Tuesday, November 01, 2022

Part 1 of NextDoor comments on proposed 155 sales tax increase

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Commissioners regarding the 1-percent sales tax referendum.

Tommy Prothrow
Henry, I know this is hard to understand but let me say it as simply as possible, Stop the growth, no more developments, no more funding for developments of anything, of any kind, ever, for ten years. We will save 500 million! Then we can proceed to grow again. Stop tax and spend, stop it! VOTE NO ON NEW TAXES!! Thanks for the letter, it only serves to clarify why we need NO MORE DEVELOPMENT FOR 10 YEARS!
3 days ago
Michelle B.
Tommy Prothrow
Dylan Thom
Tommy
how do you plan to facilitate that? Are we going to put walls up around St A?
3 days ago
Richey Esbin
@Dylan
make it like alot of other places Make developers pay actual cost of impact Stop saying yes to all developers when land is unsuitable for development without having to fill wetlands
2 days ago
Tommy Prothrow
Michelle B.
Think about it really hard and you will come up with the right answer. I promise you. The point is to stop the unbridled growth in it;s tracks. You are focused on the wrong part of the story.
(edited)
1d
Tommy Prothrow
Richey Esbin
Exactly, you get it. You really get it. St. Johns County residents, focused, driven and career minded professionals have been bamboozled by developers and city council members. While you were focused on building the best lifestyle for yourselves the developers and others sold it right out from under you. Now you have overpopulated, saturated, congested parking lot freeways and cookie cutter stores and PUDS on PUDS where once pastures and streams, green fields of life prospered and wildlife was in abundance. All of the reasons you moved here have been paved over, sold out, and now you may as well be living in some other 1 million populated plus, plus, city in the south.
1 day ago
Sherry Horner
Tommy Prothrow
You need to go back to the l950s and it is to late to stop the growth in Fla or St. Johns. County. You are never going to stop the development of Florida or any other state in the US. Fla is just the best an has the least problems and our governing factors have to accommodate the growth and work with developers and builders to accomodate this growth.
1 day ago
William Abbott
We have already lost our wonderful little town, due to build,build,build, You should have thought of all this before bringing all this on this little town. The houses being built are overpriced and because of that the people who've caused all this want us to pay for the mess they've created. NO
3 days ago
James Byrd
William
We incrementally lost our wonderful little town the day each of us moved here to pursue the American Dream. If one lives here one is part of the problem, as much as the newbie that built yesterday. Certainly growth needs to be adequately regulated to areas suitable for building, but we all,as residents, contributed to the build, build problem when we came from wherever we were previously.
1 day ago
Grace Van Velsor
We are not at a crossroads here! STOP THE GROWTH! You've put the cart before the horse and now expect us to pay. You built it so they will come and want the locals to pay for it. This is the county's problem, not the citizens. If the fees weren't high enough for the developers to develop then it should not have been approved. Get your heads out of your behinds and look at the whole picture and say "can my county support this?". Trying to ask for forgiveness instead of permission will backfire.
3 days ago
Mokhtar C.
Henry does not seem to know the difference between informing and threatening. The county will do just fine without you and your tax. VOTE NO!!
3 days ago
Christie Mallatt
@Mokhtar does appear to be ultimatum and honestly it is picking between the lesser of 2 evils.
3 days ago
Trish Creegan
Mokhtar I kind of got that out of his letter also. I read it a couple times, I will be damned if I would vote to let these men and women blow another $500 million. They need to figure it out and if the fees from developers are not enough than no more development or as in regular political fashion they can rename the fees and make what they have work. This comes under the heading not my problem and I am voting no.
1 day ago
Patti Walker
Major typo in that first paragraph… Nobody proposed a 1 percent sales tax increase (as written). It’s 1 cent on the dollar, which amounts to right at 15% increase. I’m quite sure that was not an accident.
3 days ago
Terry H.
Patti Walker
and that is part of the problem - zero fiscal responsibility - the county spends money like it grows on trees
3 days ago
Pat Lanpher
Patti Walker
: Great point and good catch. They try to fool us with their numbers. How could he not know it is 15% increase because he is the one proposing it? Also, if they are charging developers the maximum allowed under FL law, when have the commissioners gone to Gov. DeSantis to get that maximum raised to where it should be? Maybe Sen. Hutson would object to that, however.
3 days ago
Matt P.
Maybe there ought to be a law against politicians mischaracterizing sales tax increases. Pols minimize the tax hit by calling it a one-penny, or 1 percent increase, and the news media (admittedly the vast majority of them are very bad at math) plays along. An increase in the sales tax rate from 6.5% to 7.5% is a 15.4 percent increase. That's the number that really matters. Under the current rate, your sales tax on a $500 purchase would be $32.50. Under the sales tax hike, it would be $37.50, or 15.4% more. (An actual 1 percent increase in the sales tax would lift it from 6.5 cents on the dollar to 6.565 cents.)
2 days ago
Leila Lassetter
Donnie
a once cent increase - mathematically the difference between 6.5 cents vs 7.5 cents is 15.4%
2 days ago
Leila Lassetter
And furthermore, the current allocation to St. John’s is .5 of the 6.5 rate so an increase of 1 cent / .5 cent is actually a 200% increase. With inflation being as high as it is, this is poor timing to request such an increase. Most developers get major tax breaks and as such, communities often find themselves in this same situation where the residents pay for growth as developers line their pockets. Add to that the fact we need more private sector investments to help with more creature comfort’s… expect only that any additional tax collections will go towards helping fund deals to increase more businesses to build to bring more jobs and goods to generate more taxes. It’s basic economics. Lose lose for people- unless you want this small town to turn into Jacksonville .
2 days ago
Wanda Nolastname
Patti
correct!!!!!!
1 day ago
Scott Fricks
I am absolutely for growth but not for paying to grow. We're all creatures of incentive and consciously or subconsciously asking, WIIFM (whats in in for me?). Will I reap the benefit of thousands of dollars spent? More crowded roads? More crowded beaches? More construction? More environmental impact? For me, the downside WAY outweighs the upside. I'll pass on paying more taxes when my retirement account is down 25%. Thanks but no... If you want to grow, pass the cost to those who want to be part of the growth.
3 days ago
Karen J.
Scott
100% this!!
3 days ago
John Cononie
@Scott
I feel your pain I'm with you 100%. Stop the taxes stop uncontrolled building !
1 day ago
Nicole Crosby
Commissioner Dean, thank you for starting a conversation with us. I have great respect for you and your role in securing our precious Guana Reserve for the state of Florida. However, we don't consider the widening of Mickler and Palm Valley Roads (cost $29 million) to be a capital project or a backlog - as these projects are called by the county. We don't want to create a highway from the NW part of the county to our single access Mickler Beach, changing the character of neighborhoods (like mine) on the Mickler corridor, chopping into the Guana Reserve for miles and bringing down hundreds of trees. If it has to happen someday, so be it. But not today. We also don't need a $50 million Command Center for the police. We already pay among the highest per capita in Florida for law enforcement, and our crime is low. Let's see the data and justification for it. Those are just two of many projects for which there is not a consensus. You've said the costs to the county of development were solved after 2018 when impact fees were set at the max. Then please help us understand why you told Action News Jax that the cost of SilverLeaf would be $50 million from our tax revenues for road needs. This was right after we overwhelmingly opposed the project at the hearing AND in emails. (Almost all of the email supporters of the project worked for SilverLeaf in some way and/or lived outside of our county.) We don't trust that we'll have a voice in a citizen committee any more than we have a voice in the developer-dominated PZA. Heck, we don't even have a voice in general public comments, and have to sit for hours to talk for three minutes - discouraging almost everyone from publicly voicing their views. Finally, the PAC behind the half million dollar ad campaign pushing the tax increase has the same address and phone number as those of SilverLeaf developer Travis Hutson. Businesses don't invest that kind of money without looking for a major return, i.e. massive investment in roads in NW St. Johns County. How about a poll to gather input from residents on how WE want to see our money spent?? No one has asked us. We don't trust a hand-picked committee to make such decisions. Thank you and have a great weekend.
3 days ago
James Newoc
Nicole Crosby
Excellent response! San Jose already looks like Blanding Blvd.
3 days ago
Kit B.
Nicole
Agreed. I have owned a home off state road 13 for 30 years plus. It used to have beautiful old oak trees with spanish moss….slowly but surely, tree by tree is being destroyed. St. john’s county used to boast beautiful scenic drive alongside St. john’s on one side and beautiful beaches on other side.
3 days ago
Tracy Considine
Nicole Crosby
Truth in what you say.
1 day ago
Tommy Prothrow
Nicole Crosby
I'm a Ponte Vedra Beach/Palm Valley native and I can't help but see the changes in our community and do a compare and contrast from then to now. A few weeks back I drove to Daytona, I took the long way, ended up in Port Orange. Oh my, there is no wilderness left. Everything is an off ramp, with a strip mall, a few developments, gas stations, storage centers, concrete, fast food joints and on ramps. 250,000 people moved here in the last few years and soon, I believe our area, Mickler's, what's left of Palm Valley, and especially Jax Beach area is changing and will never be the small little beach town and country living places we once loved and grew up on. Those days are gone forever. I might end up moving to Alaska.
1 day ago
Nicole Crosby
Tommy Prothrow
I can only imagine the changes you've seen. Hopefully we've awakened in the nick of time to stop our county from becoming truly destroyed. (I've heard it's COLD in Alaska!) :-)
1 day ago
Susan Henry
The county is getting ready to fund- i understand a matching “ grant” to build a trail/ path in our neighborhood which is certainly not necessary - would save 800k - maybe we should compile a list of all these projects and present them with savings. No more taxes - only spend what is absolutely necessary.
3 days ago
Terry H.
Susan Henry
like the new boat ramp behind Home Depot
3 days ago
Victoria S.
Susan
.. yep fix what’s broken.. not build new .. once our infrastructure is up to date then consider new projects on a case by case basis .. not blindly rubber stamp everyone that comes to them for approval.. and LISTEN to the residents concerns..
(edited)
1d
Marty Janowiecki
Victoria even if the tax is not approved just watch the commissioners they’ll keep on approving new developments and increasing the problem like they’ve been doing for the last 5 years. They knew they were creating a massive deficit but did it anyway to satisfy the developers who own them. So now they’re holding a gun to the voters’ heads, and saying “tax yourselves or you’ll sit in even more traffic”
2 days ago
John Cononie
@Susan
Amen !!
1 day ago
Stephan Avery
I’m cool with kicking it down the road. It won’t get too far because of the traffic but that’s ok
3 days ago
Erik Peterson
This is really a bad idea. Increase taxes for the entire county and visitors so the developers and their crooked partners can use our $ to pay for the development they said they would. This tax increase is not for the residents of St. John’s county. Vote no.
3 days ago
Danny Knee
Vote no.
3 days ago
Carolee Setser
Make the developers pay for infrastructure!!!!! Development is out of control putting more stress on infrastructure. Im voting NO to the penny tax.
3 days ago
Terry H.
Carolee Setser not the penny tax - 15% tax
3 days ago
Carolee Setser
Terry
Voting NO for that also
3 days ago
Nicole Crosby
Terry H.
an accountant friend was highly insulted by the "penny tax" slogan - he felt it was an obvious manipulation.
3 days ago
Stephan Avery
Hutson should look at it this way. If there’s tons of traffic to his new development the sales people can say “see all that bumper to bumper traffic. It proves this area is popular”
3 days ago
Stephan Avery
I’d point out the Spanish didn’t raise taxes for roads
3 days ago
Ron C.
Stephan
what kind of roads did the Spanish have ?
(edited)
3d
Ron M.
@Ron
Kings Rd. , Paved brick road.
3 days ago
Stephan Avery
Ron
sufficient
3 days ago
Ron C.
Stephan
if you say so. You seem to be like google.
3 days ago
Stephan Avery
Ron
point is. They didn’t have to ask residents to tax themselves
3 days ago
Ron C.
Stephan
I understand that
3 days ago
Deborah T.
We shouldn't have built homes if the developers, builders and those living in these homes didn't have a means to pay for it out of their share of their pockets. We shouldn't have to pay for costs associated for their projects.
(edited)
3d
Stephan Avery
Deborah but it doesn’t
3 days ago
Mike Cautero
I’d gladly pay a little more to support many of these projects and increase property values. I’m glad I voted yes!
