Commissioners direct creation of separate stormwater department to improve recovery and maintenance after storms

Following extensive discussion about stormwater needs after last year’s hurricanes, the Sarasota County Board of County Commissioners on June 3 directed the county administrator to begin steps to create a distinct stormwater organization and to return with an implementation proposal in time for the July budget workshop.

Commissioner Knight led the discussion, saying the county needs a dedicated, day-to-day leadership position focused on stormwater, waterways and maintenance to rapidly address flooding, permits and shoreline recovery. Commissioners said the 2024 storms exposed gaps in staffing and the complexity of stormwater responsibilities spread across departments, and asked staff to prepare an organizational plan that could include a stand-alone department or a division with a director who reports to an assistant county administrator.

County administration indicated it had already begun recruiting an assistant director-level position to focus on stormwater inside Public Works; staff said they would pause that recruitment and return with a recommended structure, job description, budget impacts and proposed reporting lines. Commissioners emphasized accountability, clear public communication, and use of existing stormwater fund resources to support the new organization.

The motion passed unanimously. County staff will return to the board with a formal proposal, including job descriptions, funding plan and details on how existing stormwater fund (Fund 440) resources would be allocated and audited.