Sarasota County Commission will hold a workshop to discuss and finalize project priorities for the one cent surtax

Francesco Abbruzzino, The Uncensored Report, LLC

VIA Sarasota County

On Tuesday, Feb. 8, beginning at 1 p.m., the Sarasota County Commission will hold a workshop to discuss and finalize the county’s project priorities for the one cent #surtax. The meeting will be held in the Commission Chamber at the downtown Administration Center, 1660 Ringling Blvd., Sarasota.

In advance of the workshop, the county has started listing potential future projects the surtax could fund. See what could be in the works for public safety, transportation, water quality, the environment, parks and libraries at www.sarasotacountysurtax.net.

How the penny tax works

Under Florida state law, counties may impose a discretionary sales surtax to invest in local community improvements. It must be approved by a majority of voters in a referendum. In three successive referendums, Sarasota County voters have authorized a 1% sales surtax, on top of the 6% state sales tax, to invest in capital improvement projects for the county, School District and municipalities.

This 1%, or one-cent sales tax, only applies to the first $5,000* of any purchase that is subject to the state sales tax (maximum of $50).

One-quarter of the revenue is allocated to the School District. The remaining 75% is distributed among the county and the municipalities based on population.

Proceeds may only be used to invest in public projects such as parks, roads, sidewalks, libraries and schools; they may not be used to pay for general operating expenses.

For more information, call 941-861-5457.