Windermere Council to discuss sales tax increase

Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings’ proposed one-cent sales tax initiative will be a topic of discussion during the upcoming Windermere Town Council meeting.

Representatives for Orange County will join town leaders during the March 10 town council meeting in a discussion about the proposed sales tax increase to pay for transportation and infrastructure-related needs in the county. 

Due to rapid population growth in the area and a great deal of transportation-related needs in the county, a dedicated funding source is needed to help pay for infrastructure improvements and other transportation initiatives, according to Demings. To address these concerns, Demings has proposed placing a one-cent sales tax increase on the November ballot. The Orange County Board of County Commissioners must vote to place the proposed sales tax increase on the ballot. If approved, the proposed sales tax increase could generate up to $596 million annually.

To help foster residents’ support for the proposed sales tax increase, Demings and other county staff have held more than 150 meetings in various communities throughout Orange County.