Here We Go Again

Guest Correspondence

The Sarasota County Commission denied a $1.7-million relocation incentive package for a national roofing company this week. The proposal included over $1 million in state tax refunds to the roofing firm, along with $720,000 from Sarasota County in both tax breaks and grant dollars. Here was an economic development project squarely aimed at undermining local businesses, and those business people noticed. In the wake of the proposal’s rejection, some warned of a “black mark” against Sarasota’s reputation, saying our community doesn’t want to be in the “economic development game.” This is where we are—unless local government is willing to give thousands, or even millions, of dollars away to private enterprise, a group of “experts” will say you aren’t serious about economic development. It’s a sad indicator of how out of touch with reality discussions have become about our economy and the free market. Proposals to fund private enterprise with public dollars ought to receive a consistent level of scrutiny here in Sarasota, but they don’t.

Enter stage left the Atlanta Braves, who are looking to leave their Disney digs for a new home. Which begs the question: if Braves spring training games are such a big economic driver, why is Disney letting them go? Reports claim Sarasota County taxpayers won’t be “on the hook” for a new Braves stadium in North Port, yet a potential deal includes $22 million in county tourist development tax dollars and $20 million in state dollars.  How is $42 million not “on the hook?” We are told $25-30 million will come from the West Villages taxing district (a fledgling development) and the team’s lease payments.  

Will these additional funding promises go the way of the Cal Ripken Youth Academy? Publicly presented as part of the 2009 spring training agreement, there was no legally binding commitment from either the Orioles or Ripken.  

Sarasota County continues to ignore the reality of Sarasota-specific data gathered by USF sports economist Phil Porter. Taxable sales are an accepted, objective measure of economic activity. In 1990 and 1995, during the MLB spring training lockout and strike, Sarasota’s taxable sales actually increased in the absence of spring training games. Porter concluded that hosting spring training games does nothing to improve taxable sales in Sarasota.

Another Porter study looked at the forecasted $100 million impact of the Yankees spring training when they moved from Broward County to Hillsborough. Did Broward’s economy realize a $100-million loss and Hillsborough a $100-million gain? Porter found neither economy was impacted—positively or negatively—by the presence of the Yankees. An outcome hardly worth pouring public millions into.

The building industry has the County Commission’s ear, but in other economic sectors sound information is ignored and good projects languish. How long before Legacy Trail is extended?  What kind of benefits would our community realize by having a protected north-south biking corridor? Such projects may be less glamorous, but their rewards are real.  

Cathy Antunes serves on the board of Sarasota Citizens for Responsible Government.

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