The Jacksonville City Council has unanimously voted to put a property tax renewal question on the November ballot, allowing Duval county voters to decide on the future of a 1-mill tax that supports local schools. The tax, first approved in 2026, generates crucial funding for teacher salaries and various school programs.
The decision came after a week of deliberation and an emotional community meeting hosted by Council member Raul Arias. The meeting, attended by Superintendent Christopher Bernier, school board members, parents, and teachers, highlighted the impact of the salary supplement on attracting and retaining skilled educators.
Community meeting moves council member
Council member Arias, who initially questioned the need for the tax, was moved by the community meeting. “My heart was really moved,” he said, describing the event as “emotional.” He subsequently made the motion to bring the decision to a vote, stating, “We are representing our community. They have a right to vote. Let’s not take that away from them.”
The council’s role in the process is largely ministerialaccording to city General Counsel Michael Fackler. The School Board had already voted 6-1 in March to request the council’s assistance in putting the referendum on the ballot. School Board Chair Charlotte Joyce was the sole dissenting vote, viewing arts and athletics as “luxury” programs.
Council members’ perspectives
Council member Ron Salem, initially skeptical of the district’s need for the funding, changed his stance after a persuasive conversation with Superintendent Bernier. “I don’t have a ‘ministerial’ button,” Salem said, referencing the voting keypad. “I have a green button and a red button.” He emphasized the importance of giving voters the opportunity to decide on the referendum.
Council member Tyrona Clark-Murray underscored the council’s duty to pass the bill, stating, “Our duty as a council is to simply pass this bill on so that the voters in Duval County can vote on it. It’s not our job to decide if they have that right—they have that right by Florida statute.”
Impact of the 1-mill tax
The 1-mill property tax costs homeowners approximately $300 annually and adds about $8,000 to each teacher’s salary. It also funds arts and athletic programs, which some council members and community attendees argued were essential for a well-rounded education.
Supporters of the tax renewal emphasized the positive impact on the school district, citing improvements in teacher retention and program quality. They argued that delaying the referendum could risk missing the deadline for the Supervisor of Elections to include it on the November ballot.
As the debate continues, the community awaits the November vote, which will ultimately determine the future of this crucial funding source for Duval County Public Schools.
