If the tax is placed on the November ballot and voters approve it, Plant City will use the additional money for roads.
In a town more than 100 years old, aging roads are an ongoing battle. Funding for an additional $2 million dollars per year for roadway improvements in Plant City is dependent on a Hillsborough County Commission public hearing June 9. But it comes at a cost: a half-cent sales tax.
The public hearing, set for 6 p.m. June 9, will be the second time County Commissioners debate putting a half-cent sales tax increase on the ballot in November. Earlier this month, County Commissioners voted against a tax increase for 20 to 30 years with a 4-3 vote. The public hearing will revisit the tax for 10 to 15 years.
District 4 Commissioner Stacy White, who represents Plant City, was one of the representatives to vote against putting the tax proposal on the ballot.
White’s opposition was supported by Commissioners Al Higginbotham, Victor Crist and Sandy Murman.
At the City Commission meeting Monday, May 23, City Commissioners approved adopting a 10-year and 15-year project plan that would be funded if the half-cent sales tax referendum would be placed on the ballot and approved by voters.
The plans show how funds would be spent on major streets in Plant City, including Alexander Street, Timberlane Drive and Sydney Road. The 15-year plan would allow an additional $10 million dollars over time to be invested into neighborhood streets.
Commissioner Billy Keel, who was present for his final meeting May 23, said the conditions of streets were the biggest complaint commissioners have from citizens.
“Right now … the roads are in terrible shape,” he said. “It would solve a problem that’s existed for a very long time.”
While the city commissioners have not made a stance on if they approve or disapprove of the tax, all commissioners are in support of putting the tax on the ballot and leaving the decision in the hands of the voters.
Currently, the City of Plant City has $1 million dollars allocated for road resurfacing per year, which allows the city to resurface about 3.1 miles of road. With that funding, it would take the 52 years to resurface all of the city’s roads.
If approved, the additional $2 million dollars that would stem from the half-cent sales tax increase would reduce 52 years to 17 years.
“Hopefully they will let the people decide,” Commissioner Mary Thomas Mathis said. She encouraged residents to pick up the phone and call their county representative. “That’s what government is all about.”
Mayor Rick Lott agreed.
“Let the citizens vote on it,” he said. “That’s all we’re asking.”
Contact Emily Topper at etopper@plantcityobserver.com.
