Notably, Manatee County ranks as the 8th least reliant on ad valorem taxes among Florida counties, with only 21.8% of its budget dependent on these taxes.”
“We look forward to enhancing our partnership with the Governor’s office to ensure Manatee County operates as efficiently as possible.”
— Information from The News Service of Florida was used in this report.
Key Information
- Governor: Ron DeSantis
- Location: Manatee County, FL
- Property Tax Revenue Increase: 86% over six years
- Population Increase: 14% over six years
- New Committee: Citizen Liaison Committee with five members
- Next Meeting: Board of County Commissioners on July 29, 2025
- County’s Tax Rate: Millage rate reduced for three of the last four years
- Collaboration Focus: Identify operational efficiencies and ensure effective use of taxpayer dollars
- Ad Valorem Tax Reliance: 8th least reliant in Florida, 21.8% of budget
Article original publish date: 2025-07-24 07:00:00
Article source: www.mysuncoast.com
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