NEFBA’s Government Affairs Committee: The next Government Affairs meeting is
8:30 a.m., Thursday, July 28, at the NEFBA offices, 103 Century 21 Drive, Suite 100.
Yes for Jacksonville: NEFBA unanimously agreed to support the Yes for Jacksonville campaign. Yes for Jacksonville is the initiative on the Aug. 30 ballot in Duval County asking voters to approve the extension of the existing half-cent sales tax to fund Jacksonville’s unfunded pension liability, which is about $2.8 billion.
Proposed overlay changes: Two bills have been filed to prevent any deviation from the San
Marco and Riverside overlays using PUDs. Filed by City Councilwoman Lori Boyer, Bill 2016-367, will “clarify that any proposed or amended existing PUD within the San Marco overlay zone is prohibited from waiving or altering any standard or requirement set out in said overlay.” Councilman Jim Love filed a similar bill (2016-366) that covers the Riverside/Avondale zoning overlay.
Duval County Issues: Jessie Spradley, [email protected] and (904) 725-4355
Proposed sales tax extension: The Clay County Commission voted 4-1 to place the sales tax extension on the Aug. 30 ballot. The sales tax expires Dec. 31, 2019, unless extended. By state law, that money can be used only for new construction or renovation of facilities or to buy equipment, not salaries or day-to-day operations. Since 1990, the sales tax has generated about $290 million in revenue.
Builders Council: Jessie Spradley, [email protected] and (904) 725-4355
Private vs. public roads: County Commissioners are discussing whether the county should continue to accept ownership of new roads from new development. A recent report from county staff indicates 44 percent of the county’s 1,218 miles of roadways are private, being maintained by homeowner associations or community development funds. County staff also recommended that $6 million is needed for road maintenance, but is being funded at $3 million. County staff concluded, “Not owning new local roads will certainly help reduce the deficit; however, it is certainly not the best revenue source for the unfunded pavement management program … The cost avoidance factor gained by not owning new local roads is relatively minimal.” During the discussion, Commissioners Rachael Bennett and Jeb Smith expressed an interest in creating incentives for road privatization rather than punitive mandates against developers.
Builders Council: Leona Brown, [email protected] and (904) 725-4355
Baker County Issues: Jessie Spradley, [email protected] and (904) 725-4355
Open City Commission seat: As of June 29,
no one has filed to run for Fernandina Beach City Commission seat being vacated by Mayor-Commissioner Johnny Miller. Qualifying for city elections runs from Aug. 1-5 with the election set for Nov. 8.
Builders Council: Palmer Kuder [email protected] and (904) 725-4355
Sales & Marketing Council Director/Nassau Builders Council/E-Council
Palmer Kuder, [email protected] and (904) 725-4355
Events Coordinator/Remodelers Council/Education
Corey Hacker, [email protected] and (904) 725-4355
Member Services Director
Hans Krieg, [email protected] and (904) 725-4355
Governmental Affairs Director/Clay Builders Council/Young Professionals
Jessie Spradley, [email protected] and (904) 725-4355