GREEN COVE SPRINGS— The Board of County Commissioners rejected the approval of a three-year tourism sports marketing agreement on Tuesday.

The contract of $66,000 annually would’ve been with the company Raconteurs, LLC, which would help assist in the county’s initiative to place itself as a competitive player in the sports marketplace.

According to the board, the decision to deny the contract came after concerns of costs and excessive county involvement in dictating the deal's terms.

Raconteurs originally bid $60,000 a year. 

According to the county, the company worked with staff to set the budget. Raconteurs was set to utilize the money to register for, and attend, several different conferences.

Some members also had fears that approval of the new price would be retrogressive.

 District 4 Commissioner Betsy Condon noted that the county’s previous contractor also renewed their contract to $66,000, eventually bidding around $72,000 during the request for proposal (RFP) period, claiming that’s what it took to perform the job.

“I’m concerned that we’re starting out of the gate moving backward,” Condon said. 

Condon said she didn’t support the contract for that reason, calling it disingenuous. 

District 2 Commissioner Alexandra Compere and District 1 Commissioner John Sgromolo each followed suit with no votes.

The county will soon issue another RFP.

In other business Tuesday night, the Fleming Island Dreadnaughts football and cheerleading teams were recognized for their national championships in 2024 and 2023, respectively.

Also, Clay County Clerk of Court and Comptroller Finance Officer Amy Bramlitt received special staff recognition for her retirement after six years.