An Increase in Property Taxes in Pasco County

The Pasco County Commissioners face a $17 million shortfall in their 2014 budget.  They want to raise two millage rates and add a 5 cents per gallon tax on gas to cover the shortfall.  The State of Florida allows them to have this 'second option local gas tax'.  This increase in your taxes will cover a 3% raise for all BCC and Constitutional Officers and a 1.5% increase for Fire and Rescue employees.  This increase will cover 4 business plan initiatives, a mandated increase to the retirement rate (yes, paying for their benefits), additional constitutional officer requests of $500,000, reductions in excess fees returned, and investments in public safety...like the consolidated communication center for 911 calls, and opening of the 3rd floor of Land O'Lakes jail and miscellaneous expenditures.  They are also hiring around 44 new employees.   The commissioners are voting on the millage rate next Tuesday, July 23rd at 10am.  Send them an email or show up for public comment to voice your opinion.  I wish I could tax someone when I needed some money.  Life would be soooo EASY.