Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Sarasota public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
4 issues in taxes budget with high priority
UBS Private Real Estate Liquidity Problem
Trustees pressed Graystone on the UBS private real estate fund's illiquidity — the fund has received only a fraction of expected distributions and may wait years for its money. The board discussed REITs as a liquid alternative but weighed the lost diversification benefit.
Pension Fund Investment Performance and Asset Allocation
The fund earned 9.9% for fiscal 2026 against a 6.5% target, and the board voted to formalize its allocation as "Allocation Two" with 5% emerging markets. This sets the benchmark the fund is measured against for years to come.
Solid Waste Surcharge for Storm-Debris Reserve
The city will raise solid waste rates about $3.63 a month to build a $5 million hurricane debris reserve over seven years, after spending $11.2 million on debris in five years and draining general fund reserves in 2024.
Reserve Rebuilding and Revenue Stabilization
Hurricanes drained city reserves to 10.9% — well below the 17-25% policy target. Year two of a three-year plan projects reserves at 17.8% next year, plus a $3.8 million Revenue Stabilization Fund. Commissioner Ahearn-Koch suggested considering raising the policy target for a coastal city.