St. Johns County voters will face a choice on whether or not to approve an increase in property taxes in order to help the county protect natural lands for years to come.
On August 18, the county commission voted 3-2 in favor of putting the Land Conservation Referendum on the November ballot. It would allow the county to issue up to $100 million in bonds, to fund the county’s Land Acquisition and Management program, known as LAMP. Currently, LAMP operates on just $500,000 a year, meaning that when a critical piece of conservation land becomes available for purchase, the county often can’t move fast enough to save it.
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The bonds would be repaid through an property tax levy of up to 0.15 mills - which is $15 a year for every $100,000 in taxable property value.
READ MORE: St. Johns County commissioners greenlight $100M conservation bond for November ballot | St. Johns County could ask voters to decide on $100M conservation bond this fall. Here’s what it would do
Voters will see the following question on their general election ballot, with a yes (for bonds)/no (against bonds) choice:
ST. JOHNS COUNTY GENERAL OBLIGATION BONDS TO CONSERVE LAND, NATURAL RESOURCES, FARMS AND FORESTS
To acquire and manage lands that protect water quality; conserve wildlife habitat, natural areas, farms and forests; provide outdoor recreation, and reduce flooding, shall St. Johns County issue general obligation bonds in one or more series in an aggregate principal amount not exceeding $100 million, maturing within 20 years of each issuance, bearing interest not exceeding legal maximum rates, payable from ad valorem property taxes levied up to 0.15 mills, providing for full public disclosure?