This month, I am writing about yet another tax increase being considered by our County Commission. This time, it is a hike in the Fire Fee tax on those who receive county fire services in the City of Sarasota and in unincorporated Sarasota County. It is really under the radar and would hit single-family homes…

This was by far my toughest column to write for SRQ Daily. I usually spend the few weeks before the column, looking for inspiration and researching information. But this past week I have spent my time locating a place to stay for my kids and preparing while we ride out the storm somewhere else other than…

Public opinion on taxes and fees is pretty clear. On Aug. 30, Herald-Tribune reporter Zach Murdock reported on the 2017 Citizen’s Survey presentation by University of South Florida professor Dr. Susan MacManus: “There’s not a lot of appetite for new revenue sources of any sort and there’s certainly not a lot of appetite for increasing…

SARASOTA — The ongoing local debate about economic development incentives and impact fees on new construction should focus on more limited versions of both, the leader of Florida TaxWatch told area business leaders Friday morning. Economic development incentives, in particular, have dogged both local and state officials this year and last as some state lawmakers…