After approximately 80 public speakers, the Leon County Commission voted to place a referendum on the 2020 ballot to fund a Children’s Services Council (CSC).
The vote was 7-0.
Supporters of the CSC had urged the Commission to place the question on the 2018 ballot. However, concerns about the lack of a plan and a complete buy-in by important stakeholders, such as the Greater Tallahassee Chamber of Commerce, resulted in consensus around the 2020 date.
The initiative calls for a new property tax that will generate $7-8 million each year to fund children’s services.
County Commissioner Desloge voted for the motion arguing that the 2020 date will allow voters to know exactly what they are voting for. However, Desloge warned he would vote to repeal the motion if a detailed plan is not put in place over the next two years.
Approximately 80% of the speakers spoke in favor of placing the measure on the 2018 ballot.
But it was clear – in the discussion after the public speakers – that a majority of county commissioners were more interested in building consensus within the community than rushing the question to the 2018 ballot.
Several speakers held up the successful passage of the Blueprint sales tax and the half-penny sales tax for education as examples of the type of process that needed to be emulated by advocates of the CSC.
After the vote on the ballot measure, the Commission voted to address the consensus building process at their next meeting on July 10, 2018.
There were preliminary discussions about providing $150,000 to help the CSC advocates staff an effort to inform the community about the CSC initiative.
Leon County Votes to Place Children’s Services Council on 2020 Ballot added by Staff on
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Category: “A day late and a dollar short” … but, I wish they had put this on the ballot. Mid-term years are MUCH easier to defeat something like this ridiculous idea. In 2020 it will be a presidential election year the the voting will be much more robust ergo much more difficult to defeat. Much work to do.
I would like to see a complete and comprehensive listing of all of the services that benefit children in Leon County before this goes forward. Include healthcare, free clinics, medical services, community parks and recreation services, school programs, after school programs, food services, organized events and all. My concern is that this new Children’s Services Council will pass a new tax but none of the other currently paid for services will diminish.
Thank you Steve and everyone who showed up at the meeting to oppose this Not For Kids local usual suspect money grab.