The City of Sarasota will host a community meeting to solicit input on infrastructure projects for the continuation of the Sarasota County Penny Sales Tax, also known as the surtax or one-cent sales tax.

The Penny Sales Tax is a countywide voter-approved one percent sales tax used to invest in local infrastructure improvements, including parks, libraries, schools, sidewalks, police vehicles, street resurfacing and mobility upgrades.

Sarasota County voters approved the Penny Sales Tax in 1989 and again in 1997 and 2007.  The current surtax expires at the end of 2024.  Voters throughout Sarasota County will have an opportunity in November 2022 to continue the Penny Sales Tax for another 15 years to fund local infrastructure projects.

Proceeds from the sales tax are distributed among Sarasota County, Sarasota County Schools, cities of North Port, Sarasota and Venice, and the Town of Longboat Key, with 25 percent conveyed to the school district and 75 percent to the county and municipalities.

Over 20 percent of the Penny Sales Tax revenue is generated through tourist and visitor spending in Sarasota County. 

The referendum in November 2022 will include a slate of proposed projects to enhance the quality of life in Sarasota County, the schools and individual cities.

Visit www.sarasotacountysurtax.net/cityofsarasota to learn more about penny-funded projects in Sarasota and submit online feedback.

Other community input meetings hosted by the City of Sarasota:

• Thursday, Sept. 16
  6 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
  Arlington Park & Aquatic Complex, 2650 Waldemere St.

• Wednesday, Oct. 6
  6 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
  City Hall Annex – SRQ Media Studio, 1565 First St.