Wakulla commissioners put 1‑mill school referendum on Nov. 3, 2026 ballot

The Wakulla County Board of County Commissioners voted unanimously to place a referendum on the Nov. 3, 2026 general election ballot asking whether the Wakulla County School Board should be authorized to levy an additional 1 mill in ad valorem tax for school operational purposes.

Superintendent Meyer (introduced during the meeting) told commissioners the additional mill is intended for targeted operational needs: increasing teacher and bus driver salaries, reducing employee health‑insurance costs, and increasing funding for arts, music and athletics. Meyer said the district currently provides free breakfast and lunch for all students and that without new revenue it could be forced to resume charging for meals in roughly a year. He said the district has trimmed administrative costs, consolidated positions and is focusing more funds directly on schools.

Chair said the board’s role is administrative — approving placement on the ballot — and that voters will make the final decision. "Our role is to pass it through, to put it on the ballot, and let the citizens decide," the Chair said during the discussion.

The board did not set policy on spending decisions; Superintendent Meyer described program priorities the district intends to fund if voters approve the millage. Commissioners offered support for public information efforts; the superintendent said the district will begin a marketing campaign ahead of the general election so all voters have an opportunity to consider the measure.

Next steps: the referendum will appear on the Nov. 3, 2026 general election ballot; the board's vote placed the question before the electorate and did not itself change tax rates.