Flagging down 'One for All' ideas

A few weeks ago I heard from a county commissioner who wasn’t happy.

The commissioner was upset that readers responding to a “One for All” sales tax blog were critical of how the county spends tax money.

“That’s not fair,” the commissioner said. “We have public hearings, and no one shows up.”

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I get it. Here’s the thing: People don’t pay attention to the government unless they have a personal reason to pay attention to the government. That’s why zoning hearings draw a crowd. “You want to build WHAT next door?”

Right now, we’re asking citizens to pay closer attention to the government than ever. To pass an additional penny sales tax — 6% tax to 7% tax — needs voter approval.

The County Commission at its meeting today will receive a timeline framework to getting the measure to the 2026 ballot. I’m also expecting the Chamber of Commerce to present how it is establishing a steering committee composed of all walks of Citrus County life to begin getting public input on how best to spend this tax, if it comes to that.

I’ve been following the comments from citizens about One for All. Here’s a little of what I’m seeing:

— Citrus County is the only county in Florida without the local option sales tax. While it’s not quite that simple; it is generally accurate. I’ve seen comments from people who say if this tax passes they’ll go elsewhere to shop. Unless “elsewhere” is Alabama or Georgia, they won’t be paying less than in Citrus.

— Need a detailed plan. Boy, I hear this more than anything. The public doesn’t trust commissioners to handle a huge sum of their money without a specific plan on how it’s being spent.

The plan comes after the "One for All" Steering Committee makes its recommendations to commissioners. Whatever that spending plan is, it should be locked in such a way that it can’t be changed without a super majority vote.

— Eliminate property tax. Thanks Governor for mucking up what already is a complicated conversation by suggesting the state do away with property taxes. There’s no plan. This is simply sucking up to voters. I’m going to suggest we place this idea on the side and deal with it only if necessary.

That said, I’m still of the belief this sales tax plan should be combined with property tax relief. Tourists account for at least 25% of the sales tax revenue — about $5 million on the low end for one penny. Should the sales tax pass, we should cut a $5 million break on property taxes.
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— Lack of urgency. This is an interesting one. I had a Cattle Dog chat the other day with a community leader who bemoaned that the county administration isn’t talking enough about the county’s needs. I don’t know about that, but I will say this. We’re asking citizens to pony up on their county government understanding. The county has to do its part by making that information easily accessible online.

— Speaking of that, ask questions! You can ask me and if I don’t have the answer, I’ll get it and link the info.

— Wants vs. needs. Now we’re talking. If we point this penny toward a need, fixing our roads seems like a no-brainer.

But to the parents of flag-football kids, like the ones I’ve met in recent weeks, they see a much bigger want.

A couple had asked me to drop by the Homosassa Area Recreation Park where 800 kids from young'uns to teenagers throughout the day would be cramming four makeshift fields for flag football.

I went on Saturday, and they were right. Cars lined up along the roadway, “no parking” signs in an otherwise empty adjacent library parking lot, and families enjoying outdoor activities. 

The league struggles to find places to practice and play. Where have we heard this before? If there’s one constant in my 37 Citrus County years, it’s this: Not enough youth sports fields.

Commissioner Diana Finegan is proposing multi-purpose fields on C.R. 490 near the Suncoast Parkway in Homosassa. Finegan will present the idea during the board meeting, and I expect a bunch of flag-football parents to state their case.

Devil’s in the details, so I eagerly anticipate hearing more about it.

Here’s the question: Does this “want” rise to the level of “One for All?” Some people, yes. Some people, no. Let’s discuss it, community.

We’re all about the conversation here, and a big one is about to start. I’m down for it.

Have a wonderful Tuesday, friends.

Join the discussion on our Facebook page.
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