3 days ago
Deborah T.
Mike Cautero
Higher property values have little value when the people who were born and raised here cannot afford rent or to buy a home. Their salaries haven't changed or their retirement checks haven't increased to keep up with these changes. The increase in property values came from the demand of people moving here from other states where homes were 4X's the cost, and now we are approaching an equilibrium. The only difference is that many of them are getting the same salaries they made in states like CA, MA, NY and they reaped the benefits of a home a quarter of the price, banking the rest. What do people do who have lived here all their lives and are getting Florida salaries? What good is a high-priced home, if the next home you move into is also high? It's like coming home and telling your spouse, honey, guess what, I just received a $5,000 raise, but our rent is now $6,000 more a year OR honey, let's go buy a house, I just received a $5,000 raise....but heck, the same house we wanted last year is now $150,000 more.
(edited)
3d
Fred Janz
Mike
you realized there are som 3000 homes approvals being held back till after the election. Mileage rates are next to be raised. How well is the tax increase for schools working?
(edited)
3d
Mike Cautero
Fred
we have the best schools in the state. So I’d say it worked n
3 days ago
Mike Cautero
Deborah I’m not sure what you’re saying has to do with the sales tax proposal. Property values have increased all throughout the state.
3 days ago
Ron C.
Mike
are you an ostrich with your head in the sand ?
3 days ago
Jodi Kotrady-Hatin
Mike
how long can the schools sustain this level? Tocoi Creek had over 600 students in their freshman class last year and this year. They are busting at the seams.
2 days ago
Lori Weitzel
Mike
I’m a teacher….**had
2 days ago
Ed Slavin
Mike Cautero
Our St. Johns County School Board needs reforming. Why would St. Augustine High School Wrestling Team be subjected to moldy mats, stored in showers, 2021-2022? School Supt. and School Board were insouciant when wrestling team captain, his father and I tried to get them to replace the moldy mats. "Best schools" don't have moldy wrestling mats. Chairman Dean was a high school wrestler in Iowa, and he told me that he would "not set foot on a moldy wrestling mat." "I'm done," our School Supt. told Mr. Gene Griffin and I in December 2021 when we first tried to talk too him about it. Unlike some of our school principals, School Sujpt. does not have a doctorate degree.
2 days ago
Ed Slavin
Fred Janz
There are more on the agenda for November 1 meeting.
2 days ago
Trish Creegan
Deborah those people won’t be able to afford it as the economy keeps getting worse due to current leadership,so maybe some projects can be stopped or put on hold. If we do the right thing during this election maybe we can change st Augustine’s course just a bit
1 day ago
Ken Sivulich
Mr. Dean--were you comissioners to have specified how the $$$ were to be spent (as I recommended months ago), rather than generic areas giving you leeway to spend it at will, perhaps there might be more support fr the penny increase. As it is, we will be voting NO as we don't trust you guys to do the right thing. For example, too many approvals for new construction w/o addressing the problems created
3 days ago
Terry H.
Ken Sivulich
it is called OPM that is what the municipal people call it - OPM = other peoples money - and they love to spend it on anything attractive to them
3 days ago
Jason Bird
Ken
as written the commission doesn’t get to say where it goes. The citizen board will be chosen and they get to prioritize and allocate the funds so that the commission can’t spend it on just whatever, the county just gave a list of what they see as some of the needs. That’s all part of the state laws that govern such sales tax and also includes oversight and audit rules.
3 days ago
Kathy E.
Ken
HEAR! HEAR!
2 days ago
Michael Gregory
The quality of life is gone because you won't stop letting developers build. It's not like it's locals buying these properties. It's people coming from states that they already ruined and now want to come here and ruin Florida. There is no amount of money we could give you politicians that would make them happy. NONE. If we were taxed at a 90 percent rate they would STILL say they needed more money. They would want to know why we don't pay 91 percent? They want more money and give us less quality of life. All of us in this area might as well move off of San Jose Blvd because that's what Racetrack road looks like now. Cunningham Creek might as well be a part of Rivertown since it's petty much going to be surrounded by it. Please tell me exactly what I got for my money the last time you raised taxes? Seriously, what is it? I don't have a new house. My kids don't go to a new school. There isn't a new library. My road isn't any wider. It's just busier. Traffic stinks. The rude people moving in are terrible. So please remind me again how my life is better? It isn't. You are taking away Saint Johns and making us Jacksonville again. The points I'm trying to make are this: 1. We the unwashed masses have no say so. You're kidding yourselves if think differently. If every one of us was 100 percent against growth they would still vote for it. The representative republic I defended in uniform for 20 years doesn't exist at this level. 2. There is no amount of money we will ever be able to give our government that will ever be enough. No amount whatsoever. We will never see any benefit of this. A new development isn't progress. a new road isn't progress. it's just more people and more traffic ruining our area. 3. Outsiders from ruined states are the ones buying everything. Not us. Their goal is to make our Florida a NY, NJ, CA, etc. They ruined those places and they want to ruin here as well. And our politicians let them. I just hope the 30 pieces of silver you get from the developers that you sold your political souls to is worth it. We are the ones suffering. Apparently not you.
3 days ago
William Mullaney
@Michael
Nobody is moving to Florida to ruin it. Florida has been doing this for a hundred years now by literally begging people to move here and live. We are the victims of generations of untethered development and greed. The only way to control it is through government regulation and most Floridians are brainwashed to believe they'll become socialists if they stray from market economics. The very people who have raped and pillaged Florida for years have insured that the party will continue until the whole state sinks into the ocean because we still haven't figured out that we are being hoodwinked.
2 days ago
James Byrd
Michael
I have a close friend who recently retired from the NYPD, was injured responding to the Twin Tower tragedy. His family will move to Florida and has considered St. Augustine. Just wondering how he feels being described as a New Yorker who has ruined his state and now wishes to move here in order to ruin our state. Did I mention he is also a combat wounded veteran?
1 day ago
Trish Creegan
William
hoodwinked hardly lol. Government regulations are the cause of the problem,I certainly would not trust a citizen board picked by this group of politicians. Nor do I think most Floridian are brainwashed just the opposite, we are perfectly comfortable gathering information and making decisions. I for one am confident I won’t for any reason become a socialist. That it is why it is important to vote, things won’t change overnight but we can slow it down. I will vote no because I think the government at this point is very irresponsible with money and we should shut off the faucet.
1 day ago
Ken Sivulich
But Mike, we do not know how they will spend it. Hope your penny is not wasted, should it pass, but don't think it wil.
3 days ago
Kathy E.
Ken
That’s a big part of the concern. We don’t know and our input is dismissed. We should have confidence in the plan fir which we are paying.
2 days ago
Deborah T.
This is a text book example of CORPORATE SOCIALISM! While developers and builders have been raking in the doe, we now either get a choice of paying for the infrastructure that is needed for the building and profits that they reaped or sit in traffic, increased class sizes for schools, temporary classrooms-- basically a considerable downgrade in a quality of life. I vote to sit in traffic, because it's time TO GET OFF THIS MERRY-GO-ROUND! We have killed this beautiful area, there will be no place for water to drain when there is a storm, no way to evacuate, and our taxes are increasing while the corporate cats reap the profits and we are asked to pay. That's the only way the madness will stop. People will come here and see that it's just like southern Florida: an out of control, concrete jungle. Builders and developers have been taking in millions and billions over the past few years-- they can afford to pay for more infrastructure. 1) KB Homes https://www.macrotrends.net/stocks/charts/KBH/kb-home/revenue 2) Pulte Group: https://www.macrotrends.net/stocks/charts/PHM/pultegroup/gross-profit#:~:text=PulteGroup%20gross%20profit%20for%20the%20twelve%20months%20ending,2020%20was%20%242.778B%2C%20a%2015.88%25%20increase%20from%202019.
(edited)
3d
Trish Creegan
Deborah I agree except for the fact that we have killed this area. I still find it beautiful and for those of you who don’t there is the option of selling your house moving to a smaller less developed area ( lower cost of living)and leave this beautiful place to those who still find it so.
1 day ago
Terry H.
You know what the biggest problem is with this whole thing? If this is passed they will spend it in the North county to upgrade the roads and infrastructure for the rich. South county will rot before they spend money here.
3 days ago
Bobby Ritacco
Terry
exactly. The funds will be spent almost entirely in the northern part of the county
3 days ago
Stephan Avery
Bobby
NW to be exact
3 days ago
Ron M.
@Stephan
Yes, and mostly all in the areas that have been approved for large new developments.
3 days ago
Donna Villarose
Terry
because fools keep voting these same jerks into office!!
1 day ago
Ivan L.
So if the county has been charging the maximum to the developers I am back on the same 20 year soapbox about accountability. Where did the impact fees go from all those developers? Lacking roads, bridges and police facilities I guess
3 days ago
Deborah T.
Ivan L.
Read about it: The state legislature decided to limit the ability for local municipalities to increase impact fees and our governor signed the bill, HB 337 (https://www.floridarealestatelawyerblog.com/florida-governor-signs-hb-337-impact-fees/). Why, one might ask? I can think of only one answer: Corporate Socialism- the corporations reap the benefits, we pay! My understanding too is that in a number of cases, developers held off for a few years in exchange for a discount on impact fees, but as time passed, the costs of the infrastructure soared (Mr. Chairman correct me if I am wrong- I am not an expert on this matter). Even putting money aside, these commissioners have ruined the quality of life here with this out-of-control development. Our area is one big concrete jungle. Wildlife is gone, there's no place for drainage, if a storm occurs, evacuation is a mess, and now they have overcrowded schools. Today it took me 45 minutes to go from I95 on 207 to St. Augustine Beach Publix. It should have taken 17 minutes, and those developments off of 207 are just being punched in! Why do this? Most people here understand that growth is inevitable. That's not the issue, it's the out-of-control, unplanned growth. It's taking the master plan for this area, and putting a great big "X" through it. Farms, who needs farms? Let's just plow them over and put in 15,000 homes....oh, but we don't have the money to pay for the infrastructure. No problem, let's go ask the people who have been living here for 20 years. They will pony up the money!
(edited)
3d
Deborah T.
Ivan L.
The fees aren't enough $ to pay for the infrastructure, so they want us to pay.
3 days ago
Ed Slavin
Deborah T. Thank you!
3 days ago
Giff Crosby
Gee, wonder why our legislature passed HB 337? Could it be that they’re fond of developers? Or that many of them, like our own Senator Travis Hutson, ARE developers?
2 days ago
Trish Creegan
Ivan
sounds a lot like Obama’s shovel ready jobs from when he was in office that never came to be, but the money sure disappeared and a few more politicians became millionaires.
1 day ago
Ivan L.
@Trish don't agree with your narrative. This is a local problem with locals bearing responsibility. Aligning that with a President is nonsense
1 day ago
Terry H.
Nicole
for sure they think we are stupid - a few years ago FPL wanted a rate increase and they marketed as the cost of a cup of coffee - what they did not say is that coffee was rare, imported and something we could not relate to - this is the same concept - dumb taxpayers will not understand
3 days ago
Cathy Aissen
My hope is that people will get out and vote. It’s the only way to have the majority of our residents truly express their opinions.
3 days ago
Robb P.
The county could have required every residential and commercial property to build and expand infrastructure before approving their project. Sidewalks, widen roads, provide land for public safety builds and public use properties.
3 days ago
Deborah T.
Robb P.
but then the developer/builders/new residents would have had to pay, not us. That doesn't work when you want big fat profits aka corporate socialism.
3 days ago
Fred Janz
Robb
Julington Creek is an excellent example of your suggestion, but no, the developers do not want this.
3 days ago
Jason Bird
Robb
actually they can’t require that. As much as I may agree that some of the large developments especially should contribute more, they can’t legally require more than the law allows.
3 days ago
Robb P.
Jason
local government can very much require sidewalks for example. They can also require road improvements especially when developers want changes to zoning and master plans.
2 days ago
Jason Bird
Robb
any improvements beyond what they require for normal residential sidewalks etc count towards their impact fees. If they add a sidewalk along an existing road, they’re offsetting. When you see a developer expanding roads and such they’re countering what they would pay, that allowance specified in state law.
2 days ago
Paola L.
Jason
A CDD could be imposed. The new homeowners/investors pay for the services, not the general public. It's done in many PUD. It makes the properties less desirable, so developers like Hutson try to avoid it.
