LEON COUNTY, FL, SEPTEMBER 13, 2020 – Backers and critics sparred over the merits of creating a new property tax to address children’s issues during a virtual town hall meeting.
Supporters say problems will persist without intervention and advocacy for the creation of a Children’s Services Council in Leon County.
The timing, opponents say, couldn’t be worse for a tax increase during an ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Moreover, they express deep concern over how new tax revenue will be effective, adding efforts to address children’s issues can be achieved with existing groups or revenue sources. In roughly two months, a referendum to create the CSC goes before voters in the general election. If approved, it would be the 10th in the state and would decide its focus areas based on broad-brush guidelines spelled out in statute. Read more.