Enterprise Flagler seeks support for tax levy through video

Enterprise Flagler produced a commercial to seek support for the proposed tax levy which will be on the ballot on November 2:

Economic development and jobs continue to occupy the agenda in Palm Coast and Flagler County. With an unemployment rate of over 15% Flagler County has the second jobless rate in the state of Florida.

Though, there had been opposition to the tax proposal by the community.

In a previous video interview which appeared on this blog, Palm Coast resident Vince Ligouri said:

"  Did you know that since 2002 Enterprise Flagler was given $3.4 Million.  I as a citizen say: "  What have you done with that money?  How many jobs have you created?  Did you not realize then that you needed a building?"   So I question their utilization of funds and their direction."

In an article, Flagler Live's  Pierre Tristam wrote: 

" It’s doubtful the initiative will pass --not because people don’t want economic development. They overwhelmingly do....But the plan was poorly conceived. It was poorly incubated as you spent three months—three very long months—preparing it for public consumption. And it is being dishonestly portrayed as a grass-roots initiative."

What is your opinion on the proposed tax levy by Enterprise Flagler? 

Would you take a minute and take this short survey? Results will be published in this blog in the upcoming weeks:






Related Article -- Expert Opinion:

Strategies to Connect People to Policy:
Communicating Economic Development to Residents
By: Harriet Lewis, PhD

Related Article -- A Palm Coast Resident's Opinion:

Vince Ligouri: "Say NO to Enterprise Flagler Tax"

Related Article -- Enterprise Flagler's Pitch:

Greg Rawls of Enterprise Flagler:
"Vote Yes for Jobs"

Related Article -- FlaglerLive's Pierre Tristam:

Memo To Enterprise Flagler:
Why Your Tax Plan Is Fumbling
( and What To Do About It)

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Read More...

Vince Ligouri: "Say NO to Enterprise Flagler's Tax Levy Proposal"

In July 2010, Flagler County had the second highest unemployment rate in the state of Florida at 15.6 percent unemployed.  The county is in desperate need to create opportunities that will spur job growth.

On the November 2 ballot, there is an "economic development tax levy" proposal, championed by Enterprise Flagler; supported by the Flagler County Chamber of Commerce and Associates, the Flagler Home Builders Association (HBA), and the Flagler County Association of Realtors.

If approved in the referendum, a new tax would be implemented in the amount of 25 cents per $1,000 of taxable property value for 10 years. It would cost the owner of a $150,000 home with a $50,000 homestead exemption, $25.00 per year.

The tax is expected to generate about $1.8 million per year for economic development; and is proposed to be in place for 10 years.

According to Enterprise Flagler there is a plan to spend 60% on infrastructure to prepare a site for a possible large industrial user at the county airport; 30% would go toward incentives and 10% for marketing.


Vince Ligouri is a Palm Coast resident.  He is active in civic, political, and economy related issues.

Mr. Ligouri spoke at last week's forum presented by the Palm Coast Civic Association.  He provided a counter perspective to the economic development referendum on the upcoming November ballot, that was put forth by Enterprise Flagler.

Palm Coast blog contributor Harriet Lewis interviewed Mr. Ligouri on his thoughts on the upcoming referendum, as they relate to an economic development proposal made by Enterprise Flagler.

Here is this video interview --enjoy:




Here are select quotes from Mr. Ligouri:

" Did you know that since 2002 Enterprise Flagler was given $3.4 Million.  I as a citizen say: "What have you done with that money?  How many jobs have you created?  Did you not realize then that you needed a building?"  So I question their utilization of funds and their direction."

" City of Palm Coast should be against Enterprise Flagler's Economic Development tax proposal, because they will be completely disenfranchised. I did not fight for 5 years to become a city to again become dependent on County Commissioners."

" I implore the citizens of the county to look into the facts, examine both times, and to make a decision. We do need job environment and job creation, but there is a better way to do it. "

Related Article -- Expert Opinion:

Strategies to Connect People to Policy:
Communicating Economic Development to Residents
By: Harriet Lewis, PhD

Related Article -- Enterprise Flagler's Pitch:

Greg Rawls of Enterprise Flagler:
"Vote Yes for Jobs"

Related Article -- FlaglerLive's Pierre Tristam:

Memo To Enterprise Flagler:
Why Your Tax Plan Is Fumbling
( and What To Do About It)

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Read More...

