Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Clay County public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
10 issues in taxes budget with medium priority
Affordable housing bond plan
State law requires the county to update its list of surplus land suitable for affordable housing every three years. The updated list includes small vacant parcels in Green Cove Springs and Orange Park.
Bed tax collections and tourism revenue
Bed tax collections jumped double digits in two straight months, boosted by the new Echo hotel and major events. A $2 million annual collection would mean more grant money for future events.
Clerk of Court Orange Park branch closure risk
Under a 15% cut scenario, the clerk says the only way to hit the target is closing the Orange Park branch, which handles passports, hunting licenses and court payments.
Tax Collector state funding shortfall
Tax Collector Diane Hutchings is returning $2.2M to the county but says a stale $6.25-per-license DMV fee from 2010 forces Clay taxpayers to subsidize out-of-county driver's license services; she asked commissioners to push the legislature for a fix.
CDBG Funding Plan 2026-2030
A plan to add $900,000 for sidewalks and $100,000 for two nonprofits stalled over funding nonprofit employees. It comes back March 10 with more data on county needs.
2025 Property Tax Assessment Appeals
Exemption denial hearings are tentatively set for the week of November 16, with a makeup week of November 30; real property and tangible personal property valuation hearings are set for the week of February 17, with a makeup week of February 24. Moving exemption hearings earlier lets the clerk's office clear the small number of those cases sooner.
Commission Auditor Charter Position
Tim Nguyen raised whether the county's Commission Auditor duplicates the Clerk of Court's own audit and Inspector General duties. Only two Florida counties (including Clay) have internal auditors reporting to the commission, and Hillsborough is eliminating its position. The topic was tabled for more expert input in February.
Charter Review Committee public hearings
The Charter Review Committee is wrapping up and has scheduled three public hearings on April 20, May 4 and May 18 for its one remaining ballot topic.
Utility Tax Tied to Charter Status
Commissioner Condon urged the commission to consider a ballot measure letting voters repeal the 4% utility tax on electric bills, which generates about $4 million a year and could legally go to 10%. The topic remains on next meeting's agenda.
Gas tax erosion from electric vehicles
Gas tax revenue stays flat because it's charged per gallon, and EVs pay nothing. Only about 3% of the county's 185,000+ registered vehicles are electric or hybrid, but commissioners want the legislative delegation engaged and data on local EV use.