Peyton Reminded Of Pledge To Not Raise Taxes

JACKSONVILLE, FL - Weeks before the new budget is presented at City Hall, Mayor John Peyton is considering options to deal with an estimated $60,000,000 shortfall.

One option reportedly is a 14% property tax increase; that would be $140 extra tax for each $100,000 value of your home.

But some constituents point to a campaign ad Peyton circulated when he was first running for the office. "It says, 'I, John Peyton, pledge to the taxpayers of the City of Jacksonville in the state of Florida and to the people of this state that I will oppose and vote against any and all efforts to raise taxes," said Attorney George Hall.

Homeowner Anthony Mazzeo calls it the mayor's 'cry wolf syndrome.'

"We're going to have to cut your police and fire and rescue, which we all know that's not going to happen. I don't mind paying taxes but in this time right now everybody's cutting back," said Mazzeo.

Mazzeo says more taxes stunt growth and he's still feeling the squeeze from last month's check to the city

"We just paid our water and that sewer proposal last month and they said, 'Pay it now, in full!' So we sat down, figured where to cut, we wrote our check and they now have our money for that so now, where is the rest of the money going to come from?"

Attorney Hall represents a number of homeowner associations across the city, where he says one in five cannot afford their annual fees, and one in ten is in foreclosure.

Hall says raising property taxes would lead to a vicious downward spiral for strapped homeowners.

"It's a bill they will not be able to pay. You may get a few more foreclosures which is going to drive down the prices, which is going to drive down the tax revenue and next year we'll probably be facing the same thing. 'We need more money, we need to raise taxes!'"

As for that pledge 'then' candidate Peyton signed vowing not to raise taxes?

"I don't know what solemn pledge means to him, but I learned that that's what you honor!" said Hall.

CLICK HERE to read more about Mayor Peyton's tax increase.

CLICK HERE to email a question to First Coast News anchor Shannon Ogden, he will be interviewing the mayor Thursday at 2 p.m.

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