Voters in Charlotte County are being asked to consider taxing themselves to purchase environmentally sensitive land. Twenty-six Florida counties already have land acquisition programs in place, including Lee, Collier and Sarasota. The referendum on the Charlotte Ballot calls for a .20 millage increase in property taxes that would raise 77 million dollars over 20 years. For a 200 thousand dollar property with a homestead exemption – that works to about 3 dollars a month. Julie Morris is an environmental specialist with Charlotte County.

“we’re very blessed in Charlotte County. There’s still a lot of green space left. It’s very unique. We run the gamut of all the eco-systems that are in this part of the state – and there are some opportunities to really buy some nice properties.”

All the areas would be open to the public for nature-based recreational activities. A citizen’s oversight committee would recommend properties for purchase. The land would be acquired from willing sellers at fair market value.