Hiring Freeze, Police Cuts Considered To Balance Budget

Freeze hiring, tax, and spend the rainy day fund seems to be the formula for Sarasota to resolve its budget deficit this year.
But long-term, the city has to think about taking “bold decisions” and educate the public about the city’s financial options, said City Commissioner Shannon Snyder at a Tuesday budget workshop at City Hall. That included eliminating the Sarasota Police Department.
The city is facing a $4 million general fund deficit for fiscal year 2013, but held a workshop Tuesday to give staff direction on how to close the gap.
“I don't think we can afford to run our own police department anymore,” Snyder said, “I think that cost alone, we could probably contract and eliminate duplication of services at administration level. … I think that's a big, bold move. That's $7 million.”
It’s not unheard of in

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