An extra half-cent sales tax could soon go toward parks and land conservation in Alachua County.
The tax, which will be on the Nov. 4 ballot, would increase sales tax to 6.75 percent and last for two years, and it is expected to raise about $40 million.
Half of the revenue would go to acquiring land for conservation, while the other half would go to improvements of parks and recreation facilities.
Robert Hutchinson, executive director of the Alachua Conservation Trust, said the presentation gave commissioners a chance to raise any serious questions before the vote on Nov. 4.
"The worst thing is when an independent commissioner comes out against it and starts publicly opposing it," Hutchinson said.
Mayor Pegeen Hanrahan pointed out errors within the presentation but spoke in favor of the initiative.
"Even though we have some problems in our economy and so on, I hope people will see that investing in children and our environment is a good idea even when times are tough," Hanrahan said.
Although some argue against a tax increase, especially in tough economic times, Hutchinson said the group was "cautiously optimistic" about the referendum's chances.
"Who likes taxes?" Hutchinson said. "But you have to raise it somehow."
Similar taxes benefiting land conservation were on the ballot in 2000, when it passed, and 2004, when it did not, Hutchinson said.
