The solution chat is about to start

OK, Citrus County. Your turn.

Two things I heard loud and clear from readers during last week’s barge canal escapade:

• We have more important things to discuss.
• Don’t mess with our stuff.

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The second point came wildly clear Thursday when I posted a photo on the JWC Facebook page of the county announcing it reopened Fort Island Gulf Beach. I figured it would get some attention, but not this: 275,000 views. 2,000 reactions, 400 shares, and 185 comments. (Just Wright Citrus also picked up close to 300 new FB followers. Welcome!)

The first point was made clear throughout the barge canal blog conversations. Along with being aggravated at a potential name change, readers were more perplexed that commissioners and the county staff had time on their plate for such silliness.

What I glean from that is we are a county that cares deeply about its institutions and traditions. We also see trouble with every drive lasting over five minutes on any county road and have anxiety with each County Commission zoning vote.

So, here’s my question: Are we ready to move ahead?

Are we ready to become part of the solution? Or are we just going to keep griping about this, that, and the other thing, as we have for decades?

The biggest event during Tuesday’s County Commission meeting took place very quietly. The board, by unanimous consensus, chose the local-option sales tax category that would fit Citrus County should we ever get to that point.

It’s called the “local government infrastructure” category.  Basically, if it’s a local government need and you can build, buy, or bond it, that’s a fit.

Example: This revenue can build an animal shelter, but it can’t be used to staff it. See the difference?

We can build roads, government offices, fire stations, schools, and boat ramps. We can buy fire trucks, sheriff’s cruisers, and equipment. We can buy property for parks or simply to protect it from bulldozers.

We can take the money — estimated at $25 million a year for 1 additional penny — and match grants or state funding. The logical move is to bond it so projects can move up faster. We’re talking hundreds of millions of dollars over 10 years, shared on a pro-rata basis with the cities, and potentially, the School Board.
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That’s where we are. And where you come in.

Here we go:

— The state sales tax is 6%. Counties may levy an additional 1.5% by referendum. Every county in Florida has an additional penny but us. Collier County's was so successful it ended early.

— The idea is a local-option sales tax referendum on the November 2026 ballot. Voter approval (simple majority) is needed to increase the sales tax from 6% to 7%.
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— I’m calling it the One for All campaign. The idea being that whatever we come up with to spend this tax, the benefit is felt across the Citrus County spectrum. No one should be excluded.  That narrows the choices quite significantly and increases the referendum's potential for success.

— The Chamber of Commerce is taking the lead role. What I’m about to say is extremely important. The chamber is putting together a steering committee so we can start gauging ideas from across the community to present to county commissioners in a few months. It’s NOT a committee of chamber types. We’re looking for a healthy mix. That shouldn’t be too difficult in this county.

(Seriously. If you're anti-chamber but think this is a good idea, swallow your pride and join the effort, OK?)

— The chamber, through the One for All Steering Committee (that’s my name until someone changes it), will conduct town hall meetings. That’s not Josh Wooten leading those meetings. Or me. It’ll be someone who either doesn’t have a dog in this hunt or is trustworthy enough in Citrus County to handle that task.

— The steering committee will be composed of folks with an open mind. I know we’re at the early stages, but if you’re staunch anti-tax and don’t even want to hear the reasons for it, well, you’re probably not One for All material. 

— Open-mindedness is the key. We have much on our plate. Wooten monitors this page and I’m sure he’ll take note of those who show interest. Or contact me.

— The County Commission, in March, will set a timetable that should lead to a November vote to place the referendum on the November 2026 ballot. We’ll then have one year to make it sing before voters have their say.

That's a lot in a short time. But we've seen these problems out our windshield going on three years now. We are ready for solutions. I am so stoked for this conversation. It’s a true community spirit that gathers for a singular cause.

Very simple, Citrus County. We need your voice. It’s vital.

Have a great Monday, friends.

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