- February 6, 2025
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It's not just the possible half-cent tax increase that has some Volusia County residents concerned, it's the possibility of the state's 10% cap on commercial property assessment not being reauthorized this year.
During a Monday, Feb. 5, Federation of Manufactured Homeowners meeting, residents of the Crane Lakes community and surrounding mobile home parks spoke with Volusia County Councilwoman Joyce Cusack and Billie Wheeler, District 2 representative on the Volusia County Council, about upcoming issues that could make a local impact.
Bill Hawkins, Crane Lake representative, said because the 802 residents in the community pay the property taxes they would like to see the cap stay where it is. Hawkins noted that because the community is made up of people who are 55 years of age or older, removal of the cap could bump the assessment up, causing financial difficulties for some residents, such as those on a fixed income.
"In our community we pay $450, $460 bucks per 802 houses," Hawkins said. "Every time this property is reassessed, because it is commercial property, we're concerned that if it doesn't pass that could end up going up 15% or 20 % in one year."
Cusack and Wheeler said the county council has not taken a position on any of the amendments.
Half-cent sales tax increase
During Monday's meeting Cusack said the county's proposed half-cent sales tax increase, which would go toward infrastructure projects in the cities, is predicted to generate $45 million with 40% of that revenue generated by tourists. Wheeler added that the current gas tax has not been enough for rebuilding and construction.
Roads are a major concern and county council members want funds from the tax to go toward projects such as lane expansion. According to Cusack, the cost of a new two lane road is around $4.8 million per mile marker, which means expanding to four lanes would bump the number up to around $5 million per mile marker.
The tax would also go toward projects to assist with water quality and stormwater management.
"Volusia County is facing difficult choices related to complex issues associated with population growth and the expanding economy," Cusack said. "If nothing is done, our growing economy, our population and tourist rates will continue to place greater and greater pressure on the economy, transportation systems and our precious environment."
