Penny For Pinellas Approved For Referendum

CLEARWATER, FL – Once again, Pinellas County voters will have their say on the Penny for Pinellas tax.

The Pinellas County Board of County Commissioners approved an ordinance to put the 10-year renewal of the Penny for Pinellas 1-percent sales tax on the ballot for the Tuesday, Nov. 7 election. The board approved the ordinance at their regular meeting on Tuesday, Aug. 1.

At the same meeting, the commission approved an interlocal agreement signed by the county and Pinellas County’s 24 municipalities that sets distribution of the Penny funds if the renewal is approved by voters.

The original Penny for Pinellas was approved by voters and implemented in 1990. The funds raised by the 1-percent sales tax are earmarked for long-term capital infrastructure projects including:

• Water quality, flood and sewer spill prevention: Enhance water quality, prevent sewer spills and reduce neighborhood flooding
• Roads, bridges and trails: Including lanes, bridges, intersections, sidewalks and multiuse trails
• Public safety: New law enforcement vehicles, new fire stations, emergency shelter space and other projects
• Preserving parks and the environment: Renovations and enhancement to park facilities and preservation of environmental land
• Community vitality: New or upgraded libraries, recreation and community centers, plus land for developing affordable housing

The Penny for Pinellas tax is scheduled to end on Dec. 31, 2019. If Pinellas County voters approve the renewal, Penny for Pinellas would continue from 2020 to 2029.

The Penny for Pinellas sales tax is not collected on groceries and medications. The tax is only collected on the first $5,000 of a single purchase.

Pinellas County has launched a newly updated website that advocates for the passing of the Penny for Pinellas referendum at http://www.pinellascounty.org/penny. The website features an interactive map focused on future projects proposed by Pinellas County and its 24 municipalities. It also features budget information, examples of projects supported by the sales tax since its inception and frequently asked questions.

In addition to the updated website, the county will also share a series of videos and other updates through various channels, including social media, to provide more information and answer questions. To follow these Penny for Pinellas updates, search #PennyforPinellas on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram.

County staff is available to discuss the Penny for Pinellas with community groups through the county Speakers Bureau. To schedule a presentation, call (727) 464-4600 or visit www.pinellascounty.org/speak/penny.htm.

Image via Carol VanHook, Flickr, used under Creative Commons