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Residents warn commission that missed CRA audits could trigger state enforcement and withheld funds
Summary
A resident told the High Springs commission the CRA fiscal-year 2024 audit was not filed, that state agencies have threatened withholding of half‑cent sales tax and revenue-sharing funds, and that the joint legislative auditing committee has directed a petition for enforcement; commissioners asked staff to place the audit issue on a future agenda.
At the April 9 meeting, resident John Malay told the High Springs City Commission that required CRA reporting for fiscal year 2024 had not been completed and that state agencies had begun enforcement actions.
“My understanding is once it’s met, then the compliance is met,” Malay said of withheld funds, and he told the commission that the Department of Commerce and the Department of Revenue had sent notices indicating possible withholding of the half-cent sales tax and revenue-sharing funds during noncompliance. Malay also said the joint legislative auditing committee had directed the Department of Commerce to file a petition for enforcement against the High Springs CRA. He warned the commission that the failure to file could jeopardize grants and funding and cited “approximately $1 million associated with the Priest Theater project” as potentially at risk.
Malay pressed the commission for three items: the current status of CRA reporting, who is responsible for bringing it into compliance, and a timeline to correct the issue. Commissioners responded by asking staff to place the matter on the next meeting agenda so the city can provide public answers. One commissioner said they had spoken to the city auditor and expected the 2024 audit to be completed and submitted by the end of the month.
The commission did not take a formal vote or adopt a directive at this meeting beyond asking staff to report back. City staff and the commission will provide a future public update on audit completion and any state actions.
