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Board signals support for 1¢ pavement-management sales tax approach, directs steering committee to lead outreach
Summary
Following public input and internal debate, commissioners signaled consensus to seek a local option sales tax focused on pavement management (resurfacing and related work) for a four‑year term and to let the citizen steering committee lead campaign and messaging.
After extended discussion and public input Oct. 21, the Citrus County Board of County Commissioners signaled consensus to pursue a local option 1¢ sales tax targeted to pavement management and residential road resurfacing with an initial four‑year sunset and to return the ballot question materials to the county steering committee for outreach.
County staff and the steering committee presented a range of draft structures proposed for a local option sales tax, including multiple allocation breakdowns and alternative sunset periods. The steering committee — led by Don Taylor — had recommended a package that previously included a 70/25/5 split for resurfacing/road capacity/parks; after a lengthy board discussion commissioners favored a simpler, more narrowly defined “pavement management” approach. Several commissioners argued a focused, easy-to‑understand ask improves chances for voter approval. The board expressed preference for a four‑year program focused on resurfacing, repaving and appropriate open‑grade surface work for current road types, with a future vote possible to expand the program after demonstrated results.
Commissioners asked for a precise technical definition of “pavement management” (including mill‑and‑pave, open‑grade overlays and full‑depth reclamation as needed) and directed staff to present the Mott MacDonald pavement-management analysis at the Nov. 18 meeting to finalize technical parameters. Several commissioners said they supported designing the ballot question to show voter benefit and recommended evaluating an ad valorem reduction mechanism tied to the sales tax in later planning, but no final decision on that was made Oct. 21.
Why it matters: Citrus County staff said current pavement‑management shortfalls are driving road decline; a targeted 1¢ local option sales tax would add a dedicated revenue stream for resurfacing and related road‑quality projects. Commissioners asked the steering committee to lead public education and outreach; staff will return with technical definitions and an amended draft for formal BOCC action ahead of any ballot certification deadlines.