Greg Rawls of Enterprise Flagler: "Vote Yes for Jobs"

This is a guest blog post submitted by Greg Rawls, Executive Director of Enterprise Flagler.

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On November 2, 2010 Flagler County voters will have the opportunity to vote yes for future jobs and economic development in Flagler County.

A local economic investment initiative has been approved for inclusion on November’s ballot, giving voters the opportunity to decide. For an investment of what amounts to pennies a day, the struggling community could finally see some progress in economic development.

A successful referendum will specifically address the high unemployment rate in Flagler County and the uneven tax burden currently carried by all residents. All funds raised by this initiative will be dedicated specifically to economic development.

Nate McLaughlin, County Commissioner Elect, says:

“ Job creation was the number one issue in my campaign, and I will continue the cause once in office. Even though these are hard times for our community, it is imperative to the economic success and viability of Flagler County that we stand up and take initiative. Investing in economic development will give us the resources to even the playing field between Flagler County and competing communities. Simply, we need to get in the game of job creation, and in turn lessen the tax burden on our residential property owners, and enhance our quality of life.”

Economic development in the modern age is a highly competitive process. Communities offer incentives and ready-built sites for large employers to relocate. Although Flagler County has the employment base, it suffers in the competitive process due to its lack of a dedicated funding source that allows the area to attract desirable jobs.

Greg Rawls, Executive Director for Enterprise Flagler says:

“ Time and time again we see potential jobs go to other communities because they have sweetened the pot to a point that we simply cannot match without a dedicated funding source. We are not talking about giving away the farm, but fostering opportunities to make a business’ transition into Flagler County as seamless and fast as possible. Any future employment incentive offered will be tied to the number of quality jobs created and hired from our unemployed workforce.”

Another benefit of the economic development referendum is its potential to shift the local tax burden from the current residential tax base to a future mix of residential, commercial and industrial entities that share in the cost of maintaining the quality of life enjoyed by the citizens of Flagler County.

County Commissioner Barbara Revels says:

“ Right now 86 percent of the tax burden is on the shoulders of the Flagler County residential homeowner. We must diversify our community’s tax burden by the creation of more commercial and industrial tax payers. This will create a diversity of jobs – again improving and supporting a healthy and vibrant community. Unfortunately right now the costs of local services are borne mostly by an overburdened residential community.”

The crux of this initiative is to give Flagler County the tools larger communities have to compete for projects.

“Approximately, 80% of project leads require existing facilities. There has been little significant industrial development in the past 30 years and nothing that meets this demand,” added Rawls. “Currently, less than 1% of land use in Flagler County is dedicated to industrial use. I believe only Monroe County (Key West) has a lower usage rate.”

Charles Ericksen, a retired Palm Coast resident, says:

“ I was inclined to say NO on the face of it, but after being invited to express my doubts to the committee, and learning the actual details, the more inclined I am to say YES. I urge people to get the facts before making a decision.”

The dedicated funds will be distributed after approval by the Board of the County Commissioners. Recommendations would come from a committee that has representation from all municipalities as well as private sector leaders. The funds will be allocated with at least 60% going towards capital projects, at least 30% for employment incentives, and no more than 10% for enhanced marketing of the community.

Palm Coast's Mayor Jon Netts says:

“ I consistently hear from the voters that more needs to be done about the lack of economic opportunity in our community.  Citizens need to study this initiative and decide if this investment in economic development is warranted. It is clear that some type of investment will be required to improve our situation.”

Information about the referendum is available at the newly launched website.  Supporters have also created a Facebook page and Twitter account for people to receive updates and news regarding the referendum, which can be accessed from the website.

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This is a guest blog post submitted by Greg Rawls.  He is the Executive Director of Enterprise Flagler.  Enterprise Flagler can be reached at: (386) 586-1224

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Related Article -- Expert Opinion:

Strategies to Connect People to Policy:
Communicating Economic Development to Residents
By: Harriet Lewis, PhD

Related Article -- On the Other Side:

Palm Coast Resident Vince Ligouri says:
"Say NO to Enterprise Flagler's Tax Levy Proposal"

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Read More...