Is there a need for a fourth tax collectors office in Sarasota County?
Offices should be convenient to the taxpayers and an office should be located in North Port. With the closure of the driver’s license office in Venice, and since driver’s license services are offered at the downtown Sarasota tax collector’s location, what are the chances similar services could be offered in South County? A North Port tax collector’s office could offer license and tag renewal services. Testing is only done through the DMV offices, and budget cuts in Tallahassee have closed 12 DMV testing offices across the state. What can the office do to better educate the public about your services? Respectful communication is the key to helping the taxpayer understand their options so they are able to make better choices. *** Barbara Ford-Coates Barbara Ford-Coates is running for re-election as Sarasota County’s Tax Collector. She has held this position since 1984. What makes you qualified to be tax collector? I have the education, 24 years experience and a proven record as an award-
