Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in St. Johns County public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
22 issues in taxes budget
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
FY 2027 budget hearings ahead
The Clerk wants a 13% bump plus a $900,000 court subsidy (promising to whittle it down), and the Elections Supervisor wants about $330,000 more for the big general election year plus office expansion.
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.
Annual review cycle may delay at-risk properties
Board member Beth Tate raised concerns that the once-a-year submission of the acquisition list to county commissioners could cause the county to lose high-value properties whose owners won't wait. County attorney staff noted the list can be submitted more often, but any resubmission must include the entire list.
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.
$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.
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.
County Attorney contract supermajority clause
A proposed contract amendment would require a 4-1 supermajority vote to fire the county attorney absent cause, plus raises tied to county employees. Commissioner Joseph flagged transparency and cost questions and wants an Attorney General opinion before any vote.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.