Manatee County growth plan isn't working
For decades we've been told "Growth is good." One county commissioner even said, "Grow or die." "Residential construction will increase the tax base and provide jobs."
The reality is taxpayers have been footing the bill since 2008 when impact fees were suspended or reduced. Our congested roads are in disrepair, and a third of our schools rate "D" or "F."
The 2002 half-cent sales tax for schools has not met the pledge made in the published "promise." Then the school district squandered funding, but wants to extend the tax 15 more years.
Revenue taxpayers thought would be spent to improve classroom instruction was used to subsidize developers when school impact fees were suspended.
In an effort to increase the tax base, our BoCC approved massive developments that paved over precious wetlands and cut mangrove forests, but didn't consider the effect on one of our largest income sources -- tourism.
It isn't working. The cost of services the county must provide new residents exceeds the increased tax base.
Impact fee reduction or suspension increased OUR COST for infrastructure required by new development: police, fire, schools, roads, etc. Jobs created by new development were temporary, low paying, and often went to non-taxpayers. Maintenance of our deteriorating streets has been delayed.
Some of our schools were so neglected that they can no longer be repaired. Our teachers' salaries average 20 percent less than Sarasota teachers. Millions in school funds are unaccounted for, and we need six new schools.
Our growth plan is a dismal failure. Our elected officials are digging us into a financial sinkhole. They want to raise taxes and reduce services as our quality of life declines.
We must stop uncontrolled residential development and start attracting industrial and high-tech firms, whose high-paying jobs and taxes will improve the quality of life for all our residents and visitors.
Ed Goff
Bradenton
This story was originally published May 7, 2016 at 12:00 AM with the headline "Manatee County growth plan isn't working ."