SEMINOLE COUNTY, Fla. – Voters in Seminole County will have the chance to weigh in on three county referendums this election cycle.
One would extend a penny sales tax to help pay for things like better parks, reducing flooding and improving schools.
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The other two charter amendments make changes to how the county commission handles rural lands.
News 6 has broken down each one. Here is what you need to know.
[RESULTS 2024: Complete Coverage | How to vote in the Nov. 5 presidential election | Everything on the ballot in Seminole County for the Nov. 5 election]
Extension of existing infrastructure sales surtax
BALLOT LANGUAGE:
From the Seminole County Supervisor of Elections.: For the purpose of improving local schools, reducing traffic, improving parks and recreational opportunities, reducing flooding, purchasing environmentally sensitive lands, and improving public safety, shall Seminole County renew the existing one-cent sales surtax paid by visitors and residents until December 31, 2034 with all the dollars kept in Seminole County?
BREAKING DOWN THE REFERENDUM:
Back in 1991, voters approved the penny sales tax to be used towards funding infrastructure needs such as road repairs, school improvements and drainage projects. Revenue from the sales tax is split between the county, seven municipalities, and Seminole County Public Schools, as News 6′s Catherine Silver explained back in September. The current tax is set to end on Dec. 31 but if this referendum is passed it would continue for another 10 years.
BOTTOM LINE:
A “FOR” vote on the referendum means you are in favor of renewing the penny sales tax dedicated to improving local infrastructure.
A “AGAINST” vote on the referendum means you are against renewing the penny sales tax dedicated to improving local infrastructure.
Requiring Supermajority vote by County Commissioners to transfer or change the use of Natural Lands
BALLOT LANGUAGE:
From the Supervisor of Elections.: Shall the Seminole County Charter be revised to require the vote of a Supermajority (i.e., a majority plus one) of the members of the Seminole County Board of County Commissioners in order to transfer or materially change the use or purpose of properties that are owned or managed by the County and that it has designated as “Natural Lands?”
BREAKING DOWN THE CHARTER AMENDMENT:
Currently, the charter says that the County Commissioners Board can vote to change the use or transfer of natural lands. This referendum would change to require a vote of 4-1 (as the current board has five members) to change the use or transfer of natural lands. For example, if a developer would like to build on the eastern portion of Seminole County – four commissioners would have to agree rather than three to change the natural lands use to allow development.
BOTTOM LINE:
A “YES” vote on the referendum means you are in favor of a supermajority vote by the board of county commissioners when they weigh using or changing natural land.
A “NO” vote on the referendum means you are against a supermajority vote by the board of county commissioners when they weigh using or changing natural land.
Requiring Supermajority vote by County Commissioners to remove property from the County’s Rural Area
BALLOT LANGUAGE:
From the Seminole County Supervisor of Elections.: Shall the Seminole County Charter be revised to require the vote of a Supermajority (i.e., a majority plus one) of the members of the Seminole County Board of County Commissioners in order to remove property from that portion of the County that is designated as “Rural Area?”
BREAKING DOWN THE CHARTER AMENDMENT:
Currently, the charter says that County Commissioners Board can vote to remove property from designated rural areas, known as the “Rural Boundary,” so it can be developed further. The rural boundary is a large area on the east side of the county. This referendum would change to require a vote of 4-1 (as the current board has five members) to remove said property. For example, if someone would like to change which part of the eastern portion of Seminole County is considered a natural area – four commissioners would need to agree instead of three.
BOTTOM LINE:
A “YES” vote on the referendum means you are in favor of a supermajority vote by the board of county commissioners when they weigh removing property from rural areas.
A “NO” vote on the referendum means you are against a supermajority vote by the board of county commissioners when they weigh removing property from rural areas.