2 days ago
Jason Bird
Paola CDDs for residential typically don’t pay for that type of infrastructure, it’s typically more for construction of the amenities, so the developers don’t have to foot that up front. Commercial zone CDDs add a surcharge on purchases like an extra sales tax- which is what they have in Durbin area.
1 day ago
Darren Falk
Paola it didn’t deter the exploding growth in Nocatee all CDD fees.
1 day ago
Ellen Conway
Vote NO!
3 days ago
Ron M.
I would like an option of a 10 year moratorium on residential development, instead of a 10 year tax!
3 days ago
Deborah T.
Ron M.
Highly unlikely, but I think we can have a moratorium on building while we create a new master plan. I really don't know what good it will do if we have a state legislature, governor and commissioners who are gun hoe on letting the developers do whatever they want....we just keep on voting these people in again and again.
3 days ago
Ron M.
@Deborah Don't know what the state legislatures, and governor have to do with approving county developments.
3 days ago
Ed Slavin
Ron M.
I agree. Thank you.
3 days ago
Ed Slavin
Ron M.
State legislature eviscerated circa 2011 the Department of Community Affairs, which was designed to ride herd on local overdevelopment decisions.
3 days ago
Ron M.
@Ed
So the department of community affairs approved all of the massive development here in St. John's County? I don't think so.
3 days ago
Betsy Larey
Deborah I realize I am in the minority here, but possibly could people consider voting for a Democrat? All of those in charge are Republicans.
3 days ago
Christie Mallatt
@Betsy
greed ... all parties have.
3 days ago
JW s.
Ron
that's a really smart idea. How do we achieve that ?
3 days ago
Deborah T.
@Ron
They did not approve developments at the state level, Ron. The state instead places limits on impact fees resulting in a shortfall. The builders and developers lobied for this bill (HB337), and gosh darn it, it got passed and signed by the governor. It-s kind of difficult to keep track of with all the other smoke and mirrors in the way.
2 days ago
Paola L.
Deborah Moratorium on changing zoning that allows development would be a no-brainer first step. Word is out that anything goes in SJC.
2 days ago
Fred Janz
An alternative could be to dramatically slow down the build rate and allow the infrastructure to come up to speed with existing and new resident / tourism $. This way the existing tax payers of St. Johns County do not have to foot the bill. You could raise the fee’s charged to builders via State action. If all this growth were paying for itself we should be seeing reductions in tax rates but no….the citizens are footing the bill for the builders/developers and 3 of 4 commissioners. Arnold is the only commissioner against this in-managed growth. I know of ‘no one’ who is voting in favour of this, in fact all our friends are voting no and voting against the Commissioners (except Arnold) and Hutson who furthered this ‘steal’ along. Oh, and thank you for trying to pass a major tax increase at a time when inflation is at a 40 hear high and massive recession looming. Another ‘smart move’ on the County Commissioners part, you could realize the burden you are putting on the citizens and rescind the tax increase……..
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3d
Stephan Avery
Fred
you might want to add. The tax isn’t spent directly on the projects as cash. It’s used to fund debt at todays high interest rates - and if it’s short - we get to pay again
3 days ago
Patti Walker
Fred
Sarah Arnold is a Hutson plant and is the worst of the commissioners. She’s horrific in that position. She’s also Hutson’s neighbor, her husband is Hutson’s lawyer, and she’s woefully unqualified for the position….one of our Governor’s greatest mistakes.
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1d
Nicole Crosby
Fred Janz
all good points except Arnold approved something like 16 developments in her first five months - and she approved more acres of land to be developed than any of the other commissioners during that same time period. She made the motion to approve SilverLeaf two hours after being sworn in. She's also very pro sales tax.
3 days ago
Bob Butler
Fred
Amen
3 days ago
Jim Carr
Perhaps a little more information that would be useful for the voter to base a vote on. I assume that the county has a good ideal about what they want to build and where and what roads they want to widen. So in general provide the voter with what estimated portion of that expected revenue is going to be used for each of those categories. Pretty simple. You know what you want to build you know how much money you have so it’s not rocket science to do some estimates and show priorities for the work. Years ago when I lived in Duval county we pass of sales tax increase marketed as the better Jacksonville plan. They built an arena for concerts and a baseball park all downtown and to this day drainage remains a problem in many parts of Duval County. A little more transparency with the people who pay the bill is necessary here. My opjnion
3 days ago
Fred Janz
Heather 1) That “one penny tax” will cost the average family $4,000* over ten years. The county claims tourists will pay 40% of this tax, but last year’s data* shows tourists paid less than 20% of our sales tax – nowhere near 40%! 2) Land development and construction interests are clearly behind the political action committee that is running a slick, deceptive ad campaign to convince you to tax yourself. The Better St. Johns Plan PAC is managed by the same people in Tallahassee who run PACS for Senator Hutson and other developers. They teed up Commissioners to put the tax increase on the ballot and justify it by saying they’re giving us “a choice.” Some choice! Now we’re spending money to fight it. Some residents received this outrageously false scenario on their phones: 3) If that doesn’t make you angry, this will… The developers caused the problems and now they want us to build their parks and roads. After clear-cutting and paving our county at an alarming rate and getting 5600 more homes approved as recently as May (despite overwhelming opposition), Hutson and his ilk have the audacity to run this on their website: The problem won’t be solved by throwing tax dollars at it. We have to slow the growth and hold developers accountable for infrastructure costs. Senator Hutson** would rather tax us than sponsor a bill to raise impact fees that his company would have to pay. 4) We had record revenues this year due to home sales and tourism. Why do our commissioners need to raise a sales tax during a boom year? Commissioners just voted to give us a 12.5% millage rate increase over last year’s rolled back rate. We can afford libraries, fire and rescue needs, AND the necessary projects on the county’s list without increasing sales taxes. For roads, we already have a Transportation Trust of $127 million. Our Fire District Fund is $70 million. (9/6/22 BOCC meeting, page 3.) 5) The St. Augustine Record is critical of the tax and raises some good questions. 6) Commissioner Arnold*** proposed “educational town halls." in Tuesday’s BOCC meeting. Prepare to be propagandized about why you should part with your money. Voting for the tax increase will turn us into an ATM machine for developers, funding their wish list and increasing the value of their holdings. They’re investing heavily in advertising because they know the payout will be huge for them if the tax increase is passed. Why else would they spend a half million dollars promoting the tax? GOT QUESTIONS? You won’t find answers on the developers’ “Penny Plan” website because it has no contact form or email address. They’re hiding behind their PAC, and simply expect us to believe them – no questions asked. Don’t play into the developers’ hands. We can afford improvements without taxing ourselves. Commissioner Waldron alone voted NO on the sales tax increase, NO on the SilverLeaf Expansion and NO on the millage rate increase. That is fiscally conservative governing. We salute Commissioner Waldron’s relentless dedication to the residents. Our prayers are with his family. VOTE NO on the referendum for the “one cent sales tax” which increases the sales tax 15%. And forward this email to as many people as you can. We don’t have the developers’ advertising budget, but there is power in our numbers. Thank you for taking the time to read this message from 1st Coast Conservatives United, a political action committee representing concerned citizens of St. Johns and surrounding counties. 1stCoastConservativesUnited.com *Last year, visitors spent almost $712 million in St. Johns County (per St. Johns County website). A 1% tax on $712M is $7.1M. Over ten years, that’s 71.2M. That is 14% of $500 million (expected from the sales tax increase). Tourism will grow over the next ten years, but not enough to reach 35 or 40% as the county claims. Even if tourism grows faster than our rapidly growing population, it won’t be higher than 20%. If you take 80% of $500 million, that’s how much the rest of us will pay for this sales tax increase over ten years – $4,000 per family. ** Senator Hutson has a history of using taxpayer dollars to fund roads that directly benefit his company’s sprawling development. By sitting on the appropriations committee and working side deals with the president of the senate, Hutson raked in a total of $17.9 million of Florida tax dollars to pay for CR2209 at SilverLeaf. The entire state is subsidizing roads for his massive 16,300-home development. It should be no surprise that he’s hitting up the county as well. (Source: Florida Senate and House Appropriations and Senate Supplemental Funding Initiatives from 2019-2022) *** Deeply conflicted Commissioner Arnold was sworn in two hours before making the motion to approve her close friend Travis Hutson’s 5600-home SilverLeaf development. The Arnold family has multiple business ties with the Hutsons. Paid Political Advertisement paid for by 1st Coast Conservatives United, PO Box 20252 St Petersburg, FL 33742
3 days ago
Diane T.
The county commissioners should listen when we say we don’t want any more growth. No more developments should be approved. When I get that promise then I will consider a sales tax increase.
3 days ago
Paola L.
The massive demand for services is directly due to the past and current SJC Commissioners enthusiasm for modifying the Comprehensive Master Plan, allowing PUDs to be built on Agricultural and Open Space. We are facing water shortages in the coming years, and loss of habitat for both wildlife and humans. Residents are tired of this nonsense. Let Hutson Development and their ilk assess CDDs on Silverleaf and all the other atrocities to pay for their services.
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3d
kitty cooper
@Paola Is it not a conflict of interest the
3 days ago
kitty cooper
@kitty
3 days ago
Pat Lanpher
kitty cooper
: well said!
3 days ago
Bobby Ritacco
Excellent point !
3 days ago
Kit B.
Respectfully, the fact is that developments were voted for that you knew were going to require tax increases. No more development.
3 days ago
Deborah T.
Kit B.
Someone also needs to tell our state legislature and governor the same. They have passed several key bills helping developers to shield from higher impact fees.
3 days ago
Rita Mankin
Nope!!! So disappointed 😢
3 days ago
James Hensley
Running a huge community that has an enormous balance sheet has to be hard. I understand how difficult it is to balance the income and expenses. No matter what has happened in the past with prior development, the bills have to be paid. We need more schools for our kids. Henry Dean is the most honest man I know, and he would never try to snow anyone. He’d give you the shirt off his back. I admire a man or woman who does this commissioners job for $80,000 a year. I wouldn’t do it, no matter how much you paid me. We’ll figure this out vote or no vote, because we all care about this county.
3 days ago
Deborah T.
James Hensley
Sorry, but Mr Dean voted YES on these massive developments, and someone should have been doing the math on the inability to pay for the infrastructure. This is the TIP of the iceberg if we keep the gravy train coming.
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3d
James Hensley
Deborah Ma’am, you can vote anyway you want and I respect your decision, but I still stand behind the fact that Mr. Dean is a good man and he’d give you the shirt off his back. Lastly, he was voted into office in 2016, long after the bad development decisions were made. Mr Dean is up for reelection in 2 years, so there is a spot open for you Deborah. Have a good night.
3 days ago
Deborah T.
@James
it is not only Mr Dean. We need to clean house at the state level and stop the cronyism. Why do we have a state senator sponsoring and voting on bills regarding development whose family owns one of the largest development companies in Florida? Why did our state legislature limit increases in impact fees and why was the bill passed by our governor? The people in this state just keep on voting these people in year after year and its all done in plain sight. We get what we deserve as a majority. People need to pay attention and vote accordingly.
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3d
Michael Gregory
@James
I don't want the shirt off his back. I want my d@mn tax money back.
3 days ago
Pat Lanpher
James Hensley
: Would an "honest man" state the sales tax increase is 1% in his letter when he proposed a 15% sales tax increase?
3 days ago
Bruce Brannen
County wasted millions on a drainage for one block on Ave. D that didn't help at all. I have been asking for a speed bump for years on Big oak and now they want me to o.k a 1 cent sales tax? no way
3 days ago
Ed Slavin
James Hensley
Henry Dean is a good man. We agree on the need for a St. Augustine National Historical Park and National Seashore. We both love St. Johns County, a/k/a "God's country." We disagree on overdevelopment but we both respect each other.
2 days ago
Ed Slavin
James Hensley
We need a national search for a new County Administrator. The incumbent was unqualified and hired without a background investigation, without a national search, and without even a job application.
2 days ago
kitty cooper
@Deborah Do we no longer have Concurrency requirements prior to development approval?? The cart was put before the horse, IMHO
2 days ago
kitty cooper
@Deborah conflict of interest!
2 days ago
James Hensley
Pat
Are we all perfect? Have you ever made a mistake and quoted something incorrectly? Let’s give him the benefit of the doubt that it was an honest mistake. You can run to take his place in 2 years if you want. Let’s all be better to one another. In case we all have forgotten, we are all flawed.
