BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
Agenda Item #15
Title
Conservation Lands: Authorization to advertise ordinance on referendum for infrastructure sales tax to fund conservation lands, parks, and recreation (Amended)
Amount
N/A
Description
Request for authorization to advertise a public hearing on an ordinance for a referendum for infrastructure sales tax to fund conservation lands, parks, and recreation.
Recommendation
Approve advertisement of a public hearing for an ordinance on a referendum for infrastructure sales tax to fund conservation lands, parks, and recreation.
Alternative(s)
Do not approve advertisement.
Requested By
Board of County Commissioners
Originating Department
County Attorney
Attachment(s) Description
Letter from Quality of Life Coalition Proposed Ordinance Ad
Documents Requiring Action
Ad
Executive Summary
This is a request for authorization to advertise a public hearing for an ordinance calling for a referendum on a 1/2-cent sales tax for conservation lands, parks, and recreation.
Background
At its June 10, 2008 regular meeting, the County Commission directed the County Attorney to draft an ordinance for a referendum as proposed by the Quality of Life Coalition’s letter dated May 30, 2008. The referendum would place before the voters whether to impose a half-cent sales tax to fund the acquisition and improvement of conservation and recreation lands, and operation and maintenance of recreation facilities for a two-year period. Upon approval by the Board, staff would advertise notice of a public hearing on August 12, 2008. The Supervisor of Elections’ deadline for presenting the final ballot language is August 15, 2008. If the sales tax revenues are to be distributed other than by the statutory formula, an interlocal agreement with the City of Gainesville will need to be negotiated and executed. Interlocal agreements with other municipalities, and a list of specific projects, are not required, but may be desired.
Issues
Should the Board approve the advertisement of a public hearing for an ordinance on a referendum for infrastructure sales tax to fund conservation lands, parks, and recreation?
Fiscal Recommendation
n/a
Fiscal Alternative(s)
n/a
Funding Sources
n/a
Account Code(s)
n/a
Attachment: QualityofLifeLtr.pdf
Attachment: QualityofLifeSurtax2.pdf
Attachment: QualityofLifeAd.pdf