Local Option Sales Tax Brings Big Rewards for Charlotte County Residents
Since 1994 Charlotte County has used the local option sales tax to fund a variety of quality of life projects. The current tax is due to expire at the end of 2008. On August 26 residents will be asked to extend the “penny sales tax” for another six years. This is NOT a new tax.
The reason is simple: Public safety is expensive. Without sales tax funds, we cannot continue to build roads or infrastructure. Rising costs, property tax reform, and reductions in state and federal assistance require that we find alternate funding sources. The sales tax funds have served us well in the past and can continue to do so in the future.
Sales tax is not only paid by residents, but also by tourists and seasonal visitors as well. Everyone who uses our roads or spends time in Charlotte County should pay their fair share.
Funding Critical Projects
If extended for six years, the 1¢ paid on each dollar spent in Charlotte County will fund the following projects:
- Burnt Store Road, $20,000,000, a valuable hurricane evacuation route
- Edgewater Boulevard, $20,000,000 a critical corridor to relieve traffic congestion on US 41
- Midway Boulevard, $30,000,000, needed to accommodate current traffic volume and improve safety
- County road 775/Placida Road, $28,000,000, needed to accommodate traffic growth and serves as a hurricane evacuation route
- Sidewalks, $10,000,000, complete sidewalks around schools and connects them to recreation areas and neighborhoods
- The City of Punta Gorda, $10,800,000, to reconstruct their public works/utilities complex, for parks, pedestrian and heritage tourism enhancements, and public safety vehicles and equipment.
Video
List of Past Sales Tax Projects
Frequently Asked Questions
Flyer
Brochure
Proposed Projects Map
Completed Projects Map
Ballot Language
BCC Meeting Video Excerpts Concerning the Sales Tax Extension:
