Q: Can you give some insight into your vote in mid-February to proceed with consideration of an infrastructure sales tax of one cent to be placed on the November 2022 ballot?
A: I ran for this position as someone who would work to solve problems in St. Johns County. Currently, we have infrastructure deficiencies and do not have money to address them. So, I and all the commissioners are looking for feedback from residents. I hear from some people that demand we address infrastructure issues. The question is are we willing to pay an extra penny on a dollar we spend to address these deficiencies immediately, or should we wait until the general budget allows money to be spent? Whatever decision is made by voters gives us direction as to how to address the deficiencies.
Q: What is the next step?
A: Per state statutes, the board does not have the authority to raise the sales tax. It has to be a community decision and go on the ballot. I trust the residents of St. Johns County to make this decision.
The Board of County Commissioners has directed our staff and legal team to come back to us with an ordinance as to where the money goes and when the surtax would sunset. Possibilities of where the money will be spent include roads and infrastructure; public safety; parks and recreation; and libraries. We will have two readings of the ordinance, the first on March 1 and the second and final reading on March 15, at which time the board will take action and vote. The good news about this timing is that it gives the community plenty of time to educate themselves about these deficiencies and how they would like to address them and then to weigh in by letting us know their preference.
On the list of needs are public safety items; I would encourage readers to reach out to Sheriff Hardwick and Fire Chief Prevatt to find out why they are asking for money. Also, roads and parks will be addressed and both items are way behind in the Northwest, so there is potential for a lot of benefit to District 1.
Q: What is the latest on the Helow property?
A: At the same Board of County Commissioners meeting, Mr. Helow asked the board to continue his transportation mitigation agreement to a date uncertain. As background, when this project came to us for transmittal to the state, I voted to approve the transmittal, but pointed out that this was not an indication that I would approve the project. I planned to do my full due diligence during this transmittal period and I did. When we got closer to time for approval, I had my facts together and felt the needs of NW St. Johns County outweighed the project at this time. During the last couple of weeks, in conversations with staff and the Helow team, it became clear to them that I had too many concerns and so Mr. Helow decided to pull the project for now.
Q: What is the best way for our readers to contact you?
A: Readers can email me at bcc1cwhitehurst@sjcfl.us or call me at (904) 584-5348.
