Sales Tax
How do we fund this?
Through a Voter Approved Sales Tax Referendum
Build citizen support for a new 1/2 Cent Sales Tax that would be placed on the November 2024 ballot for residents to vote on.
About the Half Cent Sales Tax:
- Could generate an estimated $18.3 million annually
- Duration: 10 years (or 20 years?)
- A significant portion would be funded by visitors (37.5%)
- Only applies to first $5,000 of any purchase
- Would increase our current sales tax from 6.5% to 7%
- Importantly, the sales tax would NOT apply to groceries, prescription medication, school supplies
Proposed Referendum Language to Provide 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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Inclusion of Citizens Advisory Committee tasked with screening all proposed purchases and serve as primary source of property purchase referrals to the Board of County Commissioners.
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Support the Sustainability of Farming and Agriculture
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Funds may be used to purchase Conservation Easements. This is a mechanism that helps farmers continue farming by giving up the right to develop a portion of their land thereby enabling it to be preserved.
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Limit Scope of Land to be Purchased
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Land purchases would be limited to four areas: Blueways, Indian River Lagoon Watershed, Loxa-Lucie 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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Let’s mobilize our community!
Encourage individuals, organizations, and elected leaders to seize the opportunity while we still can -- and acquire and conserve these precious lands!