New UNF poll shows majority of Duval voters oppose proposed gas tax increase

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Tuesday morning UNF released a new poll which shows the majority of Duval County voters surveyed are opposed to the proposed gas tax increase.

According to the numbers 58% of people surveyed either said they were either strongly or somewhat opposed to increasing the gas tax from 6 cents to 12 cents to pay for infrastructure improvements. But when people were asked about reallocating funds freed up by the proposed gas tax increase that would go toward septic tank removal projects 68% said they approve.

Dr. Michael Binder with UNF says this shows a tricky situation.

“The bills are structured so that the septic tank plan depends on freed-up funds from the local option gas tax, but the data shows voters want the improvements without the additional gas tax.” Dr. Binder says.

Last week we reported when the Jacksonville City Council approved cutting $132 million that would have expanded the JTA Skyway into surrounding neighborhoods. $247 million to renovate the existing Skyway infrastructure remains.

The next city council meeting to discuss the proposed gas tax increase is 9 a.m. on Wednesday.

Cox Media Group