VOTERS HAVE APPROVED THE HALF-CENT SALES TAX INITIATIVE
The approved half-cent increase will help improve roads, build more sidewalks and support water quality projects in unincorporated St. Lucie County, Port St. Lucie, Fort Pierce and St. Lucie Village. The half-cent sales tax will not apply to purchases of gas, groceries, or medicine. For automobile or boat purchases, the tax will only be applied to the first $5,000 of the purchase. The increase will expire in 10 years (2028).
EVERY DOLLAR STAYS HERE
These projects will create many local construction jobs. Funds can only be used for roads, sidewalks, and water quality projects. Not for salaries or new positions.
IT WON’T APPLY TO ALL PURCHASES
The half-cent sales tax will not apply to purchases of gas, groceries, or medicine. For automobile or boat purchases, the tax would only be applied to the first $5,000 of the purchase.
VISITORS CONTRIBUTE up to 20%
That means everyone who uses our roads, sidewalks and rivers will help pay for them, not just residents and property owners. If these improvements were paid through property taxes, only local property owners would carry the burden.
CITIZEN OVERSIGHT
There will be local citizen oversight committee to ensure the money is spent as approved. Additionally, there are 4 layers of protection to ensure funds can only be used for roads, sidewalks, and water quality projects, not for salaries or new positions.