Citrus County commissioners discuss 1% local-option sales tax; no ordinance adopted as board debates priorities and outreach

Citrus County commissioners on Oct. 7 held an extended discussion about whether to pursue a 1% local-option sales surtax and how any revenue should be used, but they did not adopt an ordinance or place the measure on the ballot.

Veronica (county staff) briefed the board on the statutory process and budget estimates: a 1% local-option tax could generate roughly $25 million per year in Citrus County; under the statutory allocation formula, roughly 93.5% of revenue would remain with the county, about 2% would go to Crystal River and 4.5% to Inverness (population-based allocations). The local option applies to the first $5,000 of a major purchase and excludes essentials such as groceries and prescription drugs. Staff noted up to 25% of collections could be paid by non-resident visitors, depending on tourist spending patterns.

The Chamber of Commerce reported survey results: in a roughly 697-response aggregate sample (town-halls and online), respondents showed a split preference with substantial interest in roads, parks and…