2 days ago
James Hensley
Ed
Mr. Slavin, you stood up for the residents of the marsh landing subdivision when we went to the commissioners for help, so I will always be thankful to you for that.
2 days ago
James Hensley
Ed
Mr. Slavin, you are entitled to make any comment you want and I respect your decision.
2 days ago
James Hensley
Ed
Lastly, I also think we have developed way too much of this county. It takes me 30 minutes to get a few miles to the highway now on a Friday. I could walk faster than drive. 😊
2 days ago
Ed Slavin
James Hensley
Thank you, sir!
2 days ago
Ed Slavin
James Hensley
I would be honored to have your vote for Seat 2, Anastasia Mosquito Control District of St. Johns County.
2 days ago
Nicole Crosby
Ed Slavin
you've got mine! And everyone I've spoen to about it.
2 days ago
Ed Slavin
Nicole Crosby
Thank you! I am honored.
2 days ago
Deborah T.
@Pat
lying is now totally acceptable in politics to get what one wants or generally, to win. Look at who people are voting for to win a majority...sorta like doing a deal with the devil.
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1d
Deborah T.
@James
of course people make mistakes. However when they are discovered, people expect a correction or clarification. This is not a small mistake.
2 days ago
Ed Slavin
It was a mistake to elect as Commissioners Bruce Maguire, Cyndi Stevenson, Karen Stern, James Edward Bryant, Mark Miner, Marc Jacalone, et al., chosen and vetted by developers and their Issues Group.
2 days ago
Pat Lanpher
James Hensley
: Sorry. Dean is a politician, even if he is a friend of yours. You believe it was a simple mistake BY THE GUY WHO PROPOSED THE TAX INCREASE. I don't.
1 day ago
Ron M.
🤔
3 days ago
Jackie Valyou
Don’t believe a word of it.
3 days ago
Dennis McKenna
Why do we have a comprehensive pl an? Seems like a waste of time and money. They don't follow it. Why bother with zoning. They just change it. Someone is making a lot of money.
3 days ago
Ed Slavin
Dennis McKenna
Comp Plan is amended at the drop of a hat. No independent unbiased review. PZA is a rubber-stamp, too often. BoCC is a rubber-stamp, too often. Enough.
2 days ago
Kim S.
Mr Dean… we thank you for your explanation. Let’s be clear here! I must ask, after hearing the outpouring of objections to new developments within the county, particularly Silver Leaf…. The cry to stop, met with deaf ears. To only hear developers want list and not your constituents then come to us for a tax increase…I’m dumbfounded it’s even on the table! I’m sure if Travis Hutson’s families development, needs roads and a park, he can find funds another way! Being a resourceful State Senator! If he can arrange well funded PACS to push such as done with Build St Johns Better, perhaps he should lobby the State for funding rather than us! I would love to know how newly found Federal Infrastructure money headed our way after this tax increase was announced is earmarked? What pet projects? Please don’t say “Silver Leaf”, rather realistic needs within our county. Please sharpen your pencil. Thanks for your time.
3 days ago
Ed Slavin
Kim S.
Travis Hutson reminds me of what Ronald Reagan said about politicians who were like a baby, "All appetite on the one end and no responsibility on the other."
2 days ago
Ed Slavin
Kim S.
My late mentor, longtime USDOL Chief ALJ Nahum Litt (1979-1995) told me that any government budget could be cut by 10%. Our solemn County Commissioners don't even try -- not even the ones who campaigned saying they would work to cut waste, like Christian Whitehurst.
2 days ago
Ed Slavin
Kim S.
Working for Chief Judge Litt, I saw an efficient operation that heard Black Lung and Longshore workers compensation cases, and worker rights cases, with 100 judges and 100 support staff in seven states and D.C. He did not waste money. He taught me to ask questions, demand answers and expect democracy.
2 days ago
Kim S.
Ed
greed is never a good personality trait to have.
2 days ago
Ed Slavin
Kim S.
Our incurious and sometimes insipid and insolent County Commissioners couldn't even bestir themselves to vote on body-worn cameras and dashboard cameras for our St. Johns County Sheriff's deputies, which cameras will protect their rights and ours.
2 days ago
Ed Slavin
Our County Commissioners have no office legislative or casework staff. BoCC staff are all under the County Administrator. It's all Executive Branch. The legislative bra ch of St. Johns County is the sapless branch, reckless, feckless and ill-advised.
2 days ago
Lou D.
VOTE NO. Mismanaged dollars before and will be mismanaged again - NO WAY Mr. Dean.
3 days ago
Ed Slavin
Lou D.
Thank you,.
2 days ago
Debbie L.
I am retired - paid taxes all of my work history and quite frankly I’m tired of it!!! The taxes I currently pay as a home owner and to the government is ENOUGH! Remember the movie Network?? That is where I am in so many areas of what is going on ….🤬
3 days ago
Merlin C.
The way to slow down continued building is to make it less attractive for builders. I am not against new building, just the rapid and seemingly uncontrolled pace of it.
3 days ago
rodger Chenore
Mr. Chairman, most government entities add a fee to developers to cover infrastructure expenditures that will result from their proposed new developments. why don't you?
3 days ago
Deborah T.
rodger Chenore
kitty cooper
@Deborah do you think there were developers' lobbyists involved 🤔
2 days ago
Jason Bird
rodger
impact fees are as high as allowed. The county can’t impose anything further by law. Whether we like it or not, the federal and state governments expect local governments and their citizens to absorb a large amount of infrastructure costs due to development because it benefits all residents.
2 days ago
Erin Meehan
Jason Bird
thanks again! Facts must be told.
2 days ago
Ed Slavin
Jason Bird
Laws need to be changed. You know what Jeffersn said?
2 days ago
Ed Slavin
Jason Bird
"We might as well require a man to wear still the coat which fitted him when a boy as a civilized society to remain ever under the regimen of their barbarous ancestors."Apr 10, 2015"
2 days ago
Ed Slavin
Erin Meehan
indeed.
2 days ago
Nicole Crosby
Jason Bird
I agree with you up until the words "because it benefits all residents." Let's recall the words of the late Paul Waldron about SilverLeaf: "Not enough public benefit." But the majority passed it anyway, and we're on the hook for many millions to pay for it.
2 days ago
Jason Bird
Nicole
regardless of what we may like the definition to state or how much each of us believe it will benefit us personally, that’s the basis of state and federal laws and is pointed out in most all lawsuits regarding governments and infrastructure cost.
1 day ago
Jason Bird
Ed
obviously you understand that we can’t go back in time and make developers pay more if laws change eventually. By your comment I assume you agree the laws don’t currently allow more, and continuing that argument does nothing to actually make progress on change. If people don’t understand the full situation and the policies and processes involved they can’t make a valid argument - neither here or to our commissioners.
1 day ago
Christie Mallatt
Mr Dean Most have chosen St Augustine because we loved/love the area with the history, beaches, shops, friendliness, low crime amongst other wonderful beautiful reasons for St Augustine. No one ever said in past DON'T allow expansion but when we said enough or slow down it fell on deaf ears. What happened to residents/business percents? For a viable county we have to bring businesses along with residential. 60-70% to 40-30%. Our county needs an established publix, a new publix across rhe street and still a vacant publix down the road? We need how many car washes? Storage facilities? The list can go on and on. PUD/zoning/BOCC had a master plan in place and it appears wealthy businesses/owners can get rezoning at anytime even with opposition from the citizens of St John's County. Perception of BOCC by residents is RUBBER STAMP majority of residential. WHY take our green space and farmland for more residential and then (example) Silver Leaf had an approval but greed had them REQUEST further expansion and ONCE again with opposition BOCC approved MORE residential knowingly the lack of infrastructure and services already in place. We CAN'T prohibited growth but we can control type and amount of growth. We can stop changing zoning, we can stop the % of residential vs businesses that create jobs for our residents. It's OK to say NO unless fear the people lining their pockets such as Hutson. Accountability, Responsibility and consequences. When the 1 cent fails (15%) and our Property taxes increase will BOCC then evaluate a moratorium on rezoning? Go to state and get legislation changed on impact fees, give tax exemption to more then just who is on ballot? Give specifics HOW our money being spent? Everyone needs to remember one way or another the county will get the money which may not benefit residents but definitely benefit builders.
(edited)
3d
kitty cooper
@Christie
it's the county residents being ignored and run over in favor of developers that is so maddening !
2 days ago
Ed Slavin
Christie Mallatt
Amen
2 days ago
Aimee Starenes
This is a break down !!!!
3 days ago
Aimee Starenes
Vote no
3 days ago
Christie Mallatt
@Aimee
maybe place the verbiage "could change" as we know will change because priorities in a healthy or unhealthy environment always changes. Even at the educational seminars they speak of "could change". I'm going to guess change by who yells the loudest or promises the most.
3 days ago
Bob Butler
We need to stop right now, no more taxation and tightening the belt may be beneficial for everyone, except those that stand to lose $$$$ by not getting new projects. I’m sure it’s not as desperate as you would have us believe. I’m all for living within our means and don’t really want to see more sidewalks, bulldozing of land, increased traffic. Go with the option to do nothing. VOTE NO
3 days ago
Rich Wallet
This must be fixed at the state level and state politics is untouchable and unmovable if the possibility exists that one of the largest sources of political income at the state level comes from developers. The state needs to allow municipal governments to establish fees that make sense for the locality and instead it panders to those who line its pockets and help it maintain power.
3 days ago
Bob Butler
Rich
👍
3 days ago
Tony Muzulo
Let the developers pay for it that is the price of doing business in just about any county People do not vote for the 1cent increase. Let new businesses pay for it or we are good the way we are populated in this county. I repeat do not vote for the 1cent increase. The county commissioner put us in this predicament let them figure it out they put us in this position. In the real world our families figure it out. Let the city county state and federal cut back on there own history of foolish spending. Do not put it on the people. Remember they are our civil. Servants. They are to serve us and figure it out not tax us To the tune of thousands more out of our pockets 1cent adds up to thounds. Do your research. And who believes 10 years from now the one penny will go away look at history it will never go away. In fact they will probably will want more half penny more for some other issue. Everything has gone up they ( county ) automatically gets more income. Stop this madness now. Vote no to 1 cent tax and fire the People responsible for this delema. Who is going to vote no?????? Please stand up for yourselves and show servants do your job for be accountable for your actions they are our civil sevenths not the other way around. Vote no.
3 days ago
Bob Butler
Tony
couldn’t agree more
3 days ago
Nicole Crosby
Tony Muzulo
I'm still trying to understand how our civil servants did not vote the way we asked them to on SilverLeaf, and then they dug the hole even deeper by voting for it. And this was AFTER they put the tax increase on the ballot. Boggles the mind.
2 days ago
Regina Buell
The tourism in this town has gotten out of hand, especially with a high percentage of houses in the city used for Vacation rentals. That and all the development in the county with no thought for clean drinking water and not enough traffic lights to get safely onto US 1 from some older communities, like the intersection north of Winn Dixie with all the new Apartments and the new health department. When the electricity goes out all the lift stations are not operating and sewage floats around in the parking lot in our community. The whole city and some of the county has to use lift stations to get rid of the waste water. Raise the bed tax and don’t allow our neighborhoods to be destroyed by allowing people to buy up properties for short term rentals. I moved out of the city because I couldn’t take it anymore. Hourly canons firing, tourt rains with loud speakers every 30 minutes and the trash of the customers ending up in my yard. The trash is getting out of hand in a lot of side streets downtown as well as on the bay front, when you walk from Castillo de San Marco to the city marina. The city needs more trash cans ( not just on St George St) so people don’t toss their candy wrappers and soda cans onto the street. St Augustine is starting to look like a third world city. A 1 cent sales tax is not going to help the fundamental problems this City has, to many short term rentals and to much development
3 days ago
Deborah T.
@Regina
I Will say it again. We are dealing with textbook Corporate Socialism. We pay, they profit. My take is that too much weight goes to short term profits with little or no consideration to quality of life. These developers come, make a mess, cash out and move onto the next area to destroy.....all for "ca-ching ca-ching." Everyone misses the real substance of what's going on and keeps on voting the same at the state and local levels. Look at the bills passed over the last 4 years by our legislature that were signed by our governor....this is not just a local problem. Everyone should take 10 minutes a week to see who is contributing to all campaigns, and then observe once these people are elected as to where the $ goes.
