Martin County half-percent sales tax debate postponed due to coronavirus

MARTIN COUNTY — A debate on a potential half-percent sales tax for wetlands conservation was postponed Tuesday amid concerns related to the coronavirus and its potential effects on the local economy. 

"It's inappropriate to be considering it right now," Commissioner Sarah Heard said Tuesday.

Commissioners were meeting in public — as opposed to virtually, like many governments in the area have begun to do — in an effort to conduct business as usual. 

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Heard in February proposed raising the local sales tax to 7% to generate money to help buy land for conservation and to promote the health of both the Everglades and the Indian River Lagoon.

County staff estimates the tax would generate nearly $18 million a year. Martin County's share would be about $15 million.

The money could be used toward purchasing parts of the 92,000 acres of Indian River Lagoon-South Project natural lands, in coordination with the Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan.

Heard pushed for the county to seek a tax increase now, given the state has proposed possible matching funds for conservation purchases. She called the moment an “absolutely critical time to make a bold statement.” 

In the weeks since Heard first made the proposal, residents have written letters to other commissioners, encouraging them to vote down any potential tax increase. The pressure has mounted since fears of a recession have grown and what its effects on the local economy could look like. 

Commissioners set no discussion of the tax hike.

Joshua Solomon is a watchdog and government reporter covering Martin County. You can reach him at 772-692-8935 or joshua.solomon@tcpalm.com. Support our local journalism.