NewsLine staff
Q: There has been discussion at the state level regarding the potential elimination of property taxes. How would this impact Nassau County?
A: There is a disconnect often where people think that because I am an elected official, I am no longer a taxpayer, but this is my home, too. It is imperative to educate residents on what the ad valorem tax dollar actually funds.
In Nassau County, for every one dollar collected, almost 50 percent goes to local constitutional offices, such as the Sheriff’s Office and the Supervisor of Elections. Another 24.4 percent goes to Fire Rescue. That means nearly 75 percent of that dollar goes directly to constitutional offices and public safety.
If the state eliminates local property taxes, they take away home rule. I do not want Tallahassee dictating pay raises for my fire and police or managing our local budget. Public safety is the number one indicator of quality of life, and it must be at the forefront of the community.
Q: Growth is a frequent topic of concern for residents. How does the commission manage development versus preservation?
A: We have a Comprehensive Plan (Comp Plan) that all 67 counties are required to transmit to the state. This designs our corridors for mixed-use residential, preservation, and conservation easements .
Currently, we are in the middle of visioning the “Vision 2050” plan. We have had year-long workshops with hundreds of stakeholders and surveys to ensure this plan reflects the residents of Nassau County for the next 25 years .
Q: Specifically for District 4 and the area west of I-95, what protections are in place to maintain the rural atmosphere?
A: We have a document called the Western Nassau Heritage Preservation. This is a subsidy of the Comp Plan that was transmitted to the state.
It serves as a legal document to ensure that, in perpetuity, the West Side remains rural with true rural designation areas, regardless of how elected officials change in the future . I have hard copies of this book, and it has been live and legal for five years now .
Q: You are active on social media, but you do not reply to comments there. What is the best way for constituents to reach you?
A: Social media is very delicate because of Florida’s Sunshine Laws. As soon as a post goes into a discussion format, it becomes part of the public record . I use my page to put out information, but I do not engage back to comments to ensure we do not violate those laws .
However, I want to hear from residents. My county phone is a direct line. Residents can call or text me photos of issues they see. Even if it is a text, it is captured on a county device and remains part of the public record.
Alyson R. McCullough represents District 4 on the Nassau County Board of County Commissioners. Questions or comments can be directed to her at amccullough@nassaucountyfl.com or (904) 319-0689.
