TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WTXL)-- Leon County commissioners hearing from residents about several changes to service and a possible hike in gas taxes. Families in the county say they can't afford the higher bills.
The price of gas in Leon County could go higher if county commissioners decide to go with a proposal that would raise the cost by $.05.
"Its already high enough, currently I am in between jobs so paying the amount that I'm paying right now is high," said Denise Nash.
Its certainly a hike, Denise Nash says she can't afford and wondering why its needed.
"Is the money going go back in the school system, is it going back into housing, I mean where would it benefit people as a whole," said Nash.
County commissioner Nick Maddox says the extra money would go toward a budget deficit of more than $7 million dollars.
"That's never our aim to put our constituents in a worst place financially, we're just trying to do the best we can to look at this years budget and put in a place where its balanced," said Nick Maddox, Chair of County Commission.
But commissioner Jane Sauls says there's other ways to balance the budget than on the backs of residents.
"We have a very dedicated budget staff and i think they're smart enough and can figure it out how to bring us other alternatives that does not impact the citizens like this is going to," said Sauls.
But gas isn't the only issue,commissioners want all residents in rural and unincorporated areas to now get mandatory trash curbside service. They currently pay $40 to use dump sites to drop off their own trash. They're now looking at paying $158 fee for the service. Plus additional storm water costs are expected to go from $20 to $85.
Nash says she hope commissioners remember and how all of the residents in the county will be effected by these changes.
"We are working class citizens, we do have bill and other priorities of our own," said Nash.
