Ballot 2010 Facts

What will this cost?

Millage Cost Calculator

Taxable Property Value:

Total Yearly Cost: $

 Cost per month: $

The ballot is asking to replace .5 mills. These .5 mills include .25 mills to replace millage currently levied but expiring this year and an additional .25 mills to restore millage the Legislature took away. As a result, the additional cost will be approximately $25 more per $100,000 of taxable property. The term of the assessment is for a maximum of four years and the funds cannot be used for any other purpose.

The impact calculator shown on the right can be used to provide an approximate cost for your property.


back to top

How much revenue will this generate?

An estimated $10 million dollars would be collected annually for maintenance and equipment only.

back to top

How long would the additional millage be in effect?

The proposed additional millage would be in effect for four years. The proposed start date would be July 1, 2011, and it would end June 30, 2015.

back to top

Why is this additional millage needed?

A number of factors have impacted the funding provided for the St. Johns County School District. First, there has been a 20% decrease in property values in St. Johns County since 2007-2008. Lower property values in conjunction with millage changes instituted by the state government have resulted in a dramatic decrease in collected revenues. In 2007-2008 there were over $48 million dollars in taxes collected. This number is expected to be $26 million in 2010-2011.

The decrease in collected revenues comes at time when enrollment for St. Johns County Schools continues to increase. The St. Johns County School District is one of the few Florida counties that are experiencing student population growth. The additional students require additional facilities, transportation and equipment.

Examples of the need for additional funding are:

  • Additional bus purchases
  • Maintenance and upkeep for over 4.4 million square feet of existing property valued at $745,361,300
  • Equipment purchases
  • Technology equipment

The St. Johns County School District is receiving less funding and is gaining more students. The proposed additional millage will be used to offset the costs of maintenance and equipment only.

back to top

Where can I get more information about the St. Johns County School District?

More information about the St. Johns County School District can be found on the SJCSD website. A recommended starting point is the District's Fast Facts  |   web page.

If you have questions or comments, please contact us. back to top

What are some of the potential consequences resulting from a lack of funding?

  • Outdated technology and equipment
  • Less new construction
  • More expansions = larger schools
  • Phased construction
  • Relocatables
  • Redistricting of attendance zones
  • Reduction in staff
  • Deferred maintenance
  • Less frequent replacement programs
  • Reduction in school visits by Preventative Maintenance Teams
  • Fewer maintenance dollars available to schools
  • Increased burden on Maintenance Managers
  • More work orders in response to building or system failure

back to top

What is the overall value of St. Johns County School District assets?

The replacement cost of the assets held by the St. Johns County School District is $745,361,300. This value comprises all 35 schools and 7 ancillary buildings.

back to top

What are the annual maintenance costs for the St. Johns County School District compared to other Florida school districts?

The St. Johns County School District spent $894.83 per Capital Outlay Full Time Equivalency (COFTE) in fiscal year 2008-2009. This is below the state average of $965.79 per COFTE.

back to top

What is the Official Ballot Language?

School District of St. Johns County, Florida
Referendum Election - November 2, 2010

REFERENDUM ON .50 MILL LEVY FOR CRITICAL SCHOOL MAINTENANCE AND EQUIPMENT NEEDS

In order to partially replace the loss of funding the School District has experienced, shall an additional one-half (0.50) mill be levied for critical school maintenance and equipment needs under Section 1011.71(9), Florida Statutes, for the fiscal years beginning July 1, 2011 and ending June 30, 2015?

____ Yes

____ No

back to top