Salient quotes from the virtual town hall meeting

• "We are facing our most challenging year" - Melanie Michael, Director, Health Services in Sarasota County.
  

In reply to a question about parking fees for residents, or possibly beach parking fees:

• "This county has always prided itself on having users pay for as many services as possible." - County Administrator Jim Ley.

• "There's big opportunity when things go south," - County Administrator Jim Ley, adding that times of challenge prompt communities to "see if there's a better way to do things."
  

• "People are telling us they will not stand for petty bickering" between the county and its four unincorporated areas - Longboat Key, Venice, North Port, and Sarasota, said Thaxton.



• Asked: Have we bottomed out? -- No, said Jim Ley, adding that the tax base is a year behind.