GREEN COVE SPRINGS – County Commissioners got public feedback during a workshop on Tuesday for proposed operating and capital budgets for the 2023-24 fiscal year.

Overall expenditures from the 2022-23 Fiscal Year would rise from $211,423,106 to $225,459,399, which, if approved, would create a 6.6% overall raise for taxpayers for the upcoming year.

General fund monies would spike 5.6% from $107,295,465 to $113,290,741 (5.6%). Included in that general fund is rescue services, which would increase by 5.9% ($28,140,154 to $29,788,244).

The Transportation Trust would elevate from $12,725,562 to $13,520,545 (6.2%), the Unincorporated MTSU would increase 6.5% ($4,947,525 to $5,266,663), the Fire MTSU would raise 11.6% ($11,142,206 to $12,434,989), and Sheriff’s Department expenditures countywide would see an uptick from $44,541,760 to $48,137,806, an 8.1% increase.

Then, Law Enforcement MTSU would rise from $211,423,106 to $225,459,399 (6.6%).

Residents also got a behind-the-scenes look into one issue that took center stage: code enforcement.

Commissioner Jim Renninger expressed his concerns, highlighting the need for improvements in code enforcement procedures.

The commissioner said one case with a non-homesteaded property has been ongoing for 13 years, raising concerns about the inability to anonymously report code violations and the need for more proactive measures.

While he commended the stand for their hard work, Renninger was concerned about the time-consuming nature of current policies. The system involves sending two letters, a courtesy letter and an official letter, each with a 30-day response period. He suggested exploring policy changes to expedite the process and address the backlog of code enforcement cases.

Renninger said a lean reduction and adjudication as potential strategies to tackle the issue, expressing frustration with properties that remain neglected for extended periods without any action taken, seeking solutions to clean up the county and prevent such situations.

Commissioner Betsy Condon highlighted the potential impact on affordability. She said that some properties were either not homesteaded or inhabitable, resulting in a lack of interest from buyers. Condon said the county takes responsibility for such properties to mitigate the shortage of affordable housing options available.

Commissioners and Assistant County Manager Chereese Stewart talked about the challenges posed by repeat offenders and the loopholes in code enforcement. She said stricter measures remain in place for repeat offenders, including fines and a 30-day notice. However, the county’s hands are still often tied by state statutes, which require specific procedures and timelines, she said.

Commissioner Mike Cella proposed several measures, suggesting the implementation of a policy to expedite case resolutions. He mentioned the possibility of hiring additional staff or a part-time attorney to alleviate concerns or even asking associations such as the Florida Association of Counties to serve in partnership to help.

Also, a five-year plan was presented, proposing additional law enforcement personnel and a commitment to make all employees’ salaries competitive so that Clay does not lose talent to neighboring counties offering higher wages.

The Capital Budget will be discussed in August, including fire stations, resurfacing and drainage. Another topic will be a max millage rate on July 25, a tentative budget hearing on Sept. 12 and a final budget hearing on Sept. 26.