Cyber Tax Talk Creates Debate

JACKSONVILLE, FL -- This week Mayor John Peyton begins holding community meetings for face-to-face contact with taxpayers who have been exposed to his "Fix It Now" cyber campaign.

The internet site has been up for more than two weeks detailing Peyton's view of the problem and the solution.

The mayor is proposing a 1.02 mill property tax increase that will cost the average homeowner about $97 a year.

On Monday, Peyton told the City Council, when presenting his $994 million budget, that there is no way around maintaining services without increasing taxes.

Hundreds of emails have poured into city hall with people voicing both support and opposition to a tax hike.

The mayor's office says the "Fix It Now" cyber connection has resulted in more than 500 people registering offering to help Peyton with his message.

Misty Skipper, Peyton's spokesperson, said the internet is changing how government reaches out with its message.

"We hopefully created some dialogue in places that did not previously exist and (we're) trying to get out as much information as possible," said Skipper.

Mayor Peyton will hold a town hall meeting to discuss the city's financial condition at Ed White High School Thursday night at 6:30 .

The city council is also reaching out to gauge reaction to the mayor's proposal to raise property taxes. A town hall meeting is set for Wednesday at 6 p.m. at the FCCJ Deerwood Center.

CLICK HERE for a complete list of the mayor's public meetings.

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