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Sumter County explores tourist development tax and fuel‑tax renewal to fund fairgrounds, roads
Summary
County staff described options including a tourist development tax on short-term rentals to fund a fairgrounds strategic plan and a planned campaign to renew fuel‑tax funding for roads; commissioners asked staff to pursue public education and return with referendum materials and scheduling options.
Sumter County commissioners discussed local revenue options Jan. 20, focusing on a proposed tourist development tax (a levy on short-term rentals) and a planned renewal of fuel‑tax authority to support road maintenance.
County administrator Arnold told the board a tourist development tax could be structured to target transient lodging (hotels, motels, RV parks and short-term rentals) and suggested using proceeds initially to finance projects in the county’s fairgrounds strategic plan. "That could be part of the ordinance that once those things are accomplished, the tax sunsets," Arnold said, noting the board could also choose not to sun‑set the levy if voters approve it. He recommended an education campaign and stakeholder engagement (a statutorily required tourist development board) if the board wants to proceed.
Commissioners signaled interest but asked staff to confirm statutory definitions and enforcement (how short-term stays are identified and collected). Arnold said the tax collector could administer collection locally and provide better data than a state-administered system and that the county would prepare an ordinance and referendum process if the board supports moving forward. Staff recommended timing the referendum for the November general election; commissioners discussed outreach channels and cautioned that state-level changes could complicate ballot messaging.
On road funding, staff described a fuel‑tax renewal and a continuing campaign of public education aimed at the general election. Arnold stressed that losing a fuel‑tax renewal would remove roughly $2 million a year for road maintenance and construction and asked for board direction on the campaign timeline. Commissioners and communications staff discussed multi-channel public education, the need for clear messaging if the state changes laws affecting property taxes or referendum timing, and ways to coordinate with local media and community partners.
No final ordinances or ballot language were adopted at the workshop. Staff was directed to begin outreach planning, draft referral/resolution language for future board consideration, and prepare the education materials and legal steps needed to place a tourist development tax referendum and a fuel‑tax renewal before voters.
