ALTAMONTE SPRINGS, Fla. – A day after Longwood approved an agreement to retain control of its local gas tax, the City of Altamonte Springs is set to decide on a similar measure.
On Tuesday, commissioners will vote on an agreement between Altamonte Springs and Seminole County about the distribution of local option fuel tax proceeds.
The measure would clarify that the city has not assigned or pledged its fuel tax revenues to the county and retains authority over the use of those funds.
Dwayne Hardy lives near Cranes Roost Park and said the agreement is a good move for the city.
“I think tax dollars in Altamonte Springs should stay local with all the growth that we’re experiencing here.”
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The vote comes as Seminole County has called for help to pay for a project that would link State Road 417 to the Orlando Sanford International Airport.
According to project leaders, the purpose of the road is to reduce congestion on East Lake Mary Boulevard and surrounding roadways, enhance access to commercial centers, and support long-term growth in the area.
Seminole County has agreed to pay $50 million toward the $200 million project.
County leaders have also asked Sanford, Oviedo, Winter Springs, and Lake Mary to contribute their local option fuel tax toward the two-mile connector road.
“If we pay to build a toll road, then we’re paying twice,” Hardy said. “Once to build it, and once to use it. I think that’s unfair.”
Altamonte Springs has not been asked to pay toward the project and has elected to retain its share of the fuel tax.
Commissioners are expected to vote on the measure during a meeting on Tuesday at 7 p.m.