Under the post “We thought we did well “: Pensacola City Councilman Sam Hall points how little funding that his district has gotten from the local option sales tax dollars for the past 15 years (when J.B. Smith represented the district most of that time). I think this topic is worthy of its own header.
In the 15 years of the local option sales tax in Pensacola, more than $100,000,000 has been spent on capital outlays for things such as fire trucks and police radios.
But $39,394,658 has been spent on non-essential brick and mortar items. Districts Six and Seven got $8.00 for every one that came to Districts Two and Five. The following is a breakdown by City Council District:
District One: $ 9,395,389
District Two: $ 515,456 or 1.3%
District Three: $ 2,173,712
District Four: $ 4,245,418
District Five: $ 1,966,186
District Six: $ 7,939,232
District Seven: $13,609,265
My response:
Sam:
Are you inferring that cash outlays in a district only benefit those who live in that district? District 7 includes City Hall for instance. District 6 includes half most of downtown. District 4 has Bayou Texar and Bayview Park. District 1 has the Airport.
Using wholesale stats is a great way to build your base in District 2, but doesn’t give an accurate picture of capital projects.
Instead, tell us what needs to be built in District 2. Let us see how it benefits your district and the entire city. Rank your projects versus others across the entire city.
Also: Have you studied how much tax revenue – sales, property and other- is generated in each district?
From Sam Hall:
Oops! I did not mean to divert readers from your main point, but since you asked….
District 2 is a major gateway into the City of Pensacola from the north and west, namely Davis Hwy, Airport Blvd, Brent Lane, Creighton Rd and Ninth Avenue. None are particularly inviting. Smarting up the streetscapes would be an excellent start.
Sidewalks are also in much need. An 86-year-old resident from my neighborhood walks north to Albertson’s along Ninth Ave and has to negotiate heavy traffic whenever the limited number of sidewalks there are interrupted. More than just making Ninth Ave pedestrian friendly, it may save the city and state from some liability in court later on.
Those are just a couple of ideas.
As for the sales tax generated, thanks for reminding me. Only last week I thought to ask for those figures for this very argument.
I am sure District 2 has a lion’s share. There’s Cordova Mall, Walmart, Lowe’s, Creighton Rd, Ninth Ave, and the east side of Davis Hwy to Olive Road. But don’t forget, it’s not just about strip malls, quick oil-change shops, and fast food, District 2 is home to roughly the same number of Pensacolians as the other districts, one man = one vote (remember Baker v. Carr?).
Thanks!!
r/Sam
My reply:
Sam,
Thanks for the education on District 2. Over the past 15 years, Creighton Road, Ninth Avenue, Airport Blvd, Bayou Blvd, Davis Highway and Langley Ave have been expanded and had extensive work to serve the residents and businesses of your district – and the entire community.
Apparently they weren’t paid for with local option sales tax dollars. But it would appear a great deal of money has been spent in your district – just not local option sales tax dollars.