Manatee Unveils County DOGE Team

MANATEE COUNTY, Fla. — Following the federal Department of Government Efficiency — commonly abbreviated as DOGE — individual municipalities in Florida are establishing their own local versions. Manatee County is among those taking proactive steps.

The creation of the local DOGE committee was unanimously approved by county commissioners, marking a significant step towards enhancing operational efficiency within the county’s services and staffing.

According to staff members, the primary objective is to eliminate wasteful spending in county operations. Garrison emphasized this necessity, stating, “Right now, at this time, we’re looking at government where people are wondering: How are we spending our hard-earned taxpayer dollars? This is a time to look at it.”

The DOGE team will consist of county staff, the clerk, and five citizens who possess expertise in finance and related fields. Additionally, a new Citizen Liaison Committee will be formed to provide support to the DOGE team.

“The members will be selected for their knowledge in economic development, accounting, and finance,” Garrison explained. “We want individuals who understand, from the private sector, the importance of being lean, transparent, and pursuing operational excellence. This perspective is crucial for ensuring that we are managing taxpayer funds effectively.”

Garrison noted that the county has already taken steps to enhance its efficiency and reduce spending. “For instance, we’ve reduced our millage rate in three of the last four years, saving taxpayers $80 million and offering relief to property owners,” she said.

Commissioners have emphasized their intention to approach cost-saving measures thoughtfully, clarifying they are not aiming for drastic cuts. They believe that an outside viewpoint will yield valuable recommendations for potential savings.

Manatee County aims to have the DOGE Committee operational soon to incorporate its findings into the upcoming 2026 budget.