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Jacksonville parents, grandparents file lawsuit over half-cent sales tax

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Jacksonville parents and grandparents are suing the city of Jacksonville over its opposition to getting a half cent sales tax on the ballot this year.

The Duval county school district has been fighting with the city for months to get a half cent sales to fix aging schools.

The suit claims the city council abused its authority by not allowing a special election on the half cent sales tax

Eunice Barnum who has grandchildren in the Duval county school system says she was shocked when the city withdrew it last month in a heated meeting

“It’s their duty to provide for the children.” Barnum said.

She along with 3 other parents are named as plaintiffs in the lawsuit represented by attorney Tad Delegal.

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“Our position in this case that the city council did not have the ability to simply refuse to set the referendum.” DeLegal said.

"It's a shame that the school board won't work with the city council and find a process that would be successful to both the students and schools."

City administrator Brian Hughes said in response Action News Jax request for comment on the suit.

The city has 10 days to respond to this lawsuit in court.​

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