Why the Penny Sales Tax Renewal is Essential for Seminole County’s Future

Why the Penny Sales Tax Renewal is Essential for Seminole County’s Future

As your City Commissioner for Winter Springs, I am committed to ensuring our community continues to thrive. One of the key ways we can achieve that is by renewing the One Cent Infrastructure Sales Tax, also known as the Penny Sales Tax, this November.

What is the Penny Sales Tax?

For over 30 years, this tax has been a cornerstone of growth and development in Seminole County. It’s not a new tax, but a continuation of a highly successful initiative that generates funding for essential infrastructure projects. From improving roads and sidewalks to enhancing water quality and supporting school construction, the Penny Sales Tax has already brought in over $2 billion to strengthen our communities.

Why Does This Matter?

The revenue generated from the Penny Sales Tax is crucial for maintaining and upgrading our infrastructure. Here in Winter Springs and throughout Seminole County, we’ve seen the positive effects of this funding, such as:

  1. Road Improvements: Safer, more efficient roads with added turn lanes, repaved surfaces, and upgraded traffic signals.
  2. Pedestrian and Bicycle Infrastructure: More trails, sidewalks, and bike lanes that connect our community and encourage a healthy, active lifestyle.
  3. Environmental Conservation: Support for stormwater management and environmental restoration projects that protect our natural resources.
  4. Public Safety Enhancements: Investments in new safety vehicles, emergency services, and equipment to keep our neighborhoods safe.

These projects improve our quality of life, help keep property taxes low, and ensure that Seminole County remains a place where people want to live, work, and raise their families.

The Power of the Penny

One of the most compelling reasons to support the Penny Sales Tax is that a significant portion—up to 30%—of the revenue comes from non-residents. That means visitors and out-of-county shoppers contribute to the cost of improving our local infrastructure, easing the burden on our residents. This is a smart and efficient way to fund the improvements we all rely on without increasing taxes for Seminole County homeowners.

Why Renewal is Important

Without this funding, many essential projects would be delayed or potentially canceled. We would have to rely on state and federal funding, which can take years to secure. By renewing the Penny Sales Tax, we maintain control over how we fund and prioritize local projects that directly impact our daily lives.

I’ve always believed in finding balanced solutions that promote both economic growth and environmental preservation. The Penny Sales Tax does exactly that. It allows us to grow responsibly while protecting the natural beauty and resources that make Winter Springs and Seminole County such special places.

Join Me in Supporting the Renewal

This November, I urge you to join me in voting YES for the renewal of the Penny Sales Tax. Let’s continue investing in our community’s future by ensuring we have the resources to build and maintain the infrastructure that keeps Winter Springs and all of Seminole County thriving.

To learn more about the Penny Sales Tax and how it benefits our community, I invite you to watch this informative video from former County Commissioner John Horan:

Together, we can make sure Winter Springs remains a beautiful, safe, and vibrant community for generations to come.

Warm regards,

Victoria Bruce

Winter Springs City Commissioner, District 2

APPROVAL OF ASSESSMENT ROLLS

APPROVAL OF ASSESSMENT ROLLS

Pursuant to Section 197.3632, Florida Statutes, each of the following assessment rolls shall be certified to the Seminole County

Tax Collector prior to September 15, 2023, along with any necessary changes subsequent to the date hereof permitted under Sections 3.12 and 4.12 of the Ordinance and the Uniform Assessment Collection Act.

A. Tuscawilla Improvement Area. The non-ad valorem assessment roll on file with the City Clerk for the Tuscawilla Improvement Area is hereby approved, such roll setting the annual rate of $36.00 per Equivalent Residential Unit (reflecting no change compared to the prior year amount and $7.00 less than the maximum rate of $43.00 previously authorized by the City.

B. Tuscawilla Maintenance Assessment Area. The non-ad valorem assessment roll on file with the City Clerk for the Tuscawilla Maintenance Assessment Area is hereby approved, such roll setting the annual rate of $128.00 per Equivalent Residential Unit (reflecting an increase of $8.00 compared to the prior year amount and being equal to the maximum rate of $128.00 previously authorized by the City).

C. Oak Forest Assessment Area (Maintenance). The non-ad valorem assessment roll on file with the City Clerk for the Oak Forest Assessment Area (Maintenance) is hereby approved, such roll setting the annual rate of $60.00 per Benefit Unit (reflecting no change from the prior year amount and $3.00 less than the maximum rate of $63.00 previously authorized by the City).

D. Tuscawilla Phase III Assessment Area (Capital). The non-ad valorem assessment roll on file with the City Clerk for the Tuscawilla (Phase III) Assessment Area (Capital) is hereby approved, such roll setting the annual rate of $88.00 per Beneficial Unit (reflecting an increase of $3.00 compared to the prior year amount and being equal to the maximum rate of $88.00 previously authorized by the City).

E. Tuscawilla Phase III Assessment Area (Maintenance). The non-ad valorem assessment roll on file with the City Clerk for the Tuscawilla (Phase III) Assessment Area (Maintenance) is hereby approved, such roll setting the annual rate of $87.00 per Benefit Unit (reflecting no change compared to the prior year amount and compared to the maximum rate of $87.00 previously authorized by the City).

Investing in Infrastructure: How Winter Springs is Spending the One Cent Infrastructure Sales Tax

Investing in Infrastructure: How Winter Springs is Spending the One Cent Infrastructure Sales Tax

The document below outlines the spending summary for various projects in the City of Winter Springs, financed by the One Cent Infrastructure Sales Tax approved by Seminole County voters in 2014. This tax, applied to the sale of consumer goods to visitors, residents, and businesses, supports construction and maintenance of infrastructure.

The major expenditure areas include:

Land Acquisition: $720,363 was spent on two land parcels for future park expansion at Central Winds Park and Torcaso Park.

Winter Springs Town Center Improvements: $475,000 was spent on enhancing and expanding parking.

Road Resurfacing and Safety Improvements: $3,838,924 was spent on safety enhancements along Winter Springs Boulevard and resurfacing several roadways.

Bridge Repairs: $611,957 was spent on a study to identify future bridge repair needs and repair work after Hurricane Ian. An additional $2.5 million has been allocated for future repairs.

Safety and Utility Vehicles: $2,884,000 was spent on acquiring 16 new vehicles for the police department and equipment for the Utilities department.

Winter Springs Utilities: $2,000,000 was spent on critical capital repairs to the water treatment plant and waste water treatment facility.

Furthermore, $5.5 million has been earmarked specifically for stormwater rehabilitation Citywide, with work expected to start in 2024. The total amount allocated for infrastructure projects is $19 million.

Finally, there were also numerous reallocations, amendments, and contingencies outlined for various sub-projects within the city infrastructure.