Santa Rosa County Continuation of Half-Cent Surtax for Roads, Water Quality and Natural Area Protection, and Public Safety
What your vote means
A YES (FOR) vote keeps the half-cent county sales tax for five more years starting January 1, 2027.
A NO (AGAINST) vote lets the half-cent county sales tax end after 2026.
Our one-line summary of the official wording.
In plain words
Our summary of the official materials and local reporting.
- This asks countywide voters to keep the county's half-cent sales tax for five more years, starting January 1, 2027; the current tax ends at the end of 2026. source: votesantarosa.gov
- The money would go to roads and traffic, protecting drinking water and waterways, saving natural areas, Fire and Sheriff equipment, and parks, with yearly independent audits. source: votesantarosa.gov
- The tax brings in about $16 million a year. source: wuwf.org
- Money: Half a cent on each dollar of taxable sales (50 cents on a $100 purchase); about $16 million a year for the county. source: wuwf.org
Why people want it, and why others object
Why supporters want it
- Brad Baker, Santa Rosa County Administrator: "We have, man, I want to say over $500 million worth of identified projects right now." source: weartv.com
- Randy Tifft, Chief Deputy, Santa Rosa County Sheriff's Office: "We have to respond on these roads." source: weartv.com
Why opponents object
- Jerry Couey, resident (objecting to adding land conservation to the measure): "let's have a focused, dedicated fund for roads." source: wuwf.org
Who backs each side
No public record found of a campaign committee or campaign money for either side.
In each side's own words where we could find them, quoted or summarized with a link to the source. We don't endorse either side.
What you will see on your ballot
ballot wording to come We publish ballot wording only after checking it word for word against the official file. The wording will come from votesantarosa.gov . Until then, check your sample ballot on the Division of Elections voter lookup (then your county Supervisor of Elections for your sample ballot) .
Latest news
Recent reporting from a range of outlets, newest first. We link to it; we don't endorse it.
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