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St. Johns County school board considers tax hike

After the St. Johns County Commission voted down a proposal to increase the sales tax by one cent, the School Board is considering a similar move to boost revenue.

“We can’t wait any longer,” says Board Chairman Beverly Slough.  “There are no expenses to cut.”

Slough says the Board is considering a half-cent sales tax increase, which she thinks they have a good chance of achieving.

She says the school district has been losing money since the state legislature cut the county’s capital millage from 2 mils to 1.5 mils around the same time housing values fell in 2008.  About $180 million in potential revenue was lost, according to Slough.

Now she says the board will strongly consider a half-cent sales tax increase to bring in capitol.

“Our projects show that we need twenty new schools in the next ten years because of the rampant growth in our county,” she says.  “Right this minute, we’re two schools behind.”

Slough believes the people of St. Johns County will see their need.

The proposal could come up as soon as the Board’s next meeting on Tuesday.

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