Clerk and elections offices present budgets; clerks seek personnel increase, elections note expanded polling and universal primary

The St. Johns County Clerk/Comptroller and the Supervisor of Elections presented separate budget requests to the county commission June 16.

Mr. Paddock, representing the Clerk/Comptroller’s office, described a budget shaped by three funding streams — state court funding, a general-fund request to the county, and recording revenue. He told commissioners, "We're requesting a 13% budget increase," explaining most costs are personnel-related and that fee schedules remain capped by state statute (he noted marriage-license and recording fees still reflect 2008 pricing). He highlighted ongoing legislative efforts that could yield additional state revenue in FY27 and urged support to retain staff and meet service demands.

Supervisor Vicki Oats presented the elections office request and operational plan. She said the office will open 42 election-day polling places and mailed voter guides to every residential address; she also described a rare "universal primary" circumstance affecting two county commission races, meaning those contests will be decided in the August primary and will be open to all registered voters in the county. Oats said vote-by-mail ballots for the primary will be mailed July 2 and reminded voters of the August 6 deadline to request a ballot.

Both presenters noted growth pressures — rising registered voters, higher postage and operational costs, and the need for additional space and training facilities for poll workers. Oats requested approval to continue planned facility expansions and said the office would return with design details and timing for any additions.