Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in St. Johns County public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
12 issues in taxes budget with high priority
Chamber of Commerce tourism funding
Commissioners debated a $152,000 tourism agreement covering Ponte Vedra product development, autism-friendly business certification, and Nights of Lights expansion, with two commissioners objecting on election-day budget timing and possible duplication with the VCB.
Tourism performance and Nights of Lights
Beach nourishment and a closed 100-foot pier section cut pier revenue from over $600,000 in FY 23 to much less; piling repairs start next week and revenue should rebound by 2028.
Storm emergency response reserve
Hurricane activations cost the county $2–3 million each in fire and EOC personnel costs. Officials want to set aside $4–5 million in the fire district fund — possibly over multiple years — so storm response doesn't bust the budget.
Alternative funding sources under consideration
If Amendment 3 passes, the county is eyeing fees, special assessments, public-private partnerships, and up to six additional cents of gas tax (about $9 million a year) to replace lost property tax revenue. Residents could pay more for beach passes, parking, and recreation.
Pause on land acquisition due diligence
Residents want the county to buy 2.8 acres next to Canopy Shores Park through the LAMP program rather than see it developed, but purchase talks stalled over appraisal value; the board was instructed to ignore the purchase question.
FY2027 Sheriff's Office budget
Sheriff Hardwick proposed a $147 million FY27 budget, up 5.6%, with nearly all of the increase going to deputy pay raises to stay competitive with Jacksonville's sheriff's office joining the state retirement system. Residents will see this in the fall budget hearings.
Tourist Development Tax Maximum Levy Eligibility
Bed tax revenue has been flat for two years after the COVID boom, and staff are projecting a conservative 1.5 percent growth for FY27 — about $23.8 million total. The leisure and recreation category is already about $900,000 short of its requested spending.
FPL Franchise Agreement and 6% Franchise Fee
A new 6% franchise fee on FPL electric revenues in unincorporated areas would bring unrestricted revenue to the county, collected through customer bills. Second reading July 21.
New position requests across county departments
Roughly 55 positions requested for FY27 (~$4.9M), mostly tied to growth: new fire station, three new libraries, bookmobile, utilities expansions — with library timing possibly staggered due to fiscal uncertainty.
Workday ERP implementation and stabilization
The county's new Workday system handles payroll, finance, and hiring for about 1,800 employees across three agencies. It launched in December, is on time and under budget, but staff say stabilization will take another year or more.
Health insurance subsidy sustainability
The county's self-funded health plan may need a 15% subsidy increase — on a $30–40 million annual base — which administrator Joy Andrews flagged as a coming decision with real taxpayer implications.
Independent agency funding losses
Four local nonprofits report losing nearly $900,000 in state and federal funding, putting entire programs at risk — including St. Augustine Youth Services' coaches program. HHS is asking to keep county independent agency funding flat at last year's level.