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3d
Bruce Alan
Henry, Just as the rest of us have had to do,,,,,, it's called cutting back on our purchases/expenditures to a level that matches our income. This is not new math just common sense.
3 days ago
Bob Butler
Bruce
agree, households do this on a daily basis as stewards of THEIR finances..
2 days ago
Tony Muzulo
County chair did you send a letter to the developers that they will have to pay a higher impact fee. If so show the people
3 days ago
Christie Mallatt
@Tony
we should be made aware if they have gone to state legislators to propose changes that were put into place prior to all the rubber stamping approvals. Path of least resistance would be St John County residents
3 days ago
Nicole Crosby
Christie Mallatt
the key state legislator (Senator Hutson) is the very same person behind the ad campaign to pressure us into paying the higher sales tax that directly benefits his developments. Can you see how powerless we are? On and he's also the same person who heavily funds our commissioners' campaigns and get them appointed and elected.
2 days ago
Ed Slavin
Nicole Crosby
yes!
2 days ago
Ed Slavin
Nicole Crosby
Vote against sales tax increase! Power is ours.
2 days ago
Betsy Larey
I have a question, as I am not originally from Florida. Is the county required by law to approve all developments? I’m from Minnesota, where counties and cities practice planned growth. The infrastructure is required to be in place before construction begins. Which means many developments are turned down, simply because the traffic jams would be unbearable for residents. The large apartment buildings are all built in clusters, near the light rail lines. Of course those don’t exist in Florida, the car centric state. I realize it is different here because there is a vast amount of open land. But at the end of the day, the master plan ( assuming there is/was one) should take into consideration the lack of major roads ( and the inability to build more ) to facilitate the number of projected cars. I hope to hear from Commissioner Dean and thank you.
3 days ago
Christie Mallatt
@Betsy
welcome... from Becker MN. You are 100% accurate. I've lived here 16 years and when first purchased made ourselves aware of industrial at WGV and made purchases of homes because it was great to have businesses closer and accessible. Zoning was important what was rural, industrial, agricultural, residential just amazed how quickly and easily for the right $$ was changed.
(edited)
3d
Betsy Larey
Christie
thanks! I’m from St Paul, still live there 6 months. It’s so different than here, not just weather. If it wasn’t so dark and gray in the winter I would stay all year. I didn’t realize the state is the driver of development here. Up north, counties and cities control their own.
3 days ago
Bruce Brannen
Betsy Larey
Please stay in St Paul your the infrast. problem
3 days ago
Deborah T.
@Betsy
same in NH. They bring all players together, residents, businesses, developers and builders. They hammer out a master plan and stick to it. Here developers and builders are in the driving seat, and then they want us to pay so they can profit.
2 days ago
kitty cooper
@Deborah and have placed their Representatives in "governing bodies"
2 days ago
Ed Slavin
Deborah T. Former Mayors Andrea Samuels (St. Augustine Beach_ and Joseph Boles, Jr. (St. Augustine) both admitted, "There's no dialogue here" in response too public comment on development issues. Enough flummery, dupery and nincompoopery!
2 days ago
Ed Slavin
Deborah T. Vote no.
2 days ago
Nicole Crosby
Betsy Larey
the answer to your question is no. They are not required to approve developments. Far from.
2 days ago
Bruce Brannen
If your so unhappy maybe it best you return where you came from. Thats the problem you let your elected officials completly destroy your state or town then you come here and start whinning and complaining
(edited)
3d
Deborah T.
@Bruce
in a democracy, the people are supposed to have a say, and the last I looked we still live in a democracy and we have the ability to vote this tax increase down as well as vote for a governor, legislators and commissioners who follow the will of the people. Unfortunately, most just keep on voting these same people back in.
(edited)
2d
Betsy Larey
Bruce
there is nothing wrong with the state of Minnesota. It runs well, not sure why you think it has been ruined. I am here because i am a golf professional, no grass in MN in the winters
2 days ago
Ed Slavin
Bruce Brannen
Impolite to tell residents to "move back/"
2 days ago
Christie Mallatt
@Betsy
no offense but I do have to differ on nothing wrong with MN but we all decide what fits us best. If you're on FB may want to join this group. The admin does try to keep drama to a minimal but very informative https://www.facebook.com/groups/uptowncrime/?ref=share
2 days ago
Betsy Larey
Christie
Agee with MN, taxes are horrible
2 days ago
Ed Slavin
Bruce Brannen
Americans have a constitutional right to travel and move. So lacking in merit or any legal argument, it is wrong to say we should "move back." So disrespectful. We live here.
2 days ago
Nicole Crosby
Bruce Brannen
I didn't hear Betsy say she was unhappy here. I thought she was just sharing some useful information.
2 days ago
Ed Slavin
Bruce Brannen
Impolite and overbearing to suggest people "return to where you came from." Improper argument. Stilted Jim Crow style ad hominem.
2 days ago
Bob Butler
Bruce
😬😬😬
2 days ago
Ed Slavin
Bruce Brannen
Bruce Brannen
Ed Slavin
Ed name calling shows your lack of intelligence, I was born here 67 years ago and it really burns me to hear you people that ran from your state to come here and complain about infrastruture and dog crap when your part of the problem and say how much better it is where you came from. Your absolutely right you have the freedom to travel so travel your a-s back where you came from .
2 days ago
Bruce Brannen
Betsy Larey
Two words Ihan Omar
2 days ago
Michelle Milano
Deborah we tried to get Hutson out in the primaries but only a fraction of registered voters turned out and voted. Now we are stuck with him until his term is up.
1 day ago
Steve Cascone
Not all the facts were in that letter, just the ones that favor his agenda.
3 days ago
Ed Slavin
Steve Cascone
Oh?
2 days ago
Steve Cascone
Where's the new law to increase impact fees on builders, since you know this for years
3 days ago
Christie Mallatt
@Steve
look up St John County Impact fees, 2011, 2018 and 2021. PDFs will populate or even go to BOCC St John County and put impact fees in search engine
3 days ago
Ed Slavin
Steve Cascone
My mother had a sign in her county college purchasing secretary office to the effect that: "Poor planning on your part does not necessarily create an emergency on my part."
2 days ago
Steve Cascone
@Ed
I've had the same sign. And that's why I'll vote no
2 days ago
Nicole Crosby
Ed Slavin
I've seen that sign too, and it's very appropriate to our current situation.
2 days ago
Mike Cautero
Again, so glad I voted yes to support county growth!
3 days ago
Ed Slavin
Mike Cautero
Uncontrolled growth is destroying our quality of life. Uncontrolled growth is the ideology of a cancer cell.
2 days ago
Ed Slavin
Mike Cautero
Vapid, vicious developers and their mouthpieces have made a mockery of our democracy.
2 days ago
Mike Cautero
Ed
they also build nice houses and neighborhoods.
2 days ago
Ed Slavin
Mike Cautero
33 neighborhoods have constant flooding. Some of the homes are defective. Senator Travis J. Hutson wants to dilute your right to sue homebuilders for construction defects, in legislation before the Florida State Senate. Hutson is a land spectator, or "developer" as they demurely call it. Anyone ca call themselves a developer.
2 days ago
Mike Cautero
Ed
I’d love to see the proof that 33 neighborhoods have constant flooding. Thanks!
2 days ago
Ed Slavin
Mike Cautero
It's in the record of the BoCC. You should watch sometime. Have you seen the neighbors complaining about it on GTV? Very eloquent testimony, including statements that flooding neighborhoods are the result of bad planning, signed off on by as County Engineer who was not a licensed engineer.
2 days ago
Mike Cautero
Ed
can you send me a link? I’d love to see it. It should be easily accessible for you to share as you’re citing it.
2 days ago
Ed Slavin
Mike Cautero
You can search BoCC minutes online; people from Marsh Landing and other neighborhoods have talked about it, often ignored by news media!
2 days ago
Bob Butler
Ed
good snalogy
2 days ago
Deborah T.
@Mike
wait 20 years. Most of these new homes have not been built well, and our great State Senator Travis Hutson, sponsored a bill to make the ability to sue for defects 7 years down from 15. He tried to get it down to five. It passed in BOTH houses and was signed by our governor.
(edited)
2d
Ed Slavin
Mike Cautero
Chauvinistic uniformed ditto-head?
2 days ago
Nicole Crosby
Deborah Testa no it was not passed than goodness! It died in committee.
2 days ago
Nicole Crosby
Mike Cautero
how/when did you vote yes to support county growth? I don't recall such a vote.
2 days ago
Mike Hale
Mike
You have not lived here long have you?
2 days ago
Ed Slavin
Deborah T. Thank you. Was it signed? I thought there were differences between House and Senate bills at end of 2022 session, unresolved, and that bill would be back in 2023.
2 days ago
Christie Mallatt
@Ed
I believe if HALF commenting has watched or gone to a meeting the thread would take a change for the worse. Even minutes demonstrate the BOC approving majority areas for builders..what is missing on the minutes is how residents are dismissed after their 3 minutes.
2 days ago
Ed Slavin
Nicole Crosby
Tony Muzulo
Vote these b s ers out
3 days ago
Ed Slavin
Tony Muzulo
Amen.
2 days ago
Tony Muzulo
Time to act no additional taxes for the people. Yes to higher impact fees
3 days ago
Ed Slavin
Tony Muzulo
Amen.
2 days ago
Matt Cavicchio
So the subdivisions in the wealthier areas of town, that are being built by the Developers not living up to their end of the bargain. Not doing road improvements, Lights, Schools, walkways and other things that need to be completed. Are trying to get a 1c tax increase to fund these wealthier areas and leaving everyone else with the same crap infrastructure we have been left with for all of these years. While they use our taxes as well to improve those areas, I call BS. It's time to focus on the other side of the spectrum. We pay the same taxes and deserve the same treatment. We need upgrades to our roads, schools to ease overcrowding, Lights and sidewalks. Leave that area to the builders that are failing to do what was promised.
3 days ago
Nicole Crosby
Matt Cavicchio
they're not focusing on the wealthier areas of town, but on the new developments in NW St. Johns County. Some of those houses are very modest and on very small parcels, but they're part of massive developments of half billionaire David Hutson. Below is where much of the money would go - to help make him a billionaire - on our backs. Forgive typos.
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2d
Erin Meehan
As usual there is a lot of personal input without knowing facts. Many communities have been approved for 10-20 years. You cannot just stop construction so that is unrealistic. I miss the area that I moved into 17 years ago especially the minimal traffic and open land.,. I do not like the massive amount of new construction. But there have been many many opportunities to get involved, ask questions volunteer for committees. . Spewing anger on social media will do nothing. If this is so troubling then get involved. County is searching for volunteers., Communities when set up have various ways that they are financed. Some include an Hoa or a CDD fee which offers an alternative way to finance and maintain the infrastructure of a community. Infrastructures examples include road, water and sewer systems, common areas, parks, landscaping, conservation, and street lighting. Each community is unique to the master plan. Did we really think that the county would pay for massive growth? We need more police, fire departments, schools to accommodate the population. Do people on here actually know how builders contribute? Like everything else in our country prices have increased tremendously. The reality is the choice is new tax which people from out of county will pay for also, increase tax on homes or do nothing which is really not responsible. The issues are not going away. If you don’t want to support the tax then you have the option to shop elsewhere . Interesting how the same people who do not want homes moved into new communities and want Target and Walmart. Thousands coming in a day from out of area for Costco. Be careful what you wish for. I prefer neighbors that invest in homes than commercial property. Our property values increased tremendously but as we have learned from past experience what goes up can go down. 26% of home contracts have been cancelled due to current recession. Lenders going out of business rapidly. Builders already stating they will walk from communities due to recession. Diesel fuel alone that gets all products to builders and every other aspect of our lives has soared and we only have enough in emergency fund for 25 days. Do more research and listen to what National Homebuilders Association is saying. Homebuilders are leaders in and out of recessions. The last thing we want is builders abandoning communities. We are a top County in Florida. Let’s keep it that way.
3 days ago
Deborah T.
@Erin
Continuing to build without passing the burden onto million and billion dollar profit developers and builders is not the way to go. A logical consequrnce to developing and building is for them to pay for the infrastructure. They are raking in the money. They are not running a non-profit charity.
