Subject:
Title
Ordinance placing the extension of the Penny for Pinellas referendum question on the November 7, 2017 County Referendum and Municipal General Elections ballot.
label
Recommended Action:
Recommended Action
Adopt proposed ordinance placing the extension of the Penny for Pinellas referendum question on the November 7, 2017 ballot.
Body
Strategic Plan:
Foster Continual Economic Growth and Vitality
4.4 Invest in infrastructure to meet current and future needs
Summary:
The attached ordinance calls for a referendum to be held on November 7, 2017, submitting to the electors of Pinellas County the question of whether the existing one percent infrastructure sales surtax should be extended for a period of ten (10) years, from January 1, 2020 through December 31, 2029. The ordinance also includes an updated “brief general description” of the projects as required by Section 212.055(2), Florida Statutes. The project list authorizes surtax revenues to be spent on capital projects supporting economic development, a use which is specifically provided for in the ballot question as required by Section 212.055(2)(d)3., Florida Statutes. If approved by the Board, a notice of referendum will be published in a local newspaper of general circulation on October 6, 2017 and October 20, 2017, as required by Section 100.342, Florida Statutes.
Background Information:
The Penny for Pinellas Infrastructure Sales Surtax (Penny) was initially approved by the voters in 1989 for the ten-year period 1990-2000. It was subsequently renewed for two (2) ten-year terms in 1997, and again in 2007 with the current extension ending December 31, 2019. If the referendum is approved on November 7, the Penny will be renewed for the period January 1, 2020 through December 31, 2029. The proposed Interlocal Agreement, which is also being considered by the Board of County Commissioners (Board), establishes a distribution formula for the ten year extension of the Penny between the County and municipalities consistent with state statute.
The current Penny authorization (2010 - 2019) limited expenditures supporting affordable housing to land assembly only. However, as provided in the ballot language and proposed Interlocal Agreement, Penny funds generated from 2020-2029 are not limited to land assembly. The economic development provision of the statute allows funding of capital projects supporting economic development that have a general public purpose of improving local economies. As noted in various studies (see attachments), there is a nexus between workforce housing and economic development. This flexibility in the types of allowable projects will yield additional opportunities to address the countywide need to invest in capital projects that create more housing that is affordable.
All twenty-four (24) municipalities have approved the Interlocal Agreement.
Fiscal Impact:
It is estimated that the Penny Infrastructure Sales Surtax will generate $2.0 billion from 2020-2029 to be distributed between Pinellas County and the municipalities in accordance with an interlocal agreement executed by the County and all municipalities.
Staff Member Responsible:
Jewel White, County Attorney
Bill Berger, Director, Office of Management and Budget
Partners:
Municipalities.
Attachments:
Draft redline version of proposed ordinance
Clean version of proposed ordinance
Four studies that support the nexus between workforce housing and economic development
Public hearing notice
Affidavit of publication