Sales tax? JWC readers have a say

All right! Now we’re talking.

Monday’s reaction to the “One for All” sales tax blog was everything I dreamed of, and more.
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JWC readers covered a host of questions, concerns, observations, and some enthusiasm for the process that will lead to a 2026 referendum to raise the sales tax from 6% to 7%.

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I don’t have all the answers, but I pledge to answer what we can. Some folks are making ridiculous demands for information. I’ll get to that in a minute.

Here’s what we’re going to do: I’ll address some of the recurring themes from Monday’s blog conversation. (If you’re wondering about today’s photo at the Chassahowitzka River, there’s a logical explanation. I felt like taking a drive.)

Observations on your observations:

Q: Why isn’t the gas tax fixing our road problem?

A: That’s a long answer to a short question. I’m linking the county’s gas tax web page because it explains the situation better than me. In general, our transportation needs far outweigh gas tax revenue. We’re also using a chunk of that money to repay bonds on C.R. 486 and C.R. 491 widening projects.

 My question for the county: How much is still owed and when are those debts settled?

Q: How are we spending money now?

A: I’m a big fan of exploring documents. So, here’s the link to the county’s budget office. You’ll see loads of reports. Have at it. Other than searching Chronicle stories or my blog for budget information, that’s the best suggestion. 

If you see something that doesn’t make sense, ask. I mean…the budget isn’t a monster under the bed. It’s a government document compiled by humans who know how to do this stuff. They’ll answer questions.

Q: I paid a boat ramp fee. What are we doing with that money?

A: Great question! Not much yet, as it turns out. This is an example, though, of how the county really needs to publicly account for every dime of these special fees/taxes. Boat ramp fee, landfill fee, and stormwater fee…we’re going to need a breakdown on how that money’s been spent and future plans.

Q: We voted for taxes before, and the county wasted the money. Why should we trust them now?

A: Well, first off, that never happened. We haven’t voted for a sales tax. We voted for an additional gasoline tax in 2005, and that paid for widening of two major county roadways.

We have voted DOWN sales tax referendums. I’m going to research those details, but I can guarantee one major difference between prior efforts and One for All: They were not community based. This one is. No one started the conversation like we’re doing here.

No one wants to repeat errors of failure. 

Q: We need transparency!

A: That’s not a question, but I agree. Look. All I can say is that I’ll pledge this process is as transparent as possible. My plan is to break it down into bite-sized pieces. There should be no surprises.

Q: I demand to know EVERYTHING about how money has been spent the last 20 years. Also, an audit of every county department. Also, close the libraries, they’re a waste of money. Oh, and I pay enough taxes. Figure it out.

A: All opinions count, but some — let’s face it — are from folks who don’t really want that information, they want only to prove that it’s wrong. We can do that til the cows come home. But what’s the point? OK, you’re right. Life stinks. Good night. I mean…really?

Demanding money details from a government that we’re potentially handing $25 million a year to is perfectly reasonable, so long as the demand itself is reasonable. This look-under-every-rock deal is time-consuming and a waste of energy.

And yeah, citizens need to do a little bit of homework too. Folks shouldn’t complain about being in the dark when there are so many resources available to find answers. If you can’t find it, ask me, and I’ll ask someone who knows. I’ll also link what I can.

“One for All” — near universal support for that name — is in the very early process. Keep those questions and comments coming. We’re going to cover it all.

It is a beautiful Tuesday in Citrus County. Enjoy it, friends.

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