Sunburn — The morning read of what s hot in Florida politics — 5 19 21
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UNF poll: Most Duval residents opposed to increasing local gas tax
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She said Wednesday at a council meeting about the gas tax legislation it s clear the federal pandemic recovery money can go toward septic tank phaseouts. She said Jacksonville could put $200 million toward extending sewer service to neighborhoods that depend on septic tanks and use the remaining $143 million for other needs.
City Council member Ron Salem, who supports the gas tax increase, said after meeting with city finance officials, he understands the city has budget holes to fill and various financial needs. He said the $343 million from the federal government is great news but it doesn t take the place of the 6-cent gas tax increase.
The squeeze also pumps tax dollars into local, state and federal governments for transportation projects.
Florida has one of the highest overall gas tax rates in the nation. In addition to the federal government s tax of 18.4 cents per gallon, the state of Florida has another 26.5 cents per gallon controlled by state law. Finally, local governments can add up to 12 cents for a grand total of 56.9 cents in taxes for each gallon.
The city of Jacksonville uses half of the 12 cents it can levy with the local option gas tax. A proposal to double that tax from 6 cents per gallon to 12 cents has put the gas tax in the spotlight at City Hall where City Council will vote in the coming weeks on the Jobs for Jax program of $930 million in transportation projects submitted by Mayor Lenny Curry and the Jacksonville Transportation Authority.