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School board withdraws annexation application for 5.5 acres adjacent to Kelly Smith Elementary
Summary
After public opposition and a staff review of water/sewer options, the Putnam County School Board voted unanimously to withdraw its annexation application for 5.5 acres next to Kelly Smith Elementary School, saying the expansion can proceed without city annexation.
The Putnam County School Board voted unanimously to withdraw its application to annex 5.5 acres adjacent to Kelly Smith Elementary School after sustained public comment and staff updates indicating necessary utilities and limited development needs could be met without annexation.
Board Chair Miss Pickens presided as residents and parents urged the board to keep the property in county jurisdiction while allowing the planned school expansion and playground work to move forward.
Why it mattered: Neighbors said annexation raised concerns about future land use, tax changes and inadequate public notice. Staff and the board said the county zoning (AG) already allows the proposed recreational uses and that recent inquiries suggested water and restrooms could likely be provided without annexation.
Residents pressed the board to withdraw the application. “My family and I are against the annexation of the 5.5 acres,” said Jason Sheffield, who gave his Round Lake Road address for the record. Sheffield urged the board to “formally withdraw the application with the city of Palatka and set aside the annexation.”
Several neighbors voiced similar concerns about notice and future development. A letter read aloud on behalf of property owner Luis Ramirez Jr. alleged procedural irregularities and a conflict of interest at the city’s annexation proceedings and requested formal investigations and expanded public notice. Kevin Bridal read the letter for Ramirez.
Board attorney Mr. Holmes briefed the board after public comment. He said the original motivation for annexation was to secure water and sewer service for restroom facilities on the 5.5 acres. Holmes reported that after inquiries during the day, the city’s position appeared to allow limited water/sewer connections for the site without formal annexation and without additional tap fees in some circumstances. “I would think that the odds are very high that if you did not annex the property, you would still be able to get water and sewer… for a couple of bathrooms and water fountains,” Holmes told the board.
Board members said they were persuaded that the playground and limited restroom access could be achieved without changing jurisdiction. “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it,” said one board member during discussion, reflecting the sentiment expressed by several trustees that unnecessary annexation should be avoided if the project can proceed.
Action: A board member moved to withdraw the annexation application; a second was made and the motion passed unanimously. The board directed staff to share schematics with neighbors and to continue coordination with city and county officials so the school expansion can proceed without creating uncertainty for adjacent homeowners.
What’s next: The board said it will provide a site schematic to neighbors and will continue working with the city and county on utility connections and final site design. The board’s withdrawal was presented as a decision to preserve neighborhood continuity while keeping the school expansion on schedule.
