County sales tax request unfair
Let me make sure I have this right. Marriott, one of the biggest and most successful hotel chains in the world, is going to build a $17 million hotel in Bradenton and the development agreement finalized by the Bradenton City Council gives them a 15-year relief from taxes, offers them the ground floor of a proposed new parking garage, and agrees that the city will improve lighting and streetscaping along the project site.
Meanwhile, I am being asked to vote “yes” on two sales tax increases — one of which will “fund roadways, sidewalks, intersections, street lights.” As a taxpayer, I have to say this does not sound fair. Count me as an “no” voter on both sales tax increases.
Melvin Ely
Parrish
This story was originally published October 17, 2016 at 1:23 PM with the headline "County sales tax request unfair."