County Eyes AI Pilot to Find Cost Savings

By Lisa Neff

Manatee County is considering accepting an invitation aboard a state AI pilot program.

The county board of commissioners discussed the invitation with their government relations director, Stephanie Garrison, during a Dec. 2 meeting at the administration building in downtown Bradenton.

The artificial intelligence program is part of the state Department of Government Efficiency initiative launched earlier this year. The initiative’s stated purpose is to identify waste and promote accountability in government.

Results of an audit based on materials provided by Manatee County to DOGE were pending as of Dec. 4.

Meanwhile, Garrison told commissioners, the DOGE team is seeking one county to participate in a small pilot program to assess how AI tools might support government operations.

The pilot would be conducted by Politech, which specializes in using technology and AI for government and political efficiency, and would involve analyzing county data for potential duplication and to identify opportunities for savings.

The dataset — about 51 gigabytes — would be the same information the county provided to DOGE earlier this year, according to Garrison, who estimated the cost at $2,000-$3,000.

“This is a controlled test of emerging AI capabilities,” Garrison wrote in a memo to commissioners, adding that the analysis could result in insights within 90 days.

Commissioners didn’t vote on the proposal because Garrison is expected to return to the board with more details and a contract, but raised questions and shared opinions.

Commissioner Jason Bearden, R-at-large, asked about security.

Garrison replied that the county would follow security protocols in sharing the information, which already is in the public record and before state DOGE.

Commissioner Bob McCann, R-District 5, asked about the use of Politech, which he said was only formed in 2024. “This is the only company available to do this?” he asked.

Garrison said Politech is a partner on the initiative with the state.

And Commission Chair George Kruse, R-at-large, said the expense is minor, noting it’s under the threshold to even require a commission vote.

“Manatee County is at the forefront to test this thing,” Kruse said.

He added that the AI review should result in recommendations on how the county can cut costs.

“We’re telling our taxpayers we’ve been trying to save them money,” Kruse said. “There’s almost no scenario where it’s not going to recommend a cost savings. And we should look at every option available. … You have to assume there’s going to be a net benefit above and beyond the cost.”

If the county participates in the AI pilot, the results would be available before the next round of budgeting begins.

“If we get this by end of first quarter, it gives us time to use it for budget season,” Kruse said.

Garrison agreed. “I look at this as an opportunity for a third-party software to actually verify what we’ve been saying all along, which is Manatee County has justifiably spent these dollars or has used these dollars for public good,” she said.