Commission formally places 1-mill school operating referendum on November ballot

The Leon County Board of County Commissioners approved a procedural resolution placing a school-board-initiated question on the November 3, 2026 ballot asking voters whether to levy a 1-mill ad valorem operating millage for Leon County Schools.

Staff explained the board's role is ministerial: the county has limited discretion under state law when a school board seeks to place a referendum on the ballot. Multiple commissioners and the county attorney reiterated that rejecting the item would risk legal challenge.

Linda Bell, who identified herself during public comment, urged the board not to move the measure forward, citing a claimed recent district enrollment decline of "approximately 2,400 students," concerns about administrative staffing levels and the burden on renters. Commissioners acknowledged her concerns but noted the county's procedural role and the school board's 4-to-1 vote in favor of the referendum earlier in May.

The motion to adopt the staff resolution to place the millage question on the ballot was moved by the vice chair, seconded by Commissioner Maddox, and approved by the commission. Staff said the timing and placement on the ballot are required by statute; the referendum itself will be decided by Leon County voters in November.

Next steps: county clerks will include the question on the November ballot; the school board and superintendent will lead outreach and information about how revenues would be used.