Sales tax proposal heads toward referendum

Voters will decide in November whether to implement half-cent sales tax .

By Pam Eubanks
| 6:00 a.m. June 22, 2016

Longboat Key Town Manager David Bullock takes notes as the commission discusses the tax. He and mayors of the barrier islands asked that the tax revenues be allocated differently than proposed.

East County
News

Manatee County voters will decide whether to implement a half-cent sales tax to pay for public infrastructure needs.

Manatee County commissioners on June 21 approved an ordinance to levy a half-cent sales tax starting January 2017, if approved by voters on the November ballot. The ordinance specifies the tax will last for 15 years, that the county will establish a citizens oversight committee and specifies the allocation of dollars between the county and municipalities. A list of projects funded with revenues also has been identified.

“It’s about making an investment in our community, and I’m hoping all the citizens will see it that way,” Commissioner Betsy Benac said. “I think it’s going to make a difference for all of our residents.”

Commissioner Vanessa Baugh said the county must think “out of the box” to find a funding source for maintenance and replacement of aging infrastructure. She said that although property tax revenues are up $15 million, it’s not enough. Without the tax, the county will have to increase millage and/or cut services.

“Fifteen million isn’t going to solve the issues we have,” Baugh said. “We need to find a solution, and I think it’s the easiest way to find a solution. Everybody’s going to pay a little bit. I will support taking this to the people for the people to say yay or nay.”

If approved by voters, the sales tax will increase sales tax in Manatee County from 6.5% to 7%, the same as in Sarasota County. It will be used fund the county’s backlog of infrastructure needs, such improvements to sidewalks, intersections and roadways, replacement of tennis courts at Lakewood Ranch Park and even construction of a new library in East County. The 15-year tax is expected to generate about $22.8 million annually, of which nonresidents would pay about 30%. Manatee households are expected to contribute $50 to $80 annually.

Benac said she understands some residents lived on fixed incomes, among other concerns, but she said the tax is needed to help maintain the quality of life local residents enjoy. Impact fees are levied at 90% currently and cannot fund the projects needed.