WINTER GARDEN, Fla. — Winter Garden city commissioners are set to consider a 5% increase to local business taxes, a change city staff said would be the first adjustment to the tax since 2003.
The increase would be less than $10 for most businesses, according to the agenda. Staff estimate the change would generate about $14,000 in additional revenue.
According to the agenda, the ordinance will help the city maintain a fair local business tax structure that keeps up with inflation.
The amendment would also require the business tax to increase by no less than 5% every even-numbered year.
Some business owners are questioning how the proposal would benefit small businesses, especially after some have faced challenges or had to relocate.
Heidi Hardman, a Winter Garden business owner since 2007, moved her business Polka Dotz from Plant Street to Main Street after her landlord did not intend to renew or extend the building’s lease.
She said the vacancies on Plant Street make it challenging.
“It’s really hurting the traffic so we’re encouraging the community to still come out because your small businesses that were here, a lot of them are still here and we definitely need your support, just like we want to help you too,” Hardman said.
City commissioners are scheduled to discuss the ordinance at 6:30 p.m. in City Hall.