St. Johns commissioners extend county administrator Joy Andrews’ contract in 3-2 vote

The St. Johns County Board of County Commissioners voted 3-2 on June 3 to extend County Administrator Joy Andrews’ contract by three years, adding the extension to the end of her current employment agreement. The motion passed with Commissioners Christian Whitehurst, Sarah Arnold and Clay Murphy voting yes and Chair Krista Joseph and Commissioner Ann Taylor voting no. The extension followed a period of public comment and board discussion about Andrews’ job performance and stability in County government.

The vote followed remarks from Rich Komando, County Attorney, who summarized contract details, and from Joy Andrews, County Administrator, who addressed the Board after the item was opened for discussion. Whitehurst said he introduced the item in part because Andrews had applied for a position elsewhere and he wanted an opportunity for her to respond; Andrews explained she had applied and then withdrew her application.

The item prompted lengthy public comment on both sides. Numerous residents and local leaders urged the Board to retain Andrews, citing her responsiveness and work on county projects; speakers who voiced support included Tony Sangari on behalf of St. Johns County firefighters and several community members who listed accomplishments and partnerships. Opponents urged more documentation and time before taking action; named critics included Ed Slavin and B.J. Kalaidi.

Whitehurst initially moved to extend Andrews’ contract for six years; discussion continued and the Board ultimately approved an amended motion to extend the contract by three years. The motion was recorded as: “Motion by Whitehurst, seconded by Arnold, carried 3/2, with Joseph and Taylor dissenting, to extend Joy Andrews’ contract for an additional three years, added to the end of her current contract, as amended.”

The extension adds time to Andrews’ existing agreement; the transcript does not specify changes to salary, benefits, or other contract terms beyond the duration amendment. The Board did not set a subsequent public hearing tied to further amendments during the June 3 meeting.

The split vote leaves the extension in effect but underscores continuing differences among commissioners about executive leadership and transparency. The County Administrator will remain in place while the amended contract term is implemented according to the county’s personnel and contract processes.

The Board adjourned other business for the day and did not revisit the contract extension at the June 3 meeting.