Downtown board approves FY 2026–27 draft budget and agrees to reallocate flower-basket funds into streetscape work

At a March 3 meeting of the Downtown Improvement District board in Sarasota City, members voted to accept the first draft of the FY 2026–27 budget as amended and signaled support for repurposing the district’s $180,000 flower-basket program into a broader streetscape and placemaking fund.

Julie, staff member for the district, told directors she had incorporated prior workshop requests and noted the next steps in the city’s budget process: review by the planning director, city manager and finance manager before the City Commission’s July workshop and public hearings. She said the baskets line could be moved into a generic streetscape account so the funds could support “safety, appearance, vitality, landscape and lighting, officer patrol” and other place-making priorities.

The proposal would combine the existing $75,000 streetscape allocation with the $180,000 basket fund to create a roughly $255,000 flexible line. Ronnie (board member) said he favored removing the basket contract entirely and reallocating the money to sidewalk cleaning, alley work and security, arguing, “I think that $180,000 could go much further for the constituents that we represent.” Other directors urged a hybrid approach: reduce the number of baskets, reallocate some funds to repaint light poles and put money toward grants that let storefront owners improve their own frontages.

Board members discussed contractor notice requirements and next steps if they chose to end the contract; Julie noted the vendor requires a 30-day termination notice and that the board should brief the City Commission before any removal. Directors also weighed options for giving away or discarding existing baskets and suggested offering small grants or reimbursements to storefront owners who maintain plantings.

The board approved the budget as amended in a voice vote and directed staff to bring a formal agenda item in April that lays out the board’s preferred approach to the basket contract and a communications plan for the public during any removal period. Julie said she would notify the City Commission and wrap the proposed funding and initiatives into the April report.

Votes at a glance: The board voted to accept the draft FY 2026–27 budget as amended (voice vote). The board also approved staff direction to prepare an April agenda item on the basket-contract decision and related outreach.

The board asked staff to return in April with the formal agenda item and a proposed communication plan; no change to the baskets will take effect until the board takes final action after the 30-day notice period.