About the Sales Tax
How do we fund this?
Through a referendum to be placed on the November 2024 ballot for a 10-year, half-cent sales tax to purchase and conserve natural lands in Martin County.
The Voters of Martin County get to decide their future and that of our community!
About the Half Cent Sales Tax:
- Could raise about $18.3 million a year.
- In 10 years, that would generate $183 million.
- A significant portion (about 37.5%) would be funded by people who don’t live in Martin County.
- The revenue will be used to leverage additional matching funds from state and federal sources – stretching our local dollars even further!
- Would increase our current sales tax from 6.5% to 7%.
- Importantly, the sales tax would NOT apply to groceries, prescription medications or school supplies.
- It would also not apply to purchases exceeding $5,000.
Referendum Language Provides Clear Direction on Use of Funds
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PURPOSE
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Language to be included in Referendum
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Citizen Oversight
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Creation of Environmental Lands Oversight Committee tasked with screening proposed purchases and serving as primary source of property purchase referrals to the Martin County Board of County Commissioners.
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Limit Scope of Land to be Purchased
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Land purchases will be limited to four areas: Blueways areas, Indian River Lagoon South, Loxahatchee & St. Lucie Headwaters and Pal Mar.
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Prevent Conflict of Interest
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Annual audit of land and properties purchased.
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Support the Sustainability of Farming and Agriculture.
Funds may be used to purchase Conservation Easements. This is a voluntary, legal agreement that permanently limits uses of the land to protect its conservation value while providing tax benefits to landowners to help them sustain farming operations. All easements will be in perpetuity and irrevocable.
Let’s mobilize our community and get this done!
Join our effort to preserve our natural lands for today – and for future generations. Click here to see the many ways you can support Martin County Forever.
Click here to read the full Referendum and Ordinance language