The County currently does not impose its full entitlement of gas tax. Charlotte County led the nation in percentage of population growth for the 80s. Public education is mandated by the State. Many public services and facilities can be provided by the private sector or by public- private partnerships.
Charlotte County has many retirees on fixed incomes.
The County is increasing reliance on user fees instead of general tax dollars. As a result some facilities, such as the auditorium, which was available for public use now may be idle as civic organizations find they cannot afford the fees. Also MSBUs are not ad valorem or value based, therefore they create an opportunity for vacant lots to contribute in a more meaningful way for road and drainage improvements. However, the proliferation of MSBUs also create a patch quilt pattern of taxation. Although MSBUs charge vacant lots a per unit fee rather than a per value fee, the increase in assessment could decrease the value of the vacant lot which would negatively impact the County's budget revenues.