St. Johns County places $100M in projects on hold as tax amendment looms

St. Johns County has placed $100 million in capital improvement projects on hold and identified about $8.6 million in positions and vacant-position funding for reassessment after the November election as officials plan for the possible effects of Property Tax Amendment 3.

County Administrator Joy Andrews presented the figures during a Sept. 30 town hall hosted by the Palm Valley and Ponte Vedra community associations at the Ponte Vedra County Library.

Projects, staffing, and contracts under review

The county said it has been preparing since May for the proposed amendment’s potential fiscal effects. Its review covers services, staffing, contracts, capital projects, fees, and funding sources.

The $100 million project hold and $8.6 million staffing review are planning steps ahead of the vote. The county announcement did not identify individual projects or positions included in those totals.

County estimates for potential revenue reductions

The Florida Office of Economic and Demographic Research estimates that, if the amendment passes, St. Johns County could see property-tax revenue reductions of $68.3 million in fiscal year 2028, $136.1 million in fiscal year 2029, and $191.6 million in fiscal year 2032, according to the county.

St. Johns County said it does not advocate for or against the amendment. The county described its role as providing factual information to residents and preparing for either result.

Reserves and the adopted budget

The county said it is strengthening reserves with $31.2 million in emergency-response reserves and another $30 million in General Fund reserves designated for financial resiliency related to Amendment 3.

The Board of County Commissioners adopted a $1.9 billion fiscal year 2027 budget with a flat millage rate during its second public hearing Sept. 15, the county said.

Where residents can review the county’s information

St. Johns County maintains an Amendment 3 webpage with an overview of the proposal, estimated effects on county revenue, information about how property-tax dollars are allocated, and links to official sources. The county also publishes budget information through its Office of Management and Budget.