Property Tax Debate: Pros and Cons

On Sunday, January 18, the Committee of the Islands (COTI) will host a presentation by Holly Smith, President of the Florida League of Cities and Vice Mayor of the City of Sanibel, examining efforts by the Governor and the State Legislature to reduce or eliminate local property taxes.

The COTI Conversation will be at 4:00 pm at the Sanibel Community House, 2176 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel.

Although the event is free, both COTI members and nonmembers are welcome to attend; registration is required. To register for the event, visit https://bit.ly/492Tjac.

The program will examine the benefits and drawbacks of current proposals, exploring whether or not they will really reduce the tax burden for Floridians and whether proposed changes will help or hurt local communities.

It is critical that every property owner fully understands the risks and advantages of this proposal. Property taxes fund key local services—law enforcement, waste collection, road repair, emergency response, recreation, and more. Unlike other types of revenue, property tax revenue stays in the community where it is raised. Under the current system, residents have a strong voice in how dollars are spent. Shifting to a system where funding is controlled by the State risks undermining home rule and invites decisions that could underfund local key services and fail to respond to local priorities.

Is this proposed change much-needed relief for the taxpayer or a “wolf in sheep’s clothing” designed to consolidate power at the state level away from local communities? Come and learn more to form your own opinion! For more information, email coti33957@gmail.com or visit http://www.coti.org.