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3d
Erin Meehan
Deborah T. What facts are you offering or just speculating? Do you have any idea how much they make?
3 days ago
Ed Slavin
Erin Meehan
Malarky. Please provide proof, rather than bald assertions.
2 days ago
Ed Slavin
Erin Meehan
County Commission disdains public participation and insults people who ask questions. Disgraced defeated Commissioner Jeremiah Ray Blocker moved non-agenda public comment to the end of meetings, forcing people who want to speak to wait around for hours, like those who are concerned about 33 neighborhoods with bad flooding, caused by overdevelopment.
2 days ago
Erin Meehan
Ed Slavin
relating to what?
2 days ago
Ed Slavin
Erin Meehan
Rude, rough rebarbative St. Johns County staff fails and refuses to answer questions. Unqualified County Administrator never had to file a job application or undergo a background investigation. At annual Budget Hearings, he's twice told me, "I don't have to answer your questions, I work for the Board of County Commissioners.
2 days ago
Ed Slavin
Erin Meehan
CDD scheme allows developers and landraping speculators to for e residents to pay for infrastructure, instead of completing their jobs. It is wrong.
2 days ago
Ed Slavin
Erin Meehan
What "current recession?" What proof of cancelled contracts? Be specific.
2 days ago
Ed Slavin
Erin Meehan
The economy is growing. Know the facts. https://www.wsj.com/articles/us-gdp-economic-growth-third-quarter-2022-11666830253
2 days ago
Ed Slavin
Erin Meehan
Your pejoratives about social media posts are unworthy of you.
2 days ago
Ed Slavin
Erin Meehan
Speculators are clearcutting our forests, killing our wildlife, corrupting our politics and destroying our way of life.
2 days ago
Ed Slavin
Erin Meehan
SilverLeaf and other deforestation projects are monuments to greed and graft. Our State Senator Travis James Hutson and his Hutson Companies are SilverLeaf developers.
(edited)
2d
Ed Slavin
Erin Meehan
We're not taking orders or advice from NAHB or other lobbyists.
(edited)
1d
Ed Slavin
Erin Meehan
Why the clearcutting? Why the wetland filling ? Why the wildlife killing? This is madness. Unctuous, uglifying speculators don't respect our values in St. Johns County.
2 days ago
Kim S.
Erin
I don’t know you at all, never met you, but would bet a cookie to a donut your livelihood depends on the housing industry… the more the better? That’s a big part of the problem here one select group benefits off the backs of those not in a position to gain financially. Not what community should be about. Still believe in the greater good here.
2 days ago
Ed Slavin
Erin Meehan
"relating to" your long post above!
2 days ago
Erin Meehan
Ed Slavin
then get involved. Silverleaf was in place 20 years ago. I don’t agree with overdevelopment. But many complaining moved into new developments. But if you don’t think our country is in a recession then ….. Truth and facts matter.
(edited)
2d
Erin Meehan
Ed Slavin
people have the choice to make this decision. Not forced.
2 days ago
Erin Meehan
Kim S.
I moved to this area 17 years ago. I don’t like the overdevelopment but people have no solutions just anger. If they are so Concerned they should get involved in change. Complaining is not a solution.
2 days ago
Ed Slavin
Erin Meehan
Erin Meehan
Ed Slavin but WSJ is reliable source? Not responding to your 14 other posts! Good luck. Stand up for what you believe in. Let freedom reign! 🇺🇸☮️
2 days ago
Ed Slavin
Erin Meehan
I provided WSJ article. Nation not in recession.
2 days ago
Ed Slavin
Erin Meehan
Don't presume to lecture us on "anger." People have a right to be angry. It's our town, our time and our democracy that is at stake.
2 days ago
Ed Slavin
Erin Meehan
In case you didn't know, I'm a candidate for Anastasia Mosquito Control District of St. Johns County, and I've been speaking out on these overdevelopment and corruption issues as long as you've lived here.
2 days ago
Ed Slavin
Erin Meehan
When speculators abuse government offices and secretive PACs to plump for sales tax increases to fatten their carcasses, we're being forced to pay to be insulted and patronized by insolent County staff who withhold budget information. County never answered on cold case budget for Sheriff, not at two TRIM hearings in September, and not at October 25 "Town Hall."
2 days ago
Erin Meehan
Ed Slavin
and inflation is not over 8%?
2 days ago
Erin Meehan
Ed Slavin
glad to hear I believe people need to stand up for what they believe in and just not spew anger like so many. I am not running for office but never had problems getting any questions answered in our county. Except from new people to area running for election.
2 days ago
Ed Slavin
Erin Meehan
National homebuilders' SEC filings are public records.
2 days ago
Deborah T.
@Erin
I have researched the builder that are public companies, yes. However, if they are not profitable without looking for handouts, then perhaps they should not be in business. That is clearly corporate Socialism. If we felt like this was an appropriate model for business, then every business should be getting handouts, aye? The dry cleaners, grocery store, gas stations, lawyers, doctors, for profit hospitals....every business.
2 days ago
Erin Meehan
Deborah T. Sorry no idea what you are trying to say! They make all their money from handouts?
2 days ago
Kim S.
Erin
not sure what being here 17 years has to do with the situation unless it was to divert attention from inquiry about you being tied to the housing industry somehow. I’d say citizens have every right to be angry! Personally I’ve written to commissioners expressing my concerns for overgrowth in building and some of projects tax dollars being spent. The ONLY responses ever received were from Paul Waldron. To give this bunch the option to keep on doing the same thing over and over again is insanity. Hopefully with them going back to the drawing board will solidify wants from true needs without diversion from a solid plan. Anger isn’t always a bad thing… I believe several ideas and recommendations have been floated here for commissioners to understand/consider.
2 days ago
Ed Slavin
Erin Meehan
Let freedom ring.
2 days ago
Ed Slavin
Erin Meehan
Inflation is a global problem after a global pandemic. You're changing the subject. No recession. Economy grew 2.3% in last quarter.
2 days ago
Ed Slavin
Kim S.
I agree. The definition of insanity is doing the same 'ole thing and expecting different results.
2 days ago
Ed Slavin
First Town Hall was a joke. We were not allowed to use overhead projector. People could not use podium. Only one of five Commissioners attended. Four others were where? Second Town Hall -- do I understand correctly that not one County Commissioner attended? Wonder why.
2 days ago
Betsy Larey
Ed
I went to a meeting regarding the Stokes Landing Project. I own property on Stokes. At the end of my 3 minute speech, I asked everyone in the audience to vote the current commissioners out of office. At the end of the meeting I was escorted by a St Johns Sheriff to my car. I was stunned. I guess we are not allowed to say that in public. That tells me everything I need to know about the St Johns County Commissioners.
2 days ago
Erin Meehan
Ed Slavin
it all ties in. People on here worried about increase in costs which tie into economy which ties into worst economy in 41 years as per economist who also states we are in a recession. That is why I am all for sharing the percent hike with all those who come into our county. We are a top tourism spot in the country.
(edited)
2d
Ed Slavin
Erin Meehan
Won't stay a top tourism spot if we keep destroying nature and history.
2 days ago
Ed Slavin
Betsy Larey
Lordy! Was this meeting a developer-run community meeting? Or a PZA or County Commission meeting. You might wish to obtain the police reports. These St. Johns County police state tactics are indefensible, and must be ended ago once.
2 days ago
Erin Meehan
Ed Slavin
all for preserving cannot go back.
2 days ago
Ed Slavin
Erin Meehan
Deforestation is a global threat: St. Johns County is an unjust steward of environmental protection.
1 day ago
Ed Slavin
Erin Meehan
People visit and move here for the history and nature, which Benedict Arnold Corporations are destroying before our eyes. Enough.
1 day ago
Erin Meehan
Ed Slavin
this did not happen over night. Been going on for years. Not many paid any attention or got involved. Cannot change past.
1 day ago
Ed Slavin
Erin Meehan
I've found City and County lack a welcoming spirit, since the first time we attended city meetings in 2005. The City discriminated against African-Americans, artists, musicians and GLBT people,, dumped a landfill in a lake, and disdains answering questions. We have top level managers who never had to apply for their jobs. They have chips on their shoulder. Imagine being both incompetent and snooty, and demanding undeserved tax increases.
(edited)
1d
Ed Slavin
Erin Meehan
Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. said St. Johns County was the most lawless in America. Jim Crow tradition extends to continuing bigotry and secrecy,.
1 day ago
Ed Slavin
Kim S.
RFK said "anger is fuel." Anger at injustice produces positive change. County Commissioners who are insulting a d stigmatizing dissenters are acting contrary to the genius of a free people
1 day ago
Erin Meehan
Ed Slavin
if you hate this area why do you live here? You seem so very angry.
1 day ago
Philip H.
Maybe the BoC should first of all petition the FL Legislators to raise Impact Fees before taxing us for problems the developers have caused.
3 days ago
Ed Slavin
Philip H.
In March, that's what I told BoCC Chairman Dean, offering to help.
2 days ago
Nicole Crosby
Philip H.
why would they petition the legislators to raise impact fees when they're actively helping to enrich one of those legislators (Senator/developer Hutson) by putting this sales tax on the ballot and aggressively promoting it? See below. sorry for typos.
2 days ago
Ed Slavin
Nicole Crosby
Thank you.
2 days ago
Karen J.
A serious review of the master plan, an outside accountability study of how funds are currently being allocated within the county, holding developers accountable for their agreed-upon responsibilities, a moratorium on new residential developments, and transparency on the list of critical infrastructure needs across the whole county; that’s what we need before we look to find more money. Throwing money at the problem will not help if that money goes down the same drain all the other money has (purportedly) gone down.
3 days ago
Ed Slavin
Karen J.
Civil, criminal and administrative investigations are required of speculators' corruption of our government. Discussing impact fees, one Commissioner said asking those questions was like asking "Who shot John?"
2 days ago
Erin Meehan
Everyone talking about impact fees. Many counties have no impact fees or much less hence higher taxes.
3 days ago
Erin Meehan
History of Impact fees builders pay per home in St. John’s County. Effective October 1, 2021 Under 800 $9,671 801 – 1,250 $12,747 1,251 – 1,800 $14,481 1,801 – 2,500 $18,036 2,501 – 3,750 $22,399 3,751 – 5,000 $25,201 5,001 and Over $26,490 Effective October 1, 2019 Under 800 $8,998 801 – 1,250 $11,860 1,251 – 1,800 $13,475 1,801 – 2,500 $16,781 2,501 – 3,750 $20,841 3,751 – 5,000 $23,446 5,001 and Over $24,647 Effective January 1, 2019 Under 800 $8,603 801 – 1,250 $11,339 1,251 – 1,800 $12,882 1,801 – 2,500 $16,043 2,501 – 3,750 $19,924 3,751 – 5,000 $22,417 5,001 and Over $23,564 Effective July 2, 2018 Under 800 $6,811 801 – 1,250 $9,161 1,251 – 1,800 $10,610 1,801 – 2,500 $13,214 2,501 – 3,750 $16,600 3,751 – 5,000 $18,542 5,001 and Over $19,431 Effective February 4, 2016 Under 1800 $9,770 Over 1800 $13,952
3 days ago
Stephan Avery
Erin
so see it’s not a backlog. It’s a shortfall. And honestly - not my shortfall. So No!
2 days ago
Kim S.
Erin
I guess one would have to ask in the overall conversation …. why did State Government limit Local Government’s rights to increase impact fees?
2 days ago
Erin Meehan
Kim S.
Out if 67 countries in Florida, 23 have No impact fees. St. John’s County number 5 in charges. Send page 34. https://floridataxwatch.org/DesktopModules/EasyDNNNews/DocumentDownload.ashx?portalid=210&moduleid=34407&articleid=19164&documentid=1036
(edited)
2d
Deborah T.
Erin Meehan
What you have written is a diversion from the subject matter here. We are being asked to pay for the infrastructure for communities we didn't want. Meeting after meeting has passed where people in our community vehemently fought to stop this over-development WITHOUT accompanying infrastructure. The commissioners turned a deaf ear and forged ahead. Now they are passing the basket around for money, while these developers and builders rake in millions and in many cases billions.
(edited)
2d
Erin Meehan
Stephan Avery
higher taxes will be the option! Not going away.
