Group formed to support 1-cent sales tax

Group formed to support 1-cent sales tax



From Staff
Publication Date: 10/09/08


A group of St. Johns County residents have formed St. Johns Forever, a committee organized to provide information and solicit support for the conservation and transportation ballot initiative that will appear on the November ballot.

If successful, these programs will be supported by a 1-cent sales tax, which will bring St. Johns County's sales tax to 7 percent, the same as in surrounding counties.

St. Johns Forever plans a series of informational mailings as well as presentations at many civic gatherings and events held in St. Johns County between today and Election Day to provide information, solicit support and answer questions from voters.

"Timing of this ballot initiative is critical. The real estate market is in a downturn so prices from sellers may be favorable right now. Also, we all know that important projects are getting away from St. Johns County because we don't have a source of matching funds. This would give us a source of funds and put us in position to receive grants that are going to other places," said attorney George McClure of McClure and Bloodworth, a founding member of St. Johns Forever.

The ordinance passed by the St. Johns County Commission provides that the one-penny can only be spent in St. Johns County, can only be used to acquire conservation lands that will be publicly accessible and only purchase from willing sellers. The transportation funding can only be used in areas of existing development in St. Johns County to mitigate congestion and enhance safety. Because of this provision, the proposal would not encourage additional development, advocates of the option tax say.

"Election Day is fast approaching and we will work very hard to inform the voters about this much-needed plan. It is a balance of land conservation plans and necessary improvements to already congested areas. It deserves everyone's support", said Sarah Bailey, Chair of St. Johns Forever.

Members of the St. Johns Forever Committee include Bailey (chair), McClure, Mark Middlebrook, John Hankinson, Roger VanGhent (treasurer), Brian Paradise, Susan Grandin and Susie Wiles.


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