St. Johns County Budget Workshop Livestream

The St. Johns County Budget Workshop held on May 14, 2026, focused extensively on the fiscal year 2027 budget proposals for various county departments, with a strong emphasis on facilities management, public works, and solid waste operations. Facilities management requested a 3.54% operational budget increase to cover the addition of 100,000 square feet of conditioned space, contractual cost increases, and preservation programs aimed at maintaining county assets. The workshop highlighted ongoing capital improvement projects, including new courtrooms, regional parks, libraries, and public safety facilities, with a total portfolio of 2.3 million square feet of maintained buildings. Public works discussed completed and upcoming infrastructure projects, cost pressures from rising fuel prices affecting pavement management, and the implementation of advanced asset management and vehicle tracking systems. Solid waste management addressed budget increases driven by residential growth and the need to repay loans from the general fund, with plans to evaluate the upcoming waste disposal contract expiring in 2029. The procurement division reported managing over $130 million in contracts and $145 million in purchase orders in FY26, with requests for two additional FTEs to support procurement coordination and supplier relations. The meeting also covered contract compliance challenges and the integration of new contract management systems. Overall, the workshop provided detailed insights into budget allocations, capital projects, procurement activities, and strategic planning for county infrastructure and services.