Guest Column: Sales tax survey deficiencies
Kim J Kendall
St Augustine, FL
I want Historic City News readers to be aware of deficiencies with the telephone polling methods employed by a group of private individuals, the results of which are being given to our elected public officials to influence their decision in support of a sales tax referendum.
Unfortunately, the survey is leading and contains false statements.
Example: Three times the surveyor states there will be a watchdog committee to oversee the spending of the sales tax. In fact, one of those times the surveyor even claims that the following “statements are true and factual” – and then says there will be a watchdog committee to oversee spending.
These statements are false and misleading.
No watchdog committee has been established. As Dr. Pawlowski can attest, he has requested such a committee to be discussed on three occasions (Feb. 12, April 7, and May 5) with no response from the Commission to date.
Example: After the surveyor states – “the following statements are arguments for a sales tax. All statements are true and factual.” the surveyor says, “Most sales tax would be paid by tourists and seasonal visitors.”
That statement is false and misleading.
Florida Tax Watch CEO & President confirmed this week that tourists pay between 18-22% of sales tax. He stated even the local county economic development advocates will say tourists pay between 25-30%, which is way too high. All data shows tourists do not pay most of the sales tax.
Example: After the surveyor states that there WILL be a watchdog committee and that tourists pay for MOST of the sales tax – then the resident is asked “which tax is least hurtful to you and your family? Sales tax, property tax, or gas tax?”
That statement is leading.
Residents were limited to only these three taxes as choices. No other options were allowed as an answer – cutting wasteful spending wasn’t allowed as an answer. (Throughout the entire survey – no questions addressed the option of cutting wasteful spending.) And you cannot cherry pick survey results.
Example: Even if you reject the results from the watchdog committee statement and the tourist statement – but still accept the results from the question asking which tax is least harmful – the results would be greatly tainted. The resident has heard three times that there WILL be a watchdog committee – and the resident has heard the tourists will pay for MOST of the sales tax – therefore, statements such as these add influence to additional survey responses.
RESULTS TAINTED AND INVALID: We can all appreciate a private group paying for a survey. But if the county is not going to work with that group on the front end to make sure the questions are accurate and serve the purpose needed for the residents, then unfortunately, the survey results need to be rejected.
SJC PROPERTY APPRAISER REPORT
JUNE 1: On June 1st, the St. Johns County Property Appraiser will release their report which will provide a better picture of the growth rate for St. Johns County. Though a date has not been set yet to vote on a possible sales tax referendum – certainly it should occur after this date. The data from our Property Appraiser’s office is imperative to have a better understanding what the true deficits and revenues will be.
As well as, the Florida Realtors’ Chief Economist states St. Johns County is growing at a rate of 17.8% – our commercial rate is growing – and our property values are going up.
Commissioner Morris has stated many times that we didn’t need a sales tax increase that we were growing our way out. He is correct.
DON’T SPEND TAXPAYER MONEY WHEN UNNECESSARY
MARCH BALLOT: The County has stated the proposed 1-cent sales tax increase referendum would be for a November 2015 ballot. The County has briefed on the proposed 1-cent sales tax increase since February 2014. Since then, four elections have been bypassed. Though I strongly disagree with a sales tax referendum – if the Commission decides in favor of it – certainly the Commission will wait just 4 months and place it on the already scheduled March 2016 ballot.
MAJORITY OF RESIDENTS: The County has stated it wants to hear from the majority of residents. The March 2016 ballot would result in a majority of residents voting – versus a November 2015 special election ballot – which would result with an extremely low turn-out of residents voting (approximately 15%.)
NOT WASTE TAXPAYER MONEY: We applaud Commissioner Morris for making it clear that he did not want to use taxpayer money for a sales tax survey (that would cost $25,000 – $35,000.) Certainly all Commissioners will be likeminded and not want to spend $250,000+ for a special election ballot – when the county chose to skip over four already scheduled ballots. The responsible decision here is simply wait 4 months later until the scheduled March ballot.
SO WHAT IS WRONG WITH A BALLOT REFERENDUM?
- What’s wrong with a sales tax increase ballot referendum is that it gives the impression that the County isn’t being a good steward of the taxpayers’ money.
- If we are truly in a financial crisis – why did the county just approve $12M to build a new Public Works building? Why not wait, rent, or buy a $1M existing facility nearby?
- The County recently approved using $5M for a VA Clinic – when the deal didn’t go through – why didn’t the county offer to use that same previously committed money that was already budgeted out?
- Instead residents are told we have only two choices. Raise taxes or cut services resulting in libraries shutting down, library workers being laid off, and park lights being turned off.
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