Lynn Haven commission approves three nonbinding referendum questions on library, regional partnership and zoning

The Lynn Haven City Commission voted unanimously April 22 to place three nonbinding referendum questions on the April 22, 2025 ballot asking voters whether the city should reestablish a library, pursue a regional library partnership and create a city zoning map.

City Attorney Amy cautioned commissioners that “even though it is a nonbinding referendum legally, it is politically binding,” and urged careful wording so voters understand what they are being asked. Commissioners discussed draft question language, cost estimates and trade-offs before moving the resolution.

The commission approved a question that asks whether the city should “reestablish, operate and maintain a library funded in whole or in part by an increase to local tax dollars.” Staff noted a previously estimated construction footprint of about 4,000 square feet and a historic construction estimate of $1,900,000; staff also cited a past annual operating budget figure of about $320,000 from 2018/2019. Commissioner Sam Ward and others warned that rebuilding and ongoing operations are different budget items and that the wording should clarify whether the referendum covers construction only or also ongoing maintenance and staffing. City staff suggested replacing “rebuild” with “establish, operate and maintain” to make the ongoing cost implication clear.

A second ballot question approved asks whether the city should partner with the Northwest Florida Regional Library System to establish a satellite branch within an already existing city-owned building. Staff and commissioners said a partnership could expedite reestablishment and yield cost savings; staff noted the regional system could provide at least two staff positions, though their salaries would still be a local cost in a partnership arrangement.

The third question asks whether the city should develop and implement a zoning map “to enhance community planning by more specifically guiding land use in the city.” The draft language states the city does not currently have a zoning map and that the estimated cost of the effort is unknown but expected to be significant. Commissioners discussed past estimates and rough benchmarks: one staff member cited a current commercial construction figure of roughly $450 per square foot as a way to update building estimates, and another searched an online reference suggesting zoning projects can cost in the low hundreds of thousands. Commissioners agreed the referendum should ask voters whether they want the city to pursue zoning, and that detailed costs could be developed later.

Commissioners also discussed other potential referendum topics during the meeting, including options for stormwater funding (continuing assessment on property tax bills versus placing charges on utility bills) and whether to add a charter change to create an elected or appointed city clerk (a change that would not take effect until 2027). No separate referendum questions for stormwater or the clerk were included in the approved resolution.

During public comment, residents urged clarity and efficiency: one commenter recommended combining or simplifying the library questions so voters are not asked redundant items; another called zoning the “most important” question because it will shape long-term development; and a different commenter described nonbinding referendums as of limited legal effect, saying, “these referendums are nonbinding. Actually, they’re worthless.”

The commission adopted a resolution calling for the nonbinding referendum with the three questions and set the referendum date for April 22, 2025. The motion was moved and seconded; a roll call by the city manager recorded five affirmative votes and the resolution was declared approved.

Votes at a glance: the resolution placing the three nonbinding referendum questions on the April 22, 2025 ballot passed on a recorded vote of 5–0 (Commissioner Vandegrift: yes; Commissioner Purnell: yes; Commissioner Peebles: yes; Commissioner O'Rourke: yes; Mayor Nelson: yes).