10 p.m. update: Voters approved the measure with just under 75 percent of ballots in favor.
PREVIOUS STORY
Referendum 1 was put into place to ensure that new businesses had enough incentive to land in Polk County.
What You Need To Know
- Program was originally approved in 2012
- LIVE ELECTION NIGHT UPDATES from reporters in field
"Ten years ago the citizens of Polk County passed a rule that allowed county commissioners to grant property tax relief to those businesses that expanded their employment,” said George Lindsey, Polk County Commisioner for District 1. “Ten years later it’s succeeded and done exactly what we hoped it would do.”
The option for Referendum 1 was located on the third and last page of the ballot as the last question. However, many city leaders say last is certainly not least in this case.
Polk County voters who made it to the last page of the ballot will decide if there will be an extension of property tax relief for new business coming into our county. This is a decision that Sean Malott, President of the Central Florida Development Council says should not be taken lightly.
“By saying yes to County Referendum Number 1, voters are saying yes to new opportunities for Polk County. The Polk County Ad Valorem Tax Exemption Program (AVTE) is set to expire in November 2022,” Malott explained.
The program was originally approved by County Referendum in 2012 for 10 years to authorize the Polk County Board of County Commissioners to offer limited property tax exemptions for businesses creating new jobs.
“The purpose is to encourage job creation, help existing businesses grow and attract new industry to Polk County. Voters are being asked to renew this program again for another 10 years. This program is critically important to Polk’s economic future,” said.
The leaders of the Democratic and Republican Party recruited 266 poll watchers to ensure residents have a safe voting experience.
Polk County has over 140 different polling locations and 1,700 volunteers.