8338-12ORDINANCE NO. 8338-12
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF CLEARWATER, FLORIDA;
PROVIDING FOR A REFERENDUM AT A SPECIAL CITY
ELECTION TO BE HELD IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE
GENERAL FEDERAL, STATE, AND COUNTY ELECTION TO BE
HELD ON NOVEMBER 6, 2012; PROVIDING FOR
AUTHORIZATION FOR CITY COUNCIL TO GRANT ECONOMIC
DEVELOPMENT AD VALOREM TAX EXEMPTIONS IF THE
BALLOT QUESTION CONTAINED IN THIS ORDINANCE IS
APPROVED BY A MAJORITY OF THE VOTERS; PROVIDING
AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
WHEREAS, a recognized function of the City is to promote economic development
within its jurisdiction by providing financial incentives that will encourage new businesses to
relocate within its jurisdiction and existing businesses to expand creating employment
opportunities that will benefit the entire community; and
WHEREAS, the current economic climate has resulted in a high unemployment rate
in the City of Clearwater, impacting the quality of life for its citizens and the sustainability of
local businesses; and
WHEREAS, many of the surrounding Florida counties and cities including but not
limited to Tampa, Hillsborough County, City of Sarasota, Sarasota County and the City of
St. Petersburg have already implemented ad valorem tax exemption programs potentially
putting the City of Clearwater at a competitive disadvantage in the recruitment of new
businesses and the retention of existing and expanding businesses; and
WHEREAS, the City desires to offer an Economic Development Ad Valorem Tax
Exemption for new businesses relocating to the City of Clearwater and to businesses
already situated in the City of Clearwater that are expanding in order to foster economic
growth and increase employment as allowed by state law; and
WHEREAS, the City Council supports this concept and is placing it before the voters
to determine if the voters support the granting of economic ad valorem tax exemptions to
new and expanding businesses within the City; and
WHEREAS, Section 196.1995, Florida Statutes, requires a referendum procedure to
determine whether a municipality may grant economic ad valorem tax exemptions under
s.3, Art. VII of the State Constitution; now, therefore;
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
CLEARWATER, FLORIDA:
Section 1. A special municipal referendum election is hereby called and will be
held on November 6, 2012, in conjunction with the general Federal, State and County
Ordinance No. 8338-12
election for the consideration of the voters of the City of Clearwater for the proposed
question. The question to appear on the referendum ballot shall be as follows:
PROVIDING CITY COUNCIL WITH THE AUTHORITY TO GRANT ECONOMIC
DEVELOPMENT AD VALOREM TAX EXEMPTIONS
Shall the City Council of the City of Clearwater be authorized to grant,
pursuant to s.3, Art. VII of the State Constitution, ad valorem tax
exemptions to new businesses and expansions of existing businesses that
are expected to create new, full-time jobs in the City of Clearwater?
YES — For authority to grant exemptions
NO — Against authority to grant exemptions
Section 2. Upon approval by the voters, the City Council shall be authorized to
grant, at its discretion, ad valorem tax exemptions for new and expanding businesses in
the City of Clearwater that are expected to create new, full-time jobs pursuant to Section
196.1995, Florida Statutes, and s.3 Art. VII of the State Constitution.
Section 3. The City Clerk is directed to notify the Pinellas County Supervisor
of Elections that the referendum item provided above shall be considered at the election
to be held on November 6, 2012.
Section 4. This ordinance shall take effect immediately, with the exception of
Section 2, which shall take effect only upon approval of a majority of the City electors
voting at the referendum election on these issues.
PASSED ON FIRST READING
PASSED ON SECOND AND FINAL
READING AND ADOPTED
Approved as to form:
Pame a . Akin
City Attorney
2
June 7, 2 01 2
June 20, 2012
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George N. Cretekos
Mayor
Attest:
Rosemarie Call
City Clerk
Ordinance No. 8338-12