SJC Chamber Supports School Board Taxes to Ensure Highest Quality of Life

The Board of Directors of the St. Johns County Chamber of Commerce recently voted to support continued and new taxes proposed by the school board. The continuation of the half-cent sales tax and a 1-mill increase on property taxes will be decided by voters in the November General Election. These are crucial investments in our schools and in our youth — and an educated workforce is one of the greatest assets to any community.

The chamber is a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization that does not endorse political candidates but does weigh in on certain issues that can impact the business community.

“Any new or additional tax increases the potential burden on businesses in St. Johns County, and raising taxes is never the first choice for revenue, but the chamber views these taxes as an investment in our economy,” said Isabelle Renault, president and CEO of the chamber. “Our schools are an economic engine for the county. Employees seek to live in areas with great schools, and employers will follow the talent.”  

State regulations limit school districts’ options for raising revenue, and a millage increase is the “last lever the school district has to pull,” St. Johns County School District Superintendent Tim Forson said in a presentation at the chamber’s Sept. 20 Economic Development Council Breakfast. “Property tax is an integral, vital part of funding public education in Florida.”

As new businesses and industries enter our region, and as existing businesses seek to expand, the highest priority is often access to an educated workforce. St. Johns County School District, consistently ranked among the best in Florida, plays an important role in attracting and retaining these new and expanding businesses as they follow the talent pool.

“The sales tax extension is heavily borne by tourists, and the millage increase will contribute to a stronger, more educated future workforce, by attracting and retaining the best teachers for our children,” said Orv Dothage, chair of the chamber’s board of directors. “St. Johns County schools are also developing a high-quality homegrown workforce, especially for technical jobs. Investing in our schools is an investment in both our current and future workforce.”

The school district offers students a variety of opportunities through career academies and technical education, and the proposed tax revenue is critical to supporting these programs, which train students in subjects like biomedical science, aviation, agriculture, advanced manufacturing, construction and logistics.

The programs create a pipeline of well-trained, well-educated employees for businesses in the county, but require a significant financial investment by the school district. The half-cent sales tax and 1-mill increase are estimated to produce revenue of nearly $100 million for the school district.

“We enjoy a high quality of life and a strong economy in St. Johns County, due in part to the educational opportunities provided to residents,” Renault said. “By investing in education, businesses help ensure that students develop the skills they need to succeed in the modern economy, providing a pipeline of capable, qualified future employees.”