Manatee County Launches “Understanding Your County Budget” Community Workshop Series
Manatee County Government is inviting residents to take a deeper look at how their tax dollars work during a new series of interactive community workshops titled “Understanding Your County Budget.” The first workshop will be held Tuesday, March 3, at the Palmetto Library, 923 6th Street West, Palmetto, and marks the beginning of a countywide effort to empower residents to better understand the budget process.
These workshops are designed to break down how the County budget works, including how millage rates are set, how property taxes are calculated and how funding decisions support the services residents rely on every day, from traffic operations and infrastructure to parks and community programs.
Participants will have the opportunity to:
Engage directly with County leadership and staff
Listen to an informative presentation on how the County budget works
Take part in a live survey to see how their service priorities compare with others in the community
“Transparency and good fiscal governance are cornerstones of public trust,” said District 3 Commissioner Tal Siddique. “When residents understand how millage rates are determined, how property taxes are calculated and how funding decisions are made, they’re better equipped to engage in meaningful conversations about our County’s future. These workshops are about education, openness and making sure every resident has a seat at the table.”
The County’s budget reflects both community needs and long-term planning responsibilities. By hosting these workshops in each commissioning district, Manatee County aims to make the process more accessible and ensure residents across the County can participate.
Workshop Schedule
Tuesday, March 3
Palmetto Library
6 to 7 p.m.
923 6th Street West, Palmetto, 34221Thursday, March 5
Rocky Bluff Library
6 to 7 p.m.
6750 US 301 North, Ellenton, 34222Wednesday, March 11
Lakewood Ranch Townhall
6 to 7 p.m.
8175 Lakewood Ranch Blvd.Thursday, April 9
The Bridge Church
6 to 7 p.m.
4000 75th St W, Bradenton, 34209Tuesday, April 28
South Manatee Library
6 to 7 p.m.
6081 26th Street West, Bradenton, 34207
All workshops are open to the public. For more information, visit mymanatee.org/tax, contact Manatee County Government Communications at news@mymanatee.org or call (941) 745-6397 (NEWS). Follow them on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram @ManateeGov.
This is such a needed initative honestly. Most people have no idea how millage rates actually work or how the county decides what services get funded - its one of those things that affects everyone but stays weirdly invisible. The live survey component is a smart touch, gives residents a way to actually see where their priorities land compared to others. Went to something similair in my county a few years back and it genuinely changed how I think about local government.