In November, along with electing a new President of the United States, Hillsborough County voters will decide on whether, or not, to create a “County Mayor” position. There has been much confusion about this position, so it is a good idea to “get informed” about the “Facts vs. Myths” …on any subject…before heading to the ballot box.
The County Mayoral position would not be an additional expense to the taxpayers, but it would be a NON-PARTISAN, ELECTED official. It would replace the County Administrator position, which is not an elected position, but is rather, appointed by the County Commission. The County Mayor would “run” the county, but would be accountable to the voters, not to the Commission who appoints him/her. It would be a 4–year term with a “two-term” limit.
This is an opportunity for voters to decide to ELECT an official who must report spending habits to the VOTERS!
Have a look at the County Tax Revenues in the chart above. You can see that the County “overspent” the rate of growth and inflation FIVE FOLD! An elected official would have had to answer to the voters. The County took advantage of the rise in property values, along with the rise in property taxes, during those years and now they are crying about “cuts”. Instead of maintaining a budget in line with population growth and inflation, the County administrator RAISED the county spending to take advantage of the windfall from property tax revenues. These are REAL numbers that the media does not discuss. The County Administrator needs to explain how those dollars were “overspent” vs. reducing property taxes to stay in line with the 16% inflation rate.
Take some time to review the County Mayor proposal on the County Mayor website .My opinion? I want every tax dollar expenditure to be “accountable” to the voters? Don’t You?
It’s time to ask the County, and the media, for the TRUTH. Vote for the County Mayor position…it’s a step in the right direction.
Visit my blog at www.RealEstateSizzle.com
Chart Courtesy of www.CountyMayor.com
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