Business group warns the property tax proposal could affect public services, small businesses and economic development
The Seminole County Chamber has joined other Central Florida business groups in opposing Amendment 3. Chamber President and CEO Rebekah Arthur said members want tax relief but consider this proposal too abrupt, citing concerns about public services and the local economy. The amendment will be on the November 3 ballot.
After an intensive review of Amendment 3’s potential impacts on the community, the Seminole County Chamber’s board of directors unanimously voted to oppose it.
With this resolution, the Seminole County Chamber joins multiple other business organizations, such as the Orlando Economic Partnership and the Tampa Bay Chamber, in opposing Amendment 3.
“We heard from many members who are significantly concerned about their economic future if this passes,” says Rebekah Arthur, president & CEO, Seminole County Chamber. “While our membership includes many large employers, those with the most concerns were the small businesses and nonprofit organizations that simply could not withstand such a dramatic change in our tax structure.
“Of course, our chamber wants tax relief for our businesses and residents, and we certainly hope the Florida Legislature will revisit this issue carefully and diligently to provide relief,” Arthur added. “This proposal is simply too drastic and too sudden and the effects could seriously hurt Seminole County’s high standards for our quality of life.”
One of the key reasons to oppose are the significant cuts to services that maintain that quality of life. For instance, Seminole County Sheriff Dennis Lemma has stated the amendment could require a 20 percent cut to the Sheriff’s Office budget. In addition, there are significant concerns about funding for social services and for economic development efforts.
Those efforts have created high-wage jobs that provide customers to small businesses throughout the county.
Read the full news article on the The Apopka Voice