OCALA, FL (352today.com) – TV commercials, mailbox flyers, and yard signs all signal one thing right now: election season is upon us. Alongside the local and national candidates up for election, it’s important to understand the other issues on your ballot.
Kevin Sheilley, President/CEO of the Ocala Metro Chamber and Economic Partnership (CEP) highlighted two proposals on this ballot and how they could impact our community.
The first is the renewal of the Penny Sales Tax, a 1% tax initially approved by voters in the November 2015 presidential primary and renewed in November 2020. The tax is paid by residents and visitors, with an estimated 30% of the revenue coming from visitors.
The Penny Sales Tax funds essential public safety equipment for law enforcement, fire rescue, and EMS. It also funds transportation infrastructure projects for the county and municipalities.
The second issue is a proposed half-cent sales tax designated for school construction, renovation, expansion, and maintenance. Marion County Public Schools (MCPS) did not recover lost revenue from the recession in the early 2000s until 2023. As a result, MCPS is only able to fund approximately 20% of needed school construction and maintenance projects.
Thirty-nine schools in the county are over 30 years old, while enrollment has grown by over 10% in the last five years.
Both taxes are restricted from covering general expenses such as administrative costs and employee salaries. If approved, the combined impact would cost each Marion County household approximately $300 annually.
POV:Ocala is the CEP’s bimonthly video series to keep the Ocala Metro in the know on what’s new and coming to Ocala, hosted by CEP President & CEO, Kevin Sheilley.