NEFBA’s Government Affairs Committee: The next Government Affairs meeting is 8:30 a.m., Thursday, June 23, at the NEFBA offices, 103 Century 21 Drive, Suite 100.
Pension tax vote: The Jacksonville City Council approved placing a referendum on the August ballot asking voters to approve a half-cent sales tax extension to pay off the city’s pension deficit. Duval County voters will be asked to decide if the sales tax currently funding the Better Jacksonville Plan, which is set to sunset in 2030, should be extended up to 30 years with the money dedicated to paying off nearly $2.8 billion in pensions for retired police, firefighters and other city employees. The referendum is co-sponsored by all 19 council members and endorsed by Mayor Lenny Curry and many community groups.
Open school board seat: Duval Board member Constance Hall announced she will not run again for the District 5 seat. Currently, three candidates are vying to replace her: Shanna Carter, Bradford Hall and Hank Rogers.
Duval County Issues: Jessie Spradley, [email protected] and (904) 725-4355
Proposed sales tax extension: The Clay County Commission continues to move forward with its plan to ask Clay voters to approve the sales tax extension in the Nov. 8 general election. Currently, the sales tax will expire Dec. 31, 2019. 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
Proposed fine increase for tree removal: The St. Johns County Commission is considering an increase in fines on trees removed without a permit. The proposal includes a $1,000 fine per tree, with a $5,000 fine for repeat violations. Removal of a specimen or historic tree could result in a $15,000 fine. Staff also recommended increasing the replanted tree diameter from no less than 2 inches to 4 inches.
PZA appointment: St. Johns County commissioners approved the appointment of Brad Nelson to the Planning and Zoning Agency for a partial term expiring Sept. 2, 2018. Nelson previously served with the agency, but resigned from the board in October 2015 to run for St. Johns County property appraiser.
Builders Council: Leona Brown, [email protected] and (904) 725-4355
Baker County Issues: Jessie Spradley, [email protected] and (904) 725-4355
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