At every Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) meeting County Administrator Jeff Rogers provides updates to the Board on long term projects in a segment called “Ongoing Board Directives.” On Oct. 25, 2022, Rogers discussed a tiny homes ordinance, the South Brooksville Community Redevelopment Agency, and the sales tax referendum on the Nov. 8 ballot.
An ordinance pertaining to tiny homes will be discussed at the November 29th Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) meeting. Also on this date, the South Brooksville Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) will present its preliminary boundary for approval.
The BOCC will hear recommendations from the Affordable Housing Advisory Committee (AHAC) regarding the regulation of the construction of tiny homes in the county. Commissioner John Allocco added that a review of current local ordinances should be addressed at that time, particularly those that require garage sizes that are determined by the living space of a house.
South Brooksville CRA will present its preliminary boundary on this date.
Rogers reported that county staff is still “actively advertising and educating people” on the (half-cent) sales tax referendum, which will be voted on at the November 8th election. If approved by voters, the taxes will be used to fund the construction and improvement of roadways, parks, and recreational facilities.
Commissioner John Allocco commented, “There will be some people out there who want to say that we added tax. No, we haven’t. Actually, we’re trying to reduce taxes, that’s the whole point.” Allocco went on to say that he believes the county is “run pretty lean.”
The appeal of the half-cent tax is that it will be paid by anyone who purchases goods within the county, generating revenue in addition to property taxes, which are only paid by residents. Allocco said in conclusion, “I don’t know how much leaner we can get as a county and still provide the services that we need, but if everything’s going to be on the back of property owners, that’s not sustainable.”
