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The January 29th Property Tax Constitutional Amendment 18 Words that Change Everything
"require the Legislature to limit the authority of counties, municipalities, and special districts to increase ad valorem taxes;" Ballot language for January 29th Special Election re property taxes.
As each county makes tough choices to accommodate the statutory language passed during the special session, commissioners and staff are looking ahead at the devastating impact the constitutional amendment if passed would have on many quality of life services and critical services. However, as these concerns are addressed it is imperative to not loose sight of the big picture-the amendment requires the legislature to limit the authority of local governments- removing the governmental body closest to the people away from the people.
This language would be devastating to Floridians and Florida as we know it. No longer would citizens be able to affect real change within their communities but instead be forced to compete in Tallahassee with thousands of special interests. No longer would commissioners be able to meet the demands of their citizens and fashion a community unique to their demands but instead be forced to compete against all counties and cities in Tallahassee. No longer will your community be able to make long term plans for investment and conservation but be forced to live by a "one size fits all" approach from Tallahassee.
There is nothing more important than the quality of life that our residents expect and demand. The proposed constitutional amendment is a direct attack on the ability of Florida's citizens to make and keep decisions in the hands of their community leaders. In addition, citizens look to counties to provide services that add to the quality of life in Florida's communities. For example, counties provide their citizens with public transportation, parks, libraries, community health care, affordable housing, animal control services, and economic development. The needs for these services are as unique as the 67 counties in Florida. A one-size-fits-all mandate from Tallahassee may work for one community while hindering the success of another.
Voters are being asked to make a critical decision on January 29, 2008 that could profoundly undermine home rule in every county across the state. The proposed constitutional amendment changes the way property taxes are levied. If the amendment passes, it will hinder your ability to influence decisions affecting your community. Local citizens could find themselves stripped of local control.
Not only will the constitutional amendment silence the voice of your community, but it will also limit your county's ability to meet mounting financial challenges. Mandates are one of these increasing challenges. State and federal mandates now add $1 billion to counties' fiscal burdens. Growth is another compounding challenge your local community must face. These are decisions that have to be made at the local level in a timely manner.