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Penny sales tax increase: Orange County commissioners to decide whether to add proposal on ballot

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — Orange County commissioners will decide whether to put a penny sales tax proposal on your November ballot.

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The tax would fund some big transportation projects in the county, from road improvements to expanding Lynx and SunRail.

Thousands of people participated in Orange County’s survey to share their input on what they would like to see improve.

If you work or live in Orange County, you know congestion is a problem.

READ: Orlando plans to buy 160 acres in east Orange County

Mayor Jerry Demings said a penny sales tax hike will help fund a mass transit overhaul.

“With an investment of nearly $600 million on an annual basis, that return is going to be significant,” Demings said.

The county launched an online survey to get feedback from residents.

READ: “We must act now”: Mayor Demings pushes penny sales tax hike ahead of key commission vote

“We are using that to perfect the plan,” Demings said.

Of the more than 8,000 people who completed the survey, 57% said building mass transit is a top priority.

Congestion, cost and time of commute were the three biggest problems.

WATCH: Central Florida Spotlight: Orange County penny sales tax

“By going to a true mass transit system. We can get cars off of our roadways and that frees up and makes the commute for residents in our community more predictable,” Demings said.

We’ll let you know what the commission decides.

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