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The case for voter approval of Manatee County sales tax request

Cars travel in the 3100 block of 43rd Street West in Bradenton. A sales tax referendum to pay for county infrastructure will be on November's ballot. The revenue will go toward transportation, public safety and law enforcement and parks and community facilities. An estimated $15.9 million would go toward improvements along 43rd Street West between 36th Avenue West to 9th Avenue West. The improvement is an upgrade to the current standards for travel lanes, sidewalks, bike lanes (or trail) and lighting.
Cars travel in the 3100 block of 43rd Street West in Bradenton. A sales tax referendum to pay for county infrastructure will be on November's ballot. The revenue will go toward transportation, public safety and law enforcement and parks and community facilities. An estimated $15.9 million would go toward improvements along 43rd Street West between 36th Avenue West to 9th Avenue West. The improvement is an upgrade to the current standards for travel lanes, sidewalks, bike lanes (or trail) and lighting. File photo

As a member of the Citizens Financial Structure Committee, I learned that running a government in Florida is not easy because of significant statutory limitations. Impact fees can only be assessed to cover expected new growth or development. Tourist tax revenue can only be used to attract more tourists. Did you also know that since 2007:

• Manatee County’s population has increased by 50,000 and is growing by 5,000 per year?

• Property tax revenues are 18 percent lower in 2016?

• County employee levels are now 300 lower?

• There is no sustainable way to pay for aging infrastructure resulting from years of growth?

• Property taxes generate 60 percent of the county operating revenue?

• One third of the property owners pay over two thirds of the total property taxes?

• 3,500 pay zero property tax due to exemptions and exclusions?

• All neighboring counties of similar size have an infrastructure sales tax and as many as five additional sources of tax income?

• Manatee County has the lowest property tax rate of any county on the west coast of Florida?

Given these facts, the Citizens Finance Committee unanimously recommended that the county seek a half-cent sales tax to be used for infrastructure only.

• The tax would generate about $30 million per year for the county and cities within.

• The tax can be used for infrastructure only, creating a sustainable way to pay for aging roads, parks and public safety equipment.

• The infrastructure project list will be overseen by an empowered Citizens Review Committee.

• Approximately one third of the tax will be paid by visitors and tourists; a typical family will pay $5 per month.

Now that you have the facts, I hope you will join me in checking “yes” on your ballot in support of the infrastructure sales tax. Let’s help make Manatee County be a great place to live — not just a cheap place to live. Let’s go “Forward Manatee.”

Chuck Slater

Bradenton

This story was originally published October 18, 2016 at 4:00 PM with the headline "The case for voter approval of Manatee County sales tax request."

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