Half-Cent Local Infrastructure Sales Tax FAQs

What is the Half-Cent Local Infrastructure Sales Tax?

If approved, the half-cent sales tax will provide an additional half-cent of sales tax to be used for improving infrastructure across Volusia County including roads, sidewalks, bridges, water quality and flood control.

How much money will the sales tax raise?

It is anticipated that the extra half-cent in sales tax will raise approximately $45 million a year.  It is estimated that 35%-40% of those revenues will be paid by visitors to Volusia County.

Who gets the money?

The proceeds of such tax shall be distributed to the county and to municipalities within the county according to the distribution formula provided by section 218.62, Florida Statutes. Click here to read the statute. The distribution is population derived calculation. View the revenue estimates and estimated distribution list.

When would I have to start paying the extra half-cent sales tax?

January 1, 2020.

Is there a specific list of projects that will receive sales tax funding?

The county and the 16 cities have identified numerous infrastructure needs that could be funded by the half-cent sales tax for local infrastructure. The proposed project list for the county may be seen on the county’s website at www.volusia.org/salestax. Proposed project lists for the cities can be seen on the cities’ websites.

I’ve heard the extra penny will be used to fund SunRail operations and Votran bus service.

Is this true? No. County Ordinance 2019-4, Section 114-228 states “Proceeds shall not be used for public mass transit; nor for rail or for any other project not allowed herein.” 

How can I trust the County and Cities to use the sales tax funds as promised and not use the revenues as a slush fund?

County Ordinance 2019-4, Section 114-229 established a citizens committee who’s exclusive purpose is to review whether proposed uses of proceeds are among those authorized; and whether expenditures matched the proposed use. 

Special Election Ballot FAQs

Supervisor of Elections: Understand the nuts and bolts of a mail-only election.

When is the election? 

May 21, 2019.

What will the half-cent ballot question look like?

 

 

When will the ballot be mailed?

Ballots will be mailed on May 1; this is by Florida Statute.

What will be in the envelope with the ballot?

The envelope you receive in the mail will contain the: ballot, instructions, secrecy sleeve, and self-addressed postage paid return envelope. YOU MUST SIGN THE CERTIFICATE ON THE RETURN ENVELOPE AND PROVIDE YOUR RESIDENTIAL ADDRESS.

When is the ballot due back?

The ballot is due back to the Supervisor of Elections office by 7 p.m., May 21, 2019. PLEASE REMEMBER TO SIGN THE CERTIFICATE ON THE RETURN ENVELOPE AND PROVIDE YOUR RESIDENTIAL ADDRESS.

Can I deliver my ballot envelope to the Department of Elections in DeLand?

Yes.

Is there going to be early voting?

No early voting as this is a strictly mail ballot election.

Will the polls at my voting precinct be open and when?

The polling precincts will not be open on Election Day.  This is a mail ballot election only.