Ocoee commissioners warn voters to study state tax-reform ballot item; staff to prepare informational outreach

OCOEE, Fla. — Commissioners at the June 2 Ocoee meeting urged residents to educate themselves about a state joint resolution that will place a tax-reform constitutional amendment on the ballot, and they warned of potential long-term effects on municipal authority.

"It is it is important that we understand as citizens that this is a constitutional bill," Commissioner Oliver said, adding, "That means that it cannot just be rolled back easily." Oliver urged broad public outreach so residents understand the amendment's possible implications for local services and future generations.

City staff, represented by Greg in staff reports, said the legislature adopted the joint resolution in a special session and that the city will present a public-education plan that is legally reviewed to avoid lobbying prohibitions. Greg said the plan will include a website, flyers, and presentations at scheduled community meetings and will present facts "as we have them."

Several commissioners framed the matter as a home-rule issue. Commissioner Firstner said she was "really concerned about how the state is taking away the ability for cities and counties to use home rule," and Commissioner Kennedy urged residents to attend city hearings and outreach sessions to discuss fee assessments, enterprise funds and other options.

Why it matters: Commissioners said the proposed constitutional change could alter how cities raise revenue and deliver services, and they emphasized that educational outreach must remain factual to comply with legal limits on government lobbying.

What happens next: City staff will develop and present a legally reviewed public-education plan at upcoming commission meetings; commissioners encouraged public participation in the planned community outreach and hearings.