1. Vote: March 15, 2016
2. Why: It’s on the ballot because the Board of County Commissioners unanimously approved putting this sales tax option before county voters. The county is faced with a backlog of projects (e.g., road maintenance and expansion) and equipment needs (e.g., public safety gear and vehicles). These investments were postponed to keep property taxes low during our community’s economic downturn.
3. What it covers: If passed, the 1-percent sales tax would fund specific public safety equipment needs for law enforcement, fire rescue and emergency medical services, as well as transportation capital road projects for Marion County and its municipalities (Belleview, Dunnellon, Ocala, Reddick and McIntosh). The temporary tax would be levied over a period of four years (Jan. 1, 2017-Dec. 31, 2020), and would generate an estimated $166 million over those years.
A sales tax means visitors would help pay for the roads and public safety services they use while in Marion County, since the 1% is levied on purchases, and not properties.
To read full “Sales Tax Initiative”
Source: http://marioncountyfl.org/about/board-of-county-commissioners/sales-tax-option