Lee County commissioner warns of layoffs and service cuts if Amendment 3 passes, as officials weigh potential fee and tax hikes

An increase in the homestead tax exemption from $50,000 to $250,000 under a proposed state referendum on the ballot, would likely mean higher county taxes and fees, as well as widespread cuts to county departments, under budget projections county commissioners are being faced with. Lee County District 1 Commissioner Kevin Ruane does not believe county residents are prepared for the impacts to services they could face. Ruane said the effects could impact every department from county roads and transportation to public safety, parks, conservation, libraries and EMS. After meeting with staff this past week to go over ways they could hike fees to address an estimated loss of more than $120 million in tax revenue in the first year of the homestead exemption increase if Amendment 3 passes, and a loss of more than $240 million in tax revenue in the second year, Lee County commissioners were left facing a bleak set of scenarios. Commissioners discussed scenarios that could mean increases taxes