TBO.com - TBO is Tampa Bay Online

Proposal Would Cut Tax That Supports Port Authority

ADVERTISEMENT

By TED JACKOVICS

The Tampa Tribune

Published: July 18, 2008

TAMPA - The Tampa Port Authority wants to lower the tax rate that helps support its projects, but the proposal ignited a pressing question in a poor economy: Should the port get any local tax dollars?

Port and County Commissioner Brian Blair reiterated Thursday that he would like to eliminate the tax altogether by 2010. He first suggested the idea in May.

But the port intends to use the $14.8 million it expects from the tax next year for capital improvements, such as creating new public berths, roadways and other infrastructure projects, and not for operational expenses.

On Thursday, Blair agreed with the five other port authority members present to recommend that Hillsborough County reduce the property tax rate that supports port projects to 19.5 cents per $1,000 in property value for fiscal 2009. Port Commissioner William "Hoe" Brown was absent.

The proposed levy compares with 19.82 cents per $1,000 valuation in fiscal 2008, which ends Sept. 30. The current levy provides $15.8 million in taxes for the port authority, $1 million more than the lower rate would provide next year.

Blair has said he hoped county voters who might get relief from the property assessment for the port would in turn support a November referendum to continue the county's Environmental Lands Acquisition and Protection Program.

Public hearings on the new millage rate are scheduled for 5:01 p.m. Sept. 11 and Sept. 22 at port authority headquarters, 1101 Channelside Drive.

The port authority board is expected to make a final decision on the millage recommendation at its Sept. 16 monthly meeting. The county commission would be expected to vote on the port authority's recommendation later that month.

"We are proud to say that the modest amount of tax dollars invested by the county's citizens goes directly toward huge economic benefits like serious business growth and job creation," port director Richard Wainio said.
Port officials said the income from the property tax helps the port with its bond ratings because it adds to the certainty of available revenue.

The Hillsborough County Aviation Authority has not collected local taxes since 1973 and relies primarily on user fees generated by airport businesses and airlines. Tampa International Airport draws 19.5 million passengers annually who generate parking, restaurant and shopping revenue that helps fund the airport. The port is a smaller operation.

Also on Thursday, the port authority took another step in approving a master plan for development that has been two years in the making. The plan must go through five more steps before local government boards before it will be ready for adoption in June or July 2009.

The master plan of recommendations for economic and land-use development and a related strategic plan outline the overall direction of the port for five to 20 years. The plans include:

•Increasing land acquisition and creation of new waterfront industrial property through land filling.

•Evaluating the feasibility of deepening the port's channels to as much as 50 feet.

• Investing up to $2 billion in modernizing and expanding marine terminals and supporting infrastructure.

Reporter Ted Jackovics can be reached at (813) 259-7817 or tjackovics@tampatrib.com.

Share this:

Loading Comments...

Email Print

ADVERTISEMENT