Sarasota County staff is preparing to float new tax options at next week’s budget workshop before the County Commission — including one tax that would not appear on property tax bills — after internal budget documents show spending growth is forcing the county to consider dipping into reserves, shifting money between funds, and reducing services.
The Feb. 26 workshop materials outline two major revenue options: a Public Service Tax (PST) that could impose up to a 10% tax on electricity, gas, and water bills, and the creation of separate Municipal Services Tax Units (MSTUs) for the Sheriff and libraries.
The PST would not appear on property tax notices. Instead, it would show up as an added charge on monthly utility bills…