Lee County weighs 1% sales tax rise to tackle traffic congestion

LEE COUNTY, Fla.—Lee County is facing a funding shortfall for its road projects, and transportation leaders are considering a new approach to bridge this gap. 

The proposal involves a potential increase in the local sales tax, which could raise costs for shoppers. 

The Lee County Metropolitan Planning Organization is exploring a 1% hike in sales tax to fund transportation projects, including roads, bridges, and transit. 

According to county documents, this increase could accelerate key road projects by several years. 

If this proposal moves ahead, it will ultimately be up to Lee County voters to decide at the ballot box.

Derek Felder, a resident who has attended several county meetings, supports the proposed tax increase. 

"It's an extra $1 you're not going to notice 1% sales tax increase," Felder said. "The only way to try to get ahead of our road issues is to get this passed." 

He emphasized the importance of addressing traffic and congestion, which are common complaints among residents and visitors. 

"Everyone's biggest complaint when they move here or when they come through Lee County is the traffic and the congestion," Felder said. "The only way to help alleviate that is to get some of these road projects built and these roads expanded." 

The Metropolitan Planning Organization is scheduled to discuss the proposal on Friday.