Two plans to limit tax increases are on the table in Tallahassee. Lawmakers will decide the fate of one of the proposals. The other will be left up to voters. City leaders were at the Capitol Wednesday to oppose the plans.

Florida’s Mayors and County leaders are fighting two battles in Tallahassee, to keep control of local funds. On one side is the Taxation and Budget Reform Commission and on the other front lawmakers, Like Rep. Anitere Flores, who want to make it harder to increase taxes.

“When its a tough budget time for the state, then it’s a tough budget time for home owners, it’s a tough budget time for families and so we want to make sure that before we ask them for more money, that everyone knows what they’re voting on and there should be a consensus on that.”

Anitere Flores is sponsoring a bill to require a supermajority vote from county and city boards in order to raise taxes or fees.

Representative Eduardo Gonzalez says a majority is enough.

“If you’ve got a majority vote, you don’t need a super majority. You still have to get 4 out of 7 or three out of five, so at the end of the day, that’s well enough.”

A plan in front of The Taxation and Budget Reform Commission would require voters to approve any new taxes. The commission is calling the plan that would also cap government spending, the Taxpayer’s Bill of Rights.

Colorado did the same thing 12 years ago, but suspended the plan for five years.

Mayor of Pembrook Pines Frank Ortis says if a Taxpayer Bill of Rights is approved, there would be little need for city leaders.

“To say we’re going to cap revenue is just tying our hands. Here’s the keys you run the cities. And you think people are going to be happy about that? I don’t think they are.”

Governor Charlie Crist admits, he hasn’t taken a good look at the Taxpayer’s Bill of Rights, but based on the name, he says he it sounds like a winner.
If 17 of the 25 members of the Taxation and Budget Reform Commission approve a Taxpayers Bill of Rights, then the plan would be placed on the November ballot.