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Clay School Board to take legal action after commissioners stop half-cent sales tax early election

CLAY COUNTY, Fla. — Story published 7/10/19:

The Clay County School Board is planning to take legal action against the Clay County Commission.

Action News Jax first reported Tuesday night when commissioners voted unanimously to send the half-cent sales tax referendum back to the school board

Clay County School Board Vice Chairman Janice Kerekes is disappointed.

“We need to stop kicking the can down the road and we need to move forward with the special election so that we can start collecting revenue immediately as soon as Jan. 1,” said Kerekes.

On Tuesday night, Clay County commissioners voted unanimously against holding a referendum on a half-cent sales tax this year.

Instead, commissioners want to hold that referendum in November 2020.

Commissioner Gavin Rollins fears a lower voter turnout will happen if a special election is held this year.

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“They’re not used to having a special election in November of 2019. No other elections are held in November of 2019, so why not put it on a normal election ballot?” said Rollins.

“We need to maintain a perfect school district and our children deserve better. We need to take politics out of this and put our children first,” said Kerekes.

Some parents agree.

“2020 is a long time. I think our kids need the type of education that is required. I think sacrifices need to be made. I don’t think it is something that should be put off for a later time,” Pierre explained.

The district says it needs $318 million dollars to repair and renovate schools in Clay County.

There is no timeline for when the suit will be filed.