TAB Members and Supporters,

On Tuesday, May 1, the Board of County Commissioners will consider a ballot proposal for a $103M tax increase on sales, raising the current 6% sales tax to 6.5%. If accepted, it would appear on the ballot in November.

The stated purpose is for "transportation spending", but the proposal leaves open the use of these funds for other purposes. Much of the intended use is to expand existing programs such as increasing the frequency, reach and operating hours of Palm Tran. The tax would be permanent.

To put it in perspective, the entire ad-valorem tax base (property taxes) last year was about $600M. This sales tax increase if enacted, would approximate 17% of the property tax receipts, with no guaranteed offsets - a major tax increase on the county in spite of slow economic growth and continued unemployment.

We think that is just wrong headed. If you agree, please attend the Tuesday BCC meeting and say so, or at least call or email your commissioner.

For an analysis of this proposal and links to the county documents, please see: TAB Opposes Sales Tax Increase

Thanks,

Fred Scheibl
Taxpayer Action Board
561-691-6851