'What's in it for us?'

SUN CITY CENTER - "Let Tampa pay for it."

That was the general sentiment among south Hillsborough County residents who weighed in on a proposal to hike the sales tax for transportation.

The measure will appear on the November ballot.

"We've seen this movie before," said James Harkins to a county presenter. "You're telling us something and when we ask, 'Where's the meat and potatoes,' You say: 'Well, it will come.'"

The centerpiece of the proposed sales tax increase provides funding for a light rail line linking The University of South Florida to the Westshore district via downtown Tampa.

Sun City is 25 miles from the nearest station. Its share of the tax increase would be improved bus service that would connect passengers to the rail line.

Those who attended a citizen forum Tuesday were unconvinced.

Resident Tom Kay suggested a Tampa impose a city sales tax of one percent.

"They're going to be the recipients of this," he said.

County staffers are hosting several information sessions ahead of the vote. Sun City resident Anne Cross summed up what most people have been asking.

"We're all here trying to figure out what's in it for us," Cross said.

Hillsborough County estimates the penny per dollar increase will cost taxpayers $178 million annually.

According to the Florida Department of Revenue, Hillsborough's sales tax rate would rise to eight percent if the ballot measure is approved, which would be the highest in the state.