Sarasota leaders weigh budget decisions after Florida voters approve Amendment 3

SARASOTA, Fla. (WWSB) - Local leaders on the Suncoast said Amendment 3 could reduce revenue for local governments and affect services and programs. Florida voters approved the amendment with more than 60% of the vote. It promises property tax relief for homeowners.City of Sarasota leaders said they are projecting a $5.6 million hit to the city’s general fund.Sarasota City Commissioner Liz Alpert said the city will have to review its budget.“We’re going to have to look at what we need to cut, what we’re going to do with our budget going forward, while still providing services for our residents,” Alpert said.Alpert said there is no extra money waiting to be cut.“It is going to be very, very impactful,” Alpert said.Nonprofits that rely on county funding also are preparing for what comes next.Amendment 3 passes; reporter says local budgets face cutsColleen Thayer of NAMI Central Suncoast said the effects are not yet known.“We don’t know what’s going to happen now. And because it is somethi