Levy County voters face $18 million budget question as three candidates vie for commission seat

Levy County voters will decide on November 3 who takes over the District 2 seat on the county commission, a post currently held by Rock Meeks who is not running again. The election takes place the same day as a statewide vote on Amendment 3, a proposal that would alter Florida's property tax structure and directly impact local government revenue.

Lincoln Cannon, the Democratic candidate, centers his campaign on fiscal caution during a period of financial uncertainty. He told TV20 that the primary concern for residents is the outcome of the Amendment 3 vote. "I think the biggest thing right now is everybody’s worried about the Amendment 3 whether it’s going to pass in November or not," Cannon said. He argued that commission members must maintain responsible budgeting to ensure essential services continue regardless of the tax change.

Emily Casey, representing the Ecology Party of Florida, prioritizes the county's comprehensive plan. She described the document as the mechanism that dictates where development and infrastructure can occur. "Right now I would look at the comp plan. Comp plan is a important part or the part that controls how development occurs, where development occurs, where the infrastructure can be," Casey said. Her platform focuses on reviewing these land-use guidelines to manage future growth.

Matt Lemery, the Republican who secured his party's nomination in August, advocates for a line-by-line review of county expenses. He stated that the commission must examine all departments to find savings. "We’re just gonna have to look very hard at all our departments, find out where we can scrimp and save some money at and try to maintain the county as well as we do with less," Lemery said. His approach emphasizes reducing costs while preserving current service levels.

The three candidates are addressing distinct but overlapping themes of development, spending, and the fiscal impact of the pending tax amendment. The winner will serve a four-year term and help determine county budgets, infrastructure projects, and public service allocations.

Polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Election Day. Voters in District 2 will choose between Cannon, Casey, and Lemery, with the results determining the composition of the commission for the next four years.