TAVARES — Revenues from the voter-approved penny sales-tax referendum in 2001 are beginning to shape substantial improvements to Lake County’s infrastructure.

The Board of County Commissioners agreed to proceed during a meeting this month with several projects designed to maximize the revenues from the second 15-year term of the penny sales tax. Two significant projects county commissioners explored during the retreat were the beginning phases of a major renovation to the Lake County Judicial Center and a facelift to the Lake County Fairgrounds.

First opened in 1969, the fairgrounds have been host to numerous events and activities. In recent years, the fairgrounds main building, the Expo Hall, has fallen out of favor with national event organizers because of its lack of traditional amenities, such as air conditioning. The fairgrounds facelift will be partially funded with penny sales-tax revenues and will include the construction of an up-to-date events hall.

Located at the intersection of county roads 44 and 452, the beginning phase of the $1 million improvements to the fairgrounds planned for this fiscal year would set the stage for future changes to include road realignments around the site to improve access to the fairgrounds.

The beginning phase of the $30 million expansion to the Lake County Judicial Center will include the architectural and engineering plans for a parking garage, and a 150,000-square-foot expansion to the judicial building located on Main Street in downtown Tavares.

The expected penny sales-tax revenue of $6 million a year for the County will be used for a host of capital improvements during the next dozen years. Half of the projected tax revenue is to be spent on more than 50 road improvement projects. Another $20 million will be spent on resurfacing roads and $2 million on adding sidewalks throughout the County. Other plans for the penny sales-tax revenue include improving parks and libraries.

During the first 15-year term of the penny sales tax approved by Lake County voters in 1987, the Lake County Detention Center was expanded and renovated, the Lake County Judicial Center was constructed and the County landfill was modified.

Lake County, the 14 municipalities and the Lake County School Board, all receive one-third of the penny sales tax. By sharing the penny sales-tax revenue with municipalities and the School Board, the funding has enabled the government agencies to bring a greater level of service to citizens without substantial property tax increases.

###

Contact information:
Christopher Patton
Communications Coordinator
Office: (352) 343-9609; Cell: (352) 455-0445
cpatton@co.lake.fl.us