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Commission directs staff to draft land‑conservation ballot language after Trust for Public Land briefing
Summary
After a Trust for Public Land and Live Wildly presentation, the commission asked staff to draft ballot language for a voter‑authorized land‑conservation measure and discussed timing and funding options including a $100M example bond and potential millage caps.
Representatives from Live Wildly and the Trust for Public Land presented feasibility research and polling showing majority support for a voter‑authorized land‑conservation program. The presentation outlined options including a $50–$150 million general‑obligation bond, typical levy durations (10–20 years) and a sample ballot question wording. "If you want to do farmland protection or pocket parks, that is a choice for St. Johns County elected officials and residents," the Trust for Public Land presenter said, stressing program design and transparency.
After questions about interaction with the possible statewide amendment on property tax reform, the board gave consensus direction for staff to return draft ballot language; staff said a resolution with language would be required by the August 4 deadline if the board wanted the measure on the November 2026 ballot. Commissioners debated timing, polling and potential fiscal impacts, and staff committed to return recommended language and options for voter timing and funding mechanisms.
