Emergency Meeting Puts School Issues on Ballot

Education could be getting a boost in St. Johns County, but not without some resident pushback.

St. Johns County voters will have more to consider when they vote in Nmovember than the Presidential election after county commissioners approved the addition of two measures related to school funding on the Nov. 5 ballot.

In a hastily called emergency meeting Aug. 22, commissioners voted 4-1 to place two items on the Nov. 5 ballot. The first continues the existing half-cent sales tax to fund new construction, reconstruction and improvement of school facilities including safety and security improvements and technology upgrades in the district. The second measure, if approved by voters, would increase the ad valorem millage by one mill for four years beginning July 1, 2025 to provide funding to offer competitive pay to recruit and retain teachers and staff, preserve educational programs in science, technology, art, music and athletics and other investments in school safety and student welfare, according to a county staff report.

Several residents spoke out about the calling of the emergency meeting during the public comment period, raising concerns about the timing of the measures and the manner in which the meeting was noticed.

“I find it inappropriate that two days before the deadline (to place items on the November ballot) the community is hearing about this vote,” said resident Denver Cook. “It is not the way I expect my government to behave.”

Resident Justin Miller also spoke against the ballot measures, urging commissioners to oppose the addition of the two items.

“The sales tax increase will reduce the amount of money businesses are taking in,” he said. “These costs should be borne pretty =much by the developers.”

Resident Charlie Hunt voiced concerns about how the public was informed of the meeting, saying it was not noticed prominently on the county’s website.

“This isn’t just an emergency issue, this is an ambush,” he said.

Deputy County Attorney Lex Taylor told commissioners the St. Johns County School Board already approved the two measures.

“The School Board has already conducted their own public hearing,” he said. “These are not in the dark of night. The timing has to do with when the Supervisor of Elections has to print the ballots.”

Taylor cautioned commissioners that the county could be open to litigation if they decide not to consider the measures.

“You do not have a choice but to vote,” he said.

Commissioners approved the measures by a 4-1 vote with Commissioner Krista Joseph voting no on both.

“The way this has come about is very sneaky to everyone and it’s not a very good look for our commission,” she said.

Commissioner Henry Dean said the measures will impact the county’s most precious asset, the children.

“In my opinion, we have an emergency,” he said. “We need to take care of our children. If we don’t take action today, it won’t be on the ballot in November and the children will be the ones that suffer.”