2 days ago
Erin Meehan
Deborah T. I do not agree with the overdevelopment but it is either higher taxes or this tax. There is no going back. To think builders will back track and pay is unrealistic. . Higher property tax will be bad news for homeowners. Stand up for what you believe in. Have you volunteered or went to meetings? County is looking for volunteers. We are top county in Florida. Property values have soared which no one seems to complain about. With that comes fiscal responsibility. Cannot ignore.
2 days ago
Christie Mallatt
@Erin
this is very true at the same time it is now time to hold accountable or we will be playing catch up for years to come. We have to fix the last decades (plus). Will BOCC stop rubber stamping ? Will BOCC look at residential vs business %? Will BOCC take it to Tallahassee to get legislation changed? Will the "could change" allocated money be changed to benefit builders pockets vs St John County residents and community? I know there isn't anyone with answers to the questions but how will we see change IF BOCC and state legislation don't change their behaviors.
(edited)
2d
Erin Meehan
Christie Mallatt
I always encourage people to stand up for what they believe in. Get involved if you want change. Just tired of hearing people complain without any facts just spewing their anger and misinformation. St John’s county has one of highest impact fees in Florida paid by builders offsetting our taxes. Actually we are number 5 out of 67 counties in highest impact fees paid 23 counties pay no impact fees at all. The builders are here because the demand is here. For now anyway. We also have one of the lowest mileage rates in Florida. Cannot live in an amazing area and not be realistic. Inflation is over 8% everything costs more. Doing nothing not an option in my opinion. Raising property taxes very bad decision. Something has to give! I like the idea that others will contribute to our costs through this 1% tax. A lot of people come to outlets and now Costco. If people don’t want to support they can shop in another county.
(edited)
2d
Christie Mallatt
@Erin
I do agree people need to pay attention and get involved prior to a situation as this. It isn't difficult to go to meetings, zoom meetins or even read the minute notes. Follow up with emails to ALL our Commissioners which I have done frequently, probably on my favorites for emails 😆😂😅. In MY opinion it fell on deaf ears which doesn't please me when it's going to cost more money at a time majority are cutting back.
2 days ago
Erin Meehan
Christie Mallatt
so what is the solution? Only 3 options. This tax, higher property tax or do nothing?
2 days ago
Ed Slavin
Stephan Avery
Thank you!
2 days ago
Ed Slavin
Erin Meehan
They're stealing the alternatives, folks. Government needs to tighten its belt. Need to discuss my 25 proposals for local government reform.
2 days ago
Ed Slavin
Erin Meehan
County won't do either.
2 days ago
Erin Meehan
Stephan Avery
the solution is?
2 days ago
Ed Slavin
Erin Meehan
Have you read these? I am "involved" but often ignored by nattering nabobs of negativism who have no ideas other than fattening carpetbaggers. https://cleanupcityofstaugustine.blogspot.com/2022/09/county-commission-has-still-not.html
2 days ago
Ed Slavin
Erin Meehan
When you ask questions, you are often ignored, disrespected or insulted.
2 days ago
Ed Slavin
Erin Meehan
For years, I've asked County, St. Augustine and St. Augustine Beach Commissioners, "Who are the beneficial owners and investors in this project?" Commissioners will look uncomfortable, never answering. Do they even know? Do they even care? If we don't know the answer, how do we enforce state ethics and conflict of interest laws?
2 days ago
Christie Mallatt
@Erin
I am not disagreeing with pretty much 3 options. I want to know that we are going to rectify from same situation in future? Is the county going to prioritize needs vs wants? After election is county going to decide now raise our property tax as it has been eluded to? Specific plan with money vs "could change". I also realize it's too late for the answers as most have probably already up mind.
(edited)
2d
Erin Meehan
Christie Mallatt yes agreed for future but do people understand if this does not pass we will most likely see property tax increase? Voting no will bring a big surprise then people will really be angry 😬
2 days ago
Glenn Nergard
Erin
FYI. If you homestead, property tax assessments can’t go up over 3%, 10% for non-homestead. So, the county can increase the millage rates, but they are limited.
2 days ago
Ed Slavin
Glenn Nergard
Not for new residents. Not for second homes or investment property. See Save Our Homes constitutional amendment.
2 days ago
Glenn Nergard
That is why I said if you homestead. You can only homestead one property, so second homes, investment property would not be eligible to homestead. If you do short-term rentals in your homestead property, there will be a carve out based upon the sqft of the rental vs whole home. If that is the case, talk with the property appraiser, as they will tell you how it works and how it will impact you.
2 days ago
Stephan Avery
Kim
oh oh I have a guess. Because our poor developers have millions to lobby Tallahassee to force us to pay for their mess.
2 days ago
Stephan Avery
Erin
let it get worse. No skin off my back. Let the residents down there tax themselves
2 days ago
Kim S.
Stephan
politician/developer spends $500,000 to get $20 million…deceiving/ not actually telling the truth to the public. Enough already!
2 days ago
Bob Butler
Deborah taxation without representation
2 days ago
Ed Slavin
Erin Meehan
I disagree with your defeatist tropes, e.g., "no going back," or "no other choice.." It's our town, our time a d our choice, and we won't have our thinking polluted by erroneous assumptions spewed by County staff and the unregistered lobbyists for corporations and unjust stewards in County, plumping for us to pay their bills for them..
2 days ago
Ed Slavin
Erin Meehan
Belt-tightening is essential. Entitled County maladministration gargoyles need to find a new line of work, presumably for one of the smarmy speculators they promiscuously serve. It's our money. County budget process and government need to be reinvented. We need to consider those 25 ideas for government reform I offered on March 15, 230 days ago, the same day Commission voted 4-1 to put this tax on the ballot.
1 day ago
Ed Slavin
Erin Meehan
Jeb Bush abolished the tax on stocks and bonds as an "evil tax." I think proposed sales tax increaser is a truly "evil tax," favoring the wealthy and giant corporations. State sales tax laws exempt purchases of items worth more than $5000. That means if the sales tax were approved, it would not apply to yachts and luxury cars, but to items working people need. That is truly an "evil tax." The facts are irrefragable.
1 day ago
Erin Meehan
Ed Slavin we can agree to disagree. An opinion is not fact. There is no going back. Only ahead. Bringing up Jeb Bush?🙄 Is that going back far enough? I don’t think you want to get political as this country is being destroyed. But since you have been quoting Ronald Regan he did ask the question: is your life better than it was several years ago regarding leaders running a country? So many are struggling. God help our country! I feel so blessed to live in St. Augustine and Florida. Let freedom reign. 🇺🇸
1 day ago
Stephan Avery
Special taxing districts might be a better solution. For example the claim $45 million for improvements to the Micklers round about and widening 210 and Micklers road. Well PVB doesn’t want it. The vast majority is for St Johns down to SR16 - just have a special taxing district and levy an extra mileage rate in each new home Travis builds. Tell the buyers it’s a special community upgrade tax.
2 days ago
Kerri G.
Stephan
yes let the developers pay a fee for every house they sell to clear the backlog. 500 a house!
2 days ago
Erin Meehan
Kerri Gustavson see my previous post impact fees are thousands up to $25k.
2 days ago
Deborah T.
Erin Meehan
There are two scenarios here: 1) Either the money isn't being spent wisely to cover the costs OR 2) The amount assessed doesn't cover the costs. Since when do you ask for handouts in a business where you are making millions or billions, shifting the burden to many who are just scraping by? How is this right?
2 days ago
Ed Slavin
Erin Meehan
The economic principle is we need to internalize the external costs. We are not doing that. We don't even have a Chief Economist. We have County Commissioners who sell our birthright, and their wares, for a song.
2 days ago
William Mullaney
I wonder how many people living in St. Johns County today really know what happened to this area over the last few years. If you don't understand what is being lost you probably will only care about convenience and growth. In essence, those that want a moratorium on growth are likely already outnumbered by those who came as a result of growth. As heartbreaking as it is, there's no going back.
2 days ago
Kerri G.
William
I’ve only been here 8 plus years It’s alarming what is happening. The quality of life in our beautiful county is being stolen by the very commissioners that are supposed to work to better our lives and their developer financial contributors and friends and Family members
2 days ago
Ed Slavin
William Mullaney
If you're in a hole, maybe you should stop digging.
2 days ago
Ed Slavin
Kerri G. Amen.
2 days ago
micheline b.
Kerri G. They could use the million + 'that it's going to cost them to build an asphalted road in the middle of a waterfront park in our neighborhood. Just because they have an excess of $ . A pedestrian road, parallel to main road, not needed, not wanted!. The commissioners have an obsession with covering this whole county with asphalt and cement. They must have something against green spaces, and nature. ! That $ could be used for real needed repairs or maintenance of existing roads.
2 days ago
Karen J.
William
you are absolutely correct. There is no going back; however, it is possible to go forward in a more considered fashion. Rather than continue at the frenetic pace of development that we have seen, slow down and take into account the infrastructure impact. I realize that many of these projects were approved years ago, but why should we not reconsider some of them? Or at least ensure that the developers are held accountable to their end of the agreement - ie contribute part of the fees to development.
2 days ago
Deborah T.
@William
I have lived here 21 years in this county. I get it. It is not only that, it's that they are asking us to pay for growth we didn't want that has diminished the quality of life in the county.
(edited)
2d
William Mullaney
@Karen
I agree.
2 days ago
Bob Butler
William
taxation without representation
2 days ago
Ed Slavin
micheline b.
When road builders bribed commissioners in several states, Doonesbury did a great satire of their greed,
2 days ago
Wanda Nolastname
William
that is what breaks my heart ♥️
1 day ago
Ed Slavin
Deborah T. Same here. Moved here in 1999 -- the corruption festers. The plot thickens.
1 day ago
Donna Smith
If they need an extra one cent let them tax the builders. They'll pass the increase to the new home buyers. At least we won't be supporting the destruction of this once rural area. It's disgusting what the commissioners have approved! You all need to be voted out of office!
2 days ago
Ed Slavin
Donna Smith
Amen
2 days ago
Bob Butler
Donna
👍
2 days ago
Donna Smith
You're letting us know about the infrastructure backlog? Should have thought about the impact over building would have on St. Johns County before you approved all the excessive building. But I'm sure your thoughts were to just tax the people! Typical politian! No regard as to the long term effects, and figure you have a bottomless purse!
2 days ago
Bob Butler
Donna
we’re not going to take it anymore
2 days ago
Ron Panzel
Thanks to a recent law passed in the state legislature, cities and counties are restricted in how much they can charge builders for the impacts of their developments. As a result, the only way to limit the impact costs to communities is to deny the projects. This is another example of why Florida has long been considered one of the most corrupt states in the country. Special interests (builders, Disney, etc.) just pay the legislators to get what they want.
2 days ago
Terry H.
Ron
denying many of these projects would be a great thing. The density is getting ridiculous
2 days ago
Ed Slavin
Ron Panzel
yes!
2 days ago
Ed Slavin
Terry H.
yes
2 days ago
Erin Meehan
Ron Panzel
interesting yet so many people moving here. Let freedom reign!!
2 days ago
Ed Slavin
Erin Meehan
Non sequitur. We all have a right to open honest government. New residents will soon learn about corruption.
2 days ago
Deborah T.
@Ron
but everyone loves our governor and legislators, and will keep them all in power despite this law that effectively passes the burden to us.
2 days ago
Erin Meehan
Ed Slavin
the corruption I see is the people who are lying about their party affiliation just to get in then switching back. Those truly listening know the truth. Wolves in sheep’s clothes. First time I have ever seen this behavior in this county. Very sad.,
2 days ago
Kathy E.
Ron
TY. You are correct. If you have the bill # close, please post it for ppl to search.
2 days ago
Mike Hale
Deborah Nice try to take a local issue and morph it into a larger issue
2 days ago
Ed Slavin
Erin Meehan
Huh?
2 days ago
Ed Slavin
Erin Meehan
Labels are for jars.
2 days ago
Ed Slavin
Erin Meehan
We need a County Charter, with nonpartisan elections for County Commission and constitutional officers. There is no Republican or Democratic way to run local governments. As JFK said, "Sometimes party loyalty demands too much." People don't need to be stigmatized as "wolves in sheep's clothes" for changing their party affiliation when they are disenfranchised by legislative legerdemain. Who are we to judge someone else's party affiliation?
2 days ago
Ed Slavin
Some people want to divide us along party lines. Don't fall for it.
