NEFBA’s Government Affairs Committee: The next Government Affairs meeting is 8:30 a.m., Thursday, April 21, at the NEFBA office, 103 Century 21 Drive, Suite 100.
Pension plan: Florida legislators signed off on a pension tax bill crafted so it applies only to Jacksonville. House Bill 1297 was sent to Gov. Rick Scott, who has 15 days to decide whether to sign it, veto it or let it become law without his signature. The legislation would extend Jacksonville’s half-cent sales tax to pay down the city’s almost $2.7 billion in unfunded pension liabilities. It extends the Better Jacksonville Plan sales tax for infrastructure, set to expire in 2030, for 30 years or until the pension plans are 100 percent funded, whichever comes first.
Duval County Issues: Jessie Spradley, [email protected] and (904) 725-4355
County attorney: Clay County Attorney Mark Scruby is retiring after 30 years of service to the county. His retirement is effective Aug. 31.
County Commission vacancy: Commissioner Gavin Rollins will temporarily vacate his position on the commission to fulfill his duties as a member of the Florida National Guard. Rollins’ last commission meeting was March 22; he is expected to return early next year. Gov. Rick Scott will appoint an interim commissioner to replace Rollins until the mission is complete.
Builders Council: Jessie Spradley, [email protected] and (904) 725-4355
Bennett withdraws: St. Johns County Commissioner Rachael Bennett will not seek re-election in November, citing personal reasons as the cause for her withdrawal from the race. Dottie Acosta, Rose Bailey, Henry Dean and Jake Riley are vying for Bennett’s seat.
Builders Council: Leona Brown, [email protected] and (904) 725-4355
Money for Old Dixie Highway vetoed: Gov. Rick Scott signed the largest budget in state history after using his line-item veto to cut $256.1 million from the budget. Cuts included funding for the St. Johns River Ferry and funds to widen Old Dixie Highway in Nassau County. About $7.6 million of the cuts from the $82 billion budget will affect Northeast Florida.
Builders Council: Palmer Kuder [email protected] and (904) 725-4355
Baker County Issues: Jessie Spradley, [email protected] and (904) 725-4355