St. Johns Co. leaders address half-cent sales tax

School district says extra money needed to address overcrowded schools

ST. AUGUSTINE, Fla. – School district leaders in St. Johns County say a half-cent sales tax increase that's on next month's ballot is needed to keep the state's top-rated schools from becoming overcrowded and to improve security and technology for students.

District leaders met Friday morning with the St. Johns County Chamber of Commerce to discuss the proposed increase, which will be voted on Nov. 3. The increase would bump St. Johns County's sales tax from 6 percent to 6.5 percent.

Surrounding counties, such as Duval and Clay counties, already have a 7 percent sales tax in place.

The sales tax increase would generate approximately $150 million over 10 years, officials said.

Many Chamber of Commerce members at Friday's meeting were in favor of the sales tax increase because they said it means better education and economic development for the county. 

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"When you have economic development, that means jobs, and when you have a school district that's highly rated, that's going to attract those jobs," said Greg Voss, vice president of operations for the chamber. "It's also going to give you a more-educated workforce and that's really what we want."

The district is expected to grow by 15,813 students over the next 10 years. District leaders said that means 20 schools will be needed. They said 2,689 homes were permitted in the county in 2014.

"We're in a critical state in order to provide seats for all of our students," School Board Chairwoman Beverly Slough said. "We lack the funding that we need to have them inside a permanent building."

At the district's current growth, at least 50 new portable classrooms would be needed each year. That would add about $424,000 to the schools' leasing costs per year.

Bill Korach with the St. Johns County Republican party said he recognizes the need but that the increase would be additional taxing on top of others in place.

"We are concerned about the sales tax approach," Korach said.

Plus, he noted the issue is being addressed with a special election, which could carry a hefty price tag.

"About $250,000. We don't think that's necessary," Korach said. "We're not sure that this half-cent sales tax is going to meet their needs."

For a family of four making $60,000 to $70,000 a year, the increase would cost an estimated $70 a year.

With the election less than a month away, many St. Johns County families are hoping their voices are heard.

"The kids are our future. If they don't have a good education, what will that bring for the future," said Allison Davidson, whose family moved to St. Johns County because of the top-notch schools.

"Right now, the schools are overcrowded," Davidson said. "We would hope that it would pass and they would have money to fund another school,"

Citizens who want to vote for or against the tax increase must already be registered to vote in the county.

If approved, the sales tax increase would go into effect at the beginning of 2016 and would remain in effect for 10 years.