Single-member districts
The County Commission requested staff bring back information in May on placing a ballot referendum on the November 2024 ballot on how to amend the county’s charter to institute “at large” voting for County Commissioners. If approved next month, voters will decide if county commissioners should be elected at-large.
A group of citizens spoke at Tuesday’s meeting during general public comment to advocate for the ballot referendum. Many cited a questionable campaign that advocated for single-member districts in 2022. The referendum narrowly passed with 51.5% support.
Since single-member districts were implemented, residents can only vote for the one member of the County Commission who lives in their district. The reversal would allow voters to elect and be represented by all five commissioners.
St. Francis House
Due to reported serious financial issues, the St Frances House shelter is considering selling the Sunrise Apartments complex, which it owns and operates, to a development company that plans to convert the units into student housing.
The commission directed staff to investigate purchasing the complex.
Commissioners agreed that the units are vital to homeless families, particularly women and children, by providing much-needed affordable housing to those in need. Chair Mary Alford will send a letter asking St. Francis House to consider working with the county to purchase the complex.
Conservation easement
County commissioners approved the purchase of a conservation easement in the Watermelon Pond area, south of Newberry and west of Archer. The 40-acre site will cost an estimated $206,000. The funding comes from the voter-approved Wild Spaces Public Places surtax.
The purchase will preserve 36 acres of the property from future development. The homeowner will maintain the right to potential renovations along 4 acres of the property where their primary residence is located.
Appointments to surtax oversight board
The County Commission appointed three members to the Infrastructure Surtax Citizen Oversight Board that oversees Wild Spaces Public Places funding. Commissioners appointed;
- Ross Ambrose – Small Cities appointee
- David Yorkowitz – Small Cities alternate
- Nancy Wilkinson – Alachua County alternate
The City of Gainesville still has an alternate member vacancy.
Recognitions and proclamations
The County Commission proclaimed April 2024 Child Abuse Prevention Month in Alachua County.
The County Commission proclaimed the week of April 14-20 National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week.
The County Commission proclaimed April 22, 2024 Earth Day.
Supervisor of Elections Kim Barton was presented with a plaque to commemorate her 30 years of service to the community.
