CLAY COUNTY, Fla. — A judge told Clay County commissioners Monday they have a week to explain why they voted down the school board’s plan to put a half-cent sales tax referendum on the November ballot.
The judge wrote that he believed the school board’s lawsuit should move forward.
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“Upon review of the Petition, this Court finds that it demonstrates a preliminary basis for relief and that there is no other available remedy at law,” wrote Judge Steven Whittington.
The money from the half-cent sales tax would go to improving the county's school facilities.
The judge’s order was a quick turnaround; the school board’s lawsuit against the county commissioners was just filed Friday.
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The school board said it has the authority and money to put the referendum on the ballot and the commission vote was just a procedural one.
Commissioners want to hold that referendum in November 2020, but the Clay County School Board says the school’s maintenance needs are desperate and can’t be put off that extra year.
The tax would bring in around $403 million over the next 30 years, according to the school board.