Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in St. Johns County public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
7 issues in taxes budget with medium priority
Live Local Act tax exemption opt-out
Whitehurst won board consensus for the county to opt out of the Live Local Act property tax exemption for market-rate multifamily projects — a decision that affects how much affordable housing incentive developers get.
$1.2 million HUD grant for community development
The county accepted $1,203,938 in federal CDBG money and adopted its 2026-2030 Consolidated Plan and 2026-2027 Annual Action Plan, funding housing and community projects.
Vilano Beach CRA debt service and funding source question
The Vilano CRA likely won't fully pay back money the general fund advanced for its debt, and its budget is almost entirely debt service plus utilities. Commissioners questioned whether Main Street events should draw on CRA or general funds.
COVID-era computer replacement spike in MIS
The county's IT department faces an unusually expensive year replacing laptops and desktops bought during COVID — over 200 laptops instead of the usual ~74 — plus a data center UPS at end of life.
Countywide energy management program savings
The county's first energy management policy is beating expectations — tracking about 8% savings against a 5% five-year goal — even while adding 100,000 square feet of new buildings. Retro-commissioning of big buildings is part of the ask.
Sovereign immunity caps rising
House Bill 145 raises the cap on lawsuits against the county from $200,000 to $350,000 per claim starting October 1 — risk management wants $40,000 budgeted to handle the expected wave of claims.
ADA Title II web compliance mandate
The county faces an April 2027 federal deadline to make all web content accessible, and staff have only covered about a quarter of departments. Public Affairs wants one entry-level compliance specialist and would halve a $50,000 contractor line if approved.