2 days ago
Ed Slavin
Remark about wolves was a non-starter. What are your thoughts about corruption? You ducked it and threw in a red herring.
2 days ago
Erin Meehan
Ed Slavin
it is the changing when running then switching back after election. It is dishonest.
2 days ago
Kathy E.
Deborah I wouldn’t say everyone. Majority, yes, but these investigations and lawsuits will bring negativity, valid arguments and cost $.
1 day ago
Nancy G.
Why isn’t the new growth funding a significant portion of the need for the infrastructure needed to support it? With all of this growth at increased prices, we should see the base increasing to support it.
2 days ago
Michele C.
If your purpose is to "inform", then be honest- the "1c" is a 15% increase! And if statutes do not allow for charging developers more, why isn't a change to statutes on the ballot instead of a 15% sales tax increase??
2 days ago
Ed Slavin
Michele C.
Good point. County staff's deceptive presentation treated current state law as if it could not be changed.
2 days ago
Ed Slavin
As if it were an immutable fact. Think about that -- they exist in a corrupt cesspool of special interest legislation, steal the alternatives and try to foist off an unwanted tax increase, while refusing to talk about government reform or belt-tightening. Wonder why?
2 days ago
Terry H.
Michele
what about if current state law stopped some of these developers from creating neighborhoods out of the forests and prevented some of the people from moving here - I think we are getting full - maybe the law was intended to stop development
2 days ago
Ed Slavin
Terry H.
Deforestation is killing our planet.
2 days ago
Ed Slavin
Our County has no Chief Economist. Why?
2 days ago
Ed Slavin
Our County has no effective environmental regulation. Why?
2 days ago
Ed Slavin
Our County Administrator fired our Historic Preservation officer for doing his job too well.
2 days ago
Ed Slavin
Why?
2 days ago
Dace Treize
In the time I've been in St Augustine, I saw contractors take out a load bearing wall in an older historic building on Aviles St (saying they were renovating the space), then condemn the building evicting the store inhabitants just so they could tear it down and build what they wanted. I believe the new building is still empty.
1 day ago
Ed Slavin
Dace Treize
That building owner tried to run for St. Augustine Beach City Commission, but did not get on ballot because he did not meet one year durational residency requirement. So now he's running for another local office.
1 day ago
Ed Slavin
Our County staff disdains answering questions, avoids providing records, and acts like louche lords of all they survey, emboldened by developer ca$h buying politicians. Enough
2 days ago
Ed Slavin
Some of our County Board meetings are held in inconvenient times and places, and not videotaped, including Cultural Resources Review Board and Land Acquisition Management Plan board, Our maladroit County staff, headed by an unqualified County Administrator, disdains public involvement and participation.
(edited)
2d
Ed Slavin
Why?
2 days ago
Bob Butler
Ed
vote them out
2 days ago
Bob Butler
Ed
agree they don’t want the little people having a voice in this
2 days ago
Ed Slavin
Declaration of Independence grievances included meetings at inconvenient times and places, a common tactic of authoritarians subverting our democratic republic. Why not have more BoCC meetings at night?
2 days ago
Bob Butler
Terry
it’s time the people got control in a representative government
2 days ago
Ed Slavin
Our County too often does not hire the best people, but when it does they are too often kept from doing their jobs, due to the power of the speculators and developers.
(edited)
2d
Terry H.
Ed
you are correct and they do not care
2 days ago
Ed Slavin
Terry H.
Like my mom once said to me in her office, before I left for college, "I am surrounded by mediocrities."
2 days ago
Donnie Bergey
I saw something from Sarah Arnold (i believe it was posted on Nextdoor) describing some of the backlog, they can save $50 million by omitting the new libraries that are going to be built. Thanks to cellphones, we all have more information at our fingertips than could ever be packed into a library these days.
2 days ago
Ed Slavin
Donnie Bergey
Yes, but libraries are public spaces with actual books, meeting rooms and friendly research librarians helping us do research. There are more libraries in USA than McDonalds'! Part of civilization. I would rather make developers pay.
2 days ago
Donnie Bergey
Ed
i get all of your points, and appreciate your perspective, i’m just not a big advocate of libraries (these days) or the enormous cost of building and maintaining them.
2 days ago
Ed Slavin
Donnie Bergey
County recently ended bookmobile at Saturday Farmer's Market at Amp. Why?
2 days ago
Ed Slavin
Bookmobiles save money over brick and mortar. I was very impressed with bookmobile. Sad to see it will no longer be at Saturday Farmer's Market.
2 days ago
Nicole Crosby
We can afford libraries without a tax increase. Sarah Arnold was hand-picked by her good friend Travis Hutson to support his initiatives including this sales tax increase that he's pretending he has nothing to do with while his fingerprints are all over it. See the comparison below of the "Better St. Johns PAC" to the same phone number and address of Hutson's other PACs.
2 days ago
Deborah T.
Our county and state will become the same as the states people are fleeing. How do you suppose their taxes became so high?
2 days ago
Kim S.
Deborah meanwhile developers, builders, suppliers….. and others connected to housing industry are “making theirs” and politicians get their donations. The old adage “follow the money” never truer.
2 days ago
Ed Slavin
Kim S.
St. Johns County Republican and Democratic parties both oppose this sales tax increase, and so do i. https://cleanupcityofstaugustine.blogspot.com/2022/10/dont-be-duped-by-developers-15-sales.html
2 days ago
Erin Meehan
Deborah T. Politicians. When I relocated 17 years ago my taxes were $15k and the schools were horrible. Paid to send my kids to private school. Teachers then were making $120k hence why people have left.
2 days ago
Deborah T.
@Erin
and we are heading in that direction. It just may take a few years to get there.
2 days ago
Jennifer Zinn
voted no!!! how dumb do they think we are! they are getting money from the infrastructure bill! you want to pocket that money and tax us?! you the commissioners created this 💩 show, now you have to eat it! so over you ruining this town
2 days ago
Roy Dunn
Where is all the new real estate taxes going on all this new development going?
2 days ago
Deborah T.
@Roy
mostly in the NW area pf the county.
2 days ago
Thad Lowery
your a fool if you vote yes for any tax increase, that's all I got to say about that
2 days ago
Ed Slavin
Thad Lowery
Thank you.
2 days ago
Yvette K.
State law needs to change!!
2 days ago
Glenn Nergard
Bottle line the county messed up from 2008-2018. And even after 2018, developers are not paying for what they should. Plus the Penny Plan suggest that 40% will be paid by tourist. Not true, county staff estimated between 27-38%. I’ve seen it could be as low as 20%. That means the county residents could be paying as much as 80% of this tax. VOTE NO. County needs to revisit this wish list of items next year (I hope with a better economy), with a Build Back Better Plan (no pun intended). We need more parks and better roads around the City and surrounding areas like US1, Vilano and King Street etc. vs spending most of this in the North and West part of the county. We still have flooding year after year and what is being done to solve that problem. For example: Porpoise Point with every hurricane or strong Northeasterly floods out almost the whole development. The county had to bring in not less than 4 heavy duty pumps to pump out the water. What’s crazy, they dumped between 3-6 truck loads of sand at one end AFTER THE STORM. Like that did any good. They keep spending tens of millions on Beach refurbishment, to have it wash away year after year. They allow the dunes to be destroyed with homes and driving on the beach unmonitored. GTM because their dunes are harder with natural vegetation, held the dunes together with little or no damage through all of these hurricanes. Lessons learned would tell you to stop construction seaward of A1A. Build back the dunes. Look for more permanent solutions vs throwing more money at solution that don’t work. Getting back to Impact Fees….High level Def.: Impact fees are charges assessed on new development to help pay for public infrastructure required to accommodate the new development. Impact fees are generally charged at the issuance of a project’s building permit. For certain types of land uses, the impact fee ordinances allow payment to occur prior to the authorization of pre-power or issuance of a project’s certificate of occupancy. The total impact fee for a project is the sum of the School, Law Enforcement, Fire, Parks and Transportation impact fees, as well as the water and sewer capital charges. The URL below if the actual Florida Statute: http://www.leg.state.fl.us/statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0100-0199/0163/Sections/0163.31801.html Commissioned Dean and others have said that they voted to increase the impact fee in 2018 to the max allowed by law and it still isn’t enough. I would slow down growth. The county is one of the top revenue counties in Florida, then where is the money going? Cut back on spending…there is a lot of wasteful spending, and maybe can use some of these savings plus excesses in the budget to pay for projects (based on priority).
(edited)
1d
Ed Slavin
Glenn Nergard
They did not vote the maximum impact fees. Octogenarian economist retained by county works for landowners, has conflicts of interest, flawed methodology, no transparency, and was insolent to questions and insouciant to economic reality. He refused to answer questions, fees are de minimis if not de micromis, particularly on commercial development. We have no coherent policymaking process -- speculators treat County Commission and acolytes as if they were short order cooks.
(edited)
1d
Ed Slavin
Glenn Nergard
Only one full time professional employee in Inspector General's office. Our concerns about fraud, waste and abuse are generally ignored.
2 days ago
Glenn Nergard
Ed
I voted NO
2 days ago
Ed Slavin
Glenn Nergard
Who would hire a County Administrator with as $1.55 billion annual budget without a background check?
2 days ago
Ed Slavin
Glenn Nergard
No job application, no advertising, no experience, did not meet minimum qualifications.
2 days ago
Glenn Nergard
Ed Slavin
Hell No. Plus, what audits are being done?
2 days ago
Deborah T.
@Glenn
even small how's in FL require audits...and they should.
2 days ago
Ed Slavin
Glenn Nergard
Thank you
2 days ago
Ed Slavin
Whitehurst campaigned saying he would cut government waste. He insults people who raise concerns. Will he be the next Commission Chair?
1 day ago
Ed Slavin
Glenn Nergard
There's a list on IG website. She's a good person, but we need more. We need IG special agents with independence, able to prosecute wrongdoing. In one case, a county utilities manager spent county funds with his own company, and was fired, but slothful State's Attorney has not prosecuted.
1 day ago
Glenn Nergard
Ed
That or an Auditor General (AG) type that overseas all revenue and spending for the county. Bids also need to come under this department to make sure they are fair and unbiased. Need to break up this good old boy network, as some vendors are getting preferred treatment.
1 day ago
Ed Slavin
Glenn Nergard
Amen
1 day ago
Erin Meehan
Lots of good input for future but voting no now can raise property taxes. Is that preferred?
2 days ago
Ed Slavin
Erin Meehan
Huh? Say no to overdevelopment and insolent other-directed public serpents.
2 days ago
Kim S.
Erin
if commissioners want to commit political suicide, a sure-fire way would be raising property taxes. I don’t believe that’s the answer!
2 days ago
Nicole Crosby
Erin Meehan
It's the threat, but the bottom line is we don't need the extra funds - the developers want our money to be spent on roads to their mega-developments in the NW part of the county. They're the ones behind the tax and the ad campaign for it. If you look at the list, very few are necessities. It's mostly a wish list for developers.
1 day ago
Ann Cassidy
No thank you!
2 days ago
M Cathy Gross
NO-NO-NO!!!!!!
2 days ago
Allison Rose
How many of us voted for Adam
2 days ago
Allison Rose
Adam Morley would be a solution.
2 days ago
Ed Slavin
Allison Rose
He has my suopoirt. Good man
2 days ago
Bruce Brannen
Allison Rose
This is what I was speaking about Dems have ruined our country and you want us to support what ruined your state and you want to bring it here $$$$$
2 days ago
Ed Slavin
Allison Rose
Good man
1 day ago
William Abbott
There's so much conflict of interest, 5600 house's to start
2 days ago
William Abbott
Tourist don't buy as much as you think they dont
2 days ago
Nicole Crosby
William Abbott
The 40% figure is way off. We calculated 15% based on the county's own data, and then the county CHANGED their website AFTER the referendum was voted onto the ballot. Now Dunn is saying tourists pay 30% of the sales tax, but that's not substantiated either, and they have two different numbers for tourists' spending. Not exactly buttoned up data.
1 day ago
Cindy H.
I agree 100%, STOP THE OVER DEVELOPMENT!!!!
2 days ago
Vince B.
Stop all NEW development and get caught up over the next 10 years. Then we can talk.
2 days ago
Bob Butler
Vince agree, check back in 10 years…
2 days ago
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