New hours Bradenton City Hall is open to the public from 7:30 a.m. until 6 p.m. Monday through Thursday, except on legal holidays.
A bit about Bradenton
Located just south of the Tampa Bay area in Manatee County, Bradenton is a fabulous place to explore our art and historical attractions, have fun in the sun enjoying the beach and all types of water and boat adventures, plus we are a golfer’s paradise! Simply put, whether you're a resident or visitor, young or old, you're sure to find Bradenton is the place to be.
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City of Bradenton's proposed 2008-09 budget
The 2008-09 City of Bradenton budget documents are presented in preliminary form for review by the citizens of Bradenton. These documents are intended to communicate our projected financial information, along with providing a comparison to budgets of previous years.
The City of Bradenton’s finances have suffered some of the same impacts as those facing our citizens. The diminishing housing market and concerns about the economy, along with state-mandated revenue cutbacks and a decrease in interest earnings and tax revenues, have contributed to a $2.7 million shortfall for the city. Unprecedented increases in fuel, utility and chemical costs, along with our increased financial responsibility to public safety pensions, have contributed to every city department’s challenge to develop a fiscally responsible budget that will provide enough funding to maintain our high level of public service.
This proposed budget includes:
• No change in the number of police officers and firefighters
• Elimination of 33 positions in the remainder of the city (vacancies plus layoffs)
• Reductions in a significant number of operating line items
• Restructuring of the Public Works Department to streamline service at significant savings
• Elimination of all non-public safety take-home vehicles
• Elimination of annual salary increases for all employees, except those covered by the Police Department’s union contract
• 5% salary reduction for Mayor and City Council
• Restructuring of the city employee health insurance plan
• Implementation of a 4-day work week for City Hall
• Major reduction in employee education and travel
• Major reduction in capital expenditures
Two public hearings will be held to consider the 2008-09 proposed budget:
Wednesday, September 3 at 5:01 p.m.
Wednesday, September 17 at 5:01 p.m.
These hearings are open to the public and will be held in the City Hall Council Chamber, 101 12th Street West, Bradenton. We welcome your comments and look forward to addressing your questions and concerns.
To view the entire proposed budget, click on the links below. These documents are in .pdf format and require Adobe Reader 5.0 or higher to open.
2008-09 Projected Revenues by Fund (49 pages)
2008-09 Projected Expenditures by Fund (208 pages)
Be aware of scrap metal thieves
The Bradenton Police Department would like citizens to be aware that there has been a recent increase in thefts of backflow devices and air conditioner units from residential and commercial properties. Thieves steal these items to sell as scrap metal.
Police are encouraging residents and business owners to safeguard their property with secure means such as caging or locking devices. Citizens are encouraged to report any suspicious vehicles or persons observed in residential or commercial areas as soon as possible, especially during the evening hours.
Anyone having information with regards to this illegal activity is asked to call the Bradenton Police Department at (941) 932-9300. To remain anonymous and be eligible for a cash reward of up to $1,000, call Crime Stoppers (toll free) at 866-634-8477 (TIPS) or send an anonymous eTip thru the web at www.manateecrimestoppers.com.
Anyone seeking Crime Prevention Methods can call Sgt. L.J. Millard, Crime Prevention Officer, at (941) 932-9351.
The latest in Bradenton......
Bradenton-born band to play at Tropicana Field Aug. 30
 | The Bradenton-born band We The Kings has been added to the Tampa Bay Rays 2008 Summer Concert Series for the team’s Aug. 30 game, which also is a fund-raiser for Manatee County’s public schools. Game time is 3:55 p.m. Saturday with the free concert scheduled to follow the game. The Rays take on their AL East rivals, the Baltimore Orioles. Tickets are no longer available at City Hall. Visit www.raysbaseball.com for ticket info. Click here for more information |
‘Build Day’ rescheduled for Sept. 11 The “Build Day” at Norma Lloyd Park’s playground originally scheduled for Thursday, Aug. 21, has been rescheduled for Sept. 11. Stay tuned for an update. NEW!
More medals for Bradenton at police and fire games Lt. Nancy Castellow and Officer Jeanine Gagliano of the Bradenton Police Department added more medals to their collection from the 2008 International Police and Fire Games, as did a few other local cops. Click on the header for the final results from this event. ‘Mobility Study’ workshop rescheduled The public is invited to participate in the second community workshop for the Bradenton/Palmetto Downtown Mobility Study, rescheduled for 5-7 p.m. Sept. 9, at the Palmetto Branch Library, 923 Sixth St. W. This workshop will focus on presenting alternatives for roadway, bicycle/pedestrian and transit scenarios and is intended to allow participants to review and refine strategies and discuss potential implications for the communities.
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Bradenton firefighter returns from children’s burn camp
Lt. Dana Tindall of the Bradenton Fire Department was one of 20 firefighters from across the country who recently returned from a week of volunteering at a camp in southern Indiana for young burn survivors. "It's been an emotional experience watching the kids grow up," she said. "At camp, they are just normal kids who have been through a terrible tragedy. The scars kind of disappear as the smiles and laughter emerge." Lt. Tindall has volunteered at this camp several times, and the hardest part, she said, is saying goodbye. To read the rest of this story, click here. |
City honors firefighter who was awarded Bronze Star The City of Bradenton on Aug. 13 honored Firefighter Donald Wendt, who was recently awarded the Bronze Star for heroic actions during combat in Iraq. The City presented Firefighter Wendt, who also is a Staff Sergeant in the Army National Guard, with the Distinguished Service Medal. This award is given to individuals who have performed acts of heroism. Click on the header for more information.
City’s Summer Youth Program offers employment skills for local students Another successful year for the Bradenton Summer Youth Program is winding down. Funded by the City of Bradenton and Community Development Block Grant, the Bradenton Summer Youth Program places at-risk students in employment situations with non-profit organizations in the City. Students experienced new opportunities, gained valuable work experience, made employment contacts and new friends, and received direction that will benefit them in their future goals. Click on the header for more information.
Manatee Chamber of Commerce Entrepreneurial Boot Camp Academy If you are interested in owning your own business or operating an existing business more efficiently, the Manatee Chamber of Commerce Entrepreneurial Boot Camp Academy can provide you with the tools to put you on the right track. This 10-week course that starts Sept. 9 will provide you with instruction from community business professionals on a variety of topics that you will need to consider as a business owner. To get a registration form, call (941) 744-2362 or email rebekah@bradentonccra.com.
Other headlines......
Bradenton recognized in ‘Where to Retire’ magazine
Survey seeks input on Bay-area growth
Calling all City of Bradenton neighborhood associations
Central CRA audit available for review
Get traffic updates through FDOT’s 511 service
Inspections may lower premiums
New group will pursue arts as economic catalyst
Bradenton police to assist in presidential inauguration
