Sarasota County · Fiscal Audit
Local Government Accountability Institute · Independent Fiscal Research · Nonpartisan
Independent Research · Sarasota County Commission
Working Families & Your Tax Bill
Property taxes, fees, and rent: how the spending expansion shows up in working families' monthly bills.
10 questions · Approximately 5 minutes · 100% anonymous
This survey is published by the Local Government Accountability Institute (LGAI), the parent research organization, and SarasotaCountyFacts.org, LGAI’s Sarasota County investigative project.
Using a proprietary AI-driven fiscal audit system, LGAI processed five years of Sarasota County Comprehensive Annual Financial Reports (FY 2021–FY 2025, audited by CliftonLarsonAllen LLP), every Board of County Commissioners meeting minute, and every bond authorization on record. Every fact below is sourced and verifiable. For 21 documented findings, line-item analysis, and full source documents, visit SarasotaCountyFacts.org.
Which best describes you?
Did you know the combined county spending and debt burden on a family of four in Sarasota County is approximately $36,584 per year?
After typical housing, health insurance, food, and transportation costs, the median Sarasota family has approximately $327 per month remaining. Were you aware of this figure?
The Sarasota County Administrator earns $460,000 per year — more than the Governor of Florida — while many working residents (teachers, firefighters, CNAs, hospitality workers) struggle to afford housing and basic expenses in the county. Is this compensation structure appropriate?
Knowing the rapid growth in county spending and debt under the current commission, do you believe county leadership has prioritized the economic realities facing working families and middle-class residents?
A certified nursing assistant (CNA) or home health aide in Sarasota County earns approximately $33,280 per year — meaning they go deeply negative each month after basic expenses. Should the county commission have considered the impact on essential workers before approving $876 million in new spending and debt?
The average Sarasota worker earns $45,229 per year. Commissioner salaries have increased 28% over six years to $112,580. Do you believe commissioners have shared in the financial pressures facing their constituents?
Some describe Sarasota County as having "two Sarasotas" — wealthy retirees and investors on one side, and working residents struggling with rent, insurance, and stagnant wages on the other. Does this reflect what you see in your community?
Knowing these facts about the human cost of county spending decisions, how likely are you to support the re-election of Commissioners Neunder and Smith?
Would you support a challenger who pledges to prioritize working families by reviewing administrative compensation, reducing non-essential capital spending, and restoring financial reserves?
How likely are you to share information about the impact of county spending on working families with people you know before the August 18 primary?