AFP-Florida in the News - St. Johns County Tax Increase

ST. AUGUSTINE, Fla. -- There's a showdown over sales tax in St. Johns County.  The county says just one percent more would make massive improvements to the quality of life there.  It could improve roads and traffic, and conserve more land for parks and wildlife.

Other voters want the county to leave their money alone.  Candy Nelson of Flagler Estates says, "It's like every time you turn around there's a tax for this, a tax for that.  In the meantime people are losing their jobs, going into foreclosure, people are struggling."

Tax watchdog group, Americans for Prosperity, says it's a bad time to suggest a tax hike.  State Director Adam Guillette says, "A $120 million tax increase during an economic disaster is a bad idea."

Right now, the sales tax in St. Johns County is 6%.  Raising it to 7% would make it match surrounding counties like Duval, Clay, Flagler, and Putnam.

Voters will make the ultimate decision.  The issue is on the ballot now.

Voters like Roger Van Ghent say it's a small price to pay.  He says, "For years and years, we've been trying to help the environment in this county and most of this money, half of this money, will go towards preserving the environment."'

CBS 47