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Press Release:  June 19, 2007

What’s Next For Volusia Tax Reform?

Daytona Beach, FL:   The Executive Board of Volusia Tax Reform (VTR) met to review the results of the recent special legislative session that adjourned last week and to set forth their plans for the future of their organization. “We are pleased that Volusia Tax Reform took the lead in spearheading the largest tax cut in our state’s history,” said Margie Patchett, Executive Director of Volusia Tax Reform, “but we still have much work left to do.”  VTR’s review of the tax reform legislation led to a unanimous agreement by their executive board of directors that there will be many chapters to come for the organization that will celebrate its first anniversary later in July.   

First on the agenda will be to hold a town hall meeting with Volusia Property Appraiser Morgan Gilreath as soon as possible.  A date will be selected soon and advertised.  “We are inviting Mr. Gilreath to a forum where he can assist us in explaining in layman’s terms exactly what this tax reform legislation means to our citizens,” remarked Ms. Patchett.   “We want to know the dollars and cents,” she said.   

Next, VTR will participate in a Constitutional Reform Conference on July 16, 2007 to be held in Orlando.  Speakers from across the nation have been invited to take part, including Grover Norquist of Americans for Tax Reform. Ms. Patchett said, “There could be a petition initiative that comes out of the conference and we intend to take the lead in educating the public on any and all referendums that will come before the public in January.”  

In the meantime, VTR’s executive board will spend time assembled in study of the pros and cons of consolidated government.  In addition, citizen budget committees  will continue studying the county, school board and municipal budgets.  Amidst all of the research, VTR will also begin raising funds to hire outside auditors that will look into accountability issues for local governments.  “We will have a busy summer with many activities and preparations for the next round of work to be accomplished, but I am confident even more citizens will join forces with us and get involved,” said Ms. Patchett.

NEWS RELEASE APRIL 23, 2007

Volusia Tax Reform Appeals for More Comprehensive Tax Solution

Daytona Beach, FL:  Volusia Tax Reform called for a more comprehensive legislative solution today, after holding a workshop with board members over the weekend.  “As an organization, we are very disappointed with the action being taken in Tallahassee,”  said Margie Patchett, Executive Director for the grass roots citizen organization. “We don’t think the compromise positions being discussed by the House and Senate Conference Committees are aggressive enough—they aren’t comprehensive—they don’t offer relief for non-homesteaded properties, “ she said.  “Additionally, we are concerned that the school taxes and special district levies are not included either—this represents over 50% of a citizens tax bill each year, “said Mrs. Patchett.  “Further, we believe local officials are shirking their duty to their citizens by representing government over their constituent’s interests. We need a simple-to-understand solution to this problem—such as replacing all property taxes with a sales tax.  Whatever proposal provides a revenue neutral funding source to local governments without crippling property owners is what must happen, “  she said.
All along the process, Volusia Tax Reform has advocated for meaningful and comprehensive tax reform along with government spending caps to ensure accountability at all levels of government.

Our aim has been to amiably work with all parties to obtain workable results for everyone.  Recently the organization joined Floridians for Property Tax Reform in a show of solidarity with other grassroots tax reform groups around the state for a tax reform rally in Tallahassee.

 “At this point, our gloves are coming off—we will not sit back and allow the legislature to come away with a reform package that provides negligible benefits to a few.  Neither will we continue to be brow beat by local officials using scare tactics towards its citizens and those working for true reform.”    According to figures released by Property Appraiser Morgan Gilreath, Volusia County raised taxes by over 69% between  2000-2006, nearly four times the Consumer Price Index (CPI).  Six cities raised taxes over 90%, while most others were between 20and 50% increases.  “This is unacceptable to tax payers—people are losing their livelihoods, their homes and businesses—our economy is in a shambles and getting worse and these officials keep holding to their song of needing more of our money!  It’s just like Speaker Rubio told the folks at the tax rally—people will never really own their home if we continue to tax it after they pay it off.  Our organization is against taxing the American Dream of Homeownership and we will continue to fight for the citizens, said Mrs. Patchett”

VTR asks any citizens interested in helping in any way to please visit their website at Volusiataxreform.com or call 212-3061 to leave a message with Stuart Patchett.  VTR will issue daily media releases on an as-needed basis in response to updates in the battle to reform property taxes.