Government Digest: June 4 - June 10

Prompt payment bill signed
TALLAHASSEE — Gov. Charlie Crist has signed the Local Government Prompt Payment Act requiring local government to pay contractors promptly for goods and services. The law allows contractors to send local governments an overdue notice, places time limits on responses by local governments, requires a single punch list, limits the conditions for local governments to retain payments for incomplete or unsatisfactory work, revises the dispute resolution process and requires contractors to receive interest payments when local governments are unable to meet required payment timelines. The bill responds to contractors' complaints that with the recession local governments were delaying payments. The law goes into effect Oct. 1. 

Newtown business assistance program
SARASOTA COUNTY — Sarasota County commissioners approved a request May 25 from the city of Sarasota's Newtown Redevelopment Office for financial assistance using a portion of the county's remaining economic incentive funds. The city will use $250,000 to develop the Newtown business assistance program and incubator project.

Economic development property tax exemption
SARASOTA COUNTY — County commissioners approved a referendum to go on the Aug. 24 primary election ballot that would give commissioners authority to grant up to 100% of property tax exemptions for up to 10 years for existing and new businesses that qualify for the exemption. Officials from Venice, North Port and Sarasota are expected to place local versions of the ordinance on their ballots.