TBO.com - TBO is Tampa Bay Online

Sarasota County Sales Tax Headed For Overwhelming Approval

ADVERTISEMENT

Sarasota Herald-Tribune

Published: November 6, 2007

Even a sluggish economy and a state focus on scaling back spending did not dissuade Sarasota County voters on Tuesday from overwhelmingly approving the renewal of a 1 percent sales tax.

The tax is expected to bring in about $1.4 billion over 15 years. It will maintain the sales tax in Sarasota County at 7 percent. If the renewal had failed, the tax in 2009 would have decreased to 6 percent.

Half the revenue raised by the tax will go to Sarasota County government, one-quarter to county schools and the rest divided among the cities of Sarasota, Venice and North Port and the town of Longboat Key.

Nearly $100 million of the tax is targeted for septic tank replacement and storm-water runoff projects. The school district is planning significant rebuilding projects at Venice and Booker high schools.

Organizers of the group Common Cents, which lobbied for the tax, said they expected the tax to pass. They credited their efforts reinforcing that the tax is not new, and would not carry an extra cost for voters.

"For the most part, when I spoke to people and told them they were already paying it, they said they would support the tax," said Gina Taylor, chairwoman of the Common Cents group that lobbied for the tax.

Voters at the polls echoed that sentiment.

Some supporters also said they wanted local governments to be able to continue services the tax paid for.

Since it went into effect in 1989, the 1 percent tax has paid for $760 million into government projects, including widening roads, school renovations and remodeling the Van Wezel.

Share this:

Loading Comments...

Email Print

ADVERTISEMENT