View of the Loxa-Lucie land for conservation looking East
Photo: G. Smith
Written by Lina Ruiz, Treasure Coast Newspapers
May 3, 2022
A half-percent sales tax that would have helped buy conservation land will not be on the Nov. 8 ballot.
Commissioner Sarah Heard made a motion to put the tax on the ballot before voters in November, but the motion was not seconded, so it did not move forward.
The tax hike would have increased the sales tax in Martin County from 6½% to 7% starting Jan. 1.
The 10-year tax would have provided funding to purchase land in the Indian River Lagoon South; Pal Mar Water Control District in south Martin County; Loxa-Lucie Headwaters, that connects the Loxahatchee and St. Lucie rivers; and other waterway properties.
The decision comes after a consultant for the Guardians of Martin County, an environmental nonprofit, conducted a poll that showed more than half of 300 respondents were in favor of the tax, according to the Guardians and county staff. The pool was determined by factors such as political party, age and commission districts.
While surprised by the results, Commissioner Harold Jenkins on Tuesday said he was unconvinced the poll represented all county residents, specifically those of lower income.
“This is the wrong time,” Jenkins said. “It should be ready to rock ‘n’ roll in 2024 if our economy recovers and we’re back on track.”
Guardians of Martin County board member Jim Snedeker said he understood the commission’s decision in light of financial challenges voters are facing, but still saw the failed attempt at putting the issue on the ballot as a loss, he told TCPalm.
Read the story online HERE