BACKGROUND:

Section 212.055, Florida Statutes, provides details for the imposition and uses of discretionary sales surtaxes. Specifically, the statute provides for the “types of counties authorized to levy; the rate or rates which may be imposed; the maximum length of time the surtax may be imposed, if any; the procedure which must be followed to secure voter approval, if required; the purpose for which the proceeds may be expended; and such other requirements as the Legislature may provide.”

In August 2002, a one-half cent sales surtax, with an effective date of January 1, 2003, was approved by 59.3% of the electors of Orange County. The electors of Orange County approved the continuation of the surtax in 2014 by 64%. That surtax is due to sunset on December 31, 2025. The School Board has determined that it is in the best interests of the students of Orange County to submit to the voters a resolution asking them to continue the sales surtax for an additional ten (10) years to fund the building of new schools and reconstruction and improvement of existing schools.

The attached resolution is in draft form and will be finalized at the board meeting.

FISCAL IMPACT STATEMENT:

This will represent a positive impact to the school district of approximately $350 million per year if approved by the voters.

STUDENT DATA TO BE SHARED:

Not applicable.

RECOMMENDED RESOLUTION:

Approve a Resolution Ordering and Providing for the Holding of a Referendum Election to Determine if the Electors of the School District of Orange County, Florida, Authorize the School Board of Orange County, Florida to continue the One-Half Cent Sales Surtax for School Construction, Reconstruction, Improvement, Land Acquisition, Land Improvement, Design and Engineering Costs, Retrofitting and Providing Technology Implementation, and Service of Bond Indebtedness.

SUBMITTED AND PREPARED BY:

Amy Envall, General Counsel

John C. Palmerini, Deputy General Counsel

Doreen Concolino, Chief Financial Officer