St. Lucie County commissioners split evenly on when to schedule a referendum to renew the county's half-cent infrastructure sales tax, voting unanimously to postpone the decision until August 4. The voter-approved tax expires in December 2028 after its 10-year authorization. Commissioners must decide whether to ask voters to extend it in 2026 or wait until 2028. If they wait and voters approve it then, it would be considered a new tax rather than a continuation.
Before the commission's discussion on July 21, three Port St. Lucie officials urged the board to place the referendum on the 2026 ballot. Port St. Lucie Public Works Director Colt Schwerdt said the tax has funded road, sidewalk, stormwater and water-quality improvements that have benefited city residents. Utility Systems Director Kevin Matyjaszek said there is a direct correlation between infrastructure and quality of life. Communications Director Sarah Prohaska read a letter from Kenneth Kroll, chairman of both the county and Port St. Lucie Sales Tax Oversight committees, who urged commissioners to act this year.
Commissioner James Clasby opposed placing the measure on the 2026 ballot, saying he did not want it on the same ballot as Amendment 3 and the School Board tax. Commissioner Erin Lowry agreed, saying many residents are struggling financially and may reject the measure simply because it includes the word tax. Chairwoman Jamie Fowler argued the county would have two opportunities if the measure were placed on the 2026 ballot. Commissioner Cathy Townsend agreed and moved to keep the referendum on the 2026 ballot, but the motion failed on a 2-2 vote.
With Vice Chairman Larry Leet absent and the commission deadlocked, members voted 4-0 to continue the item until August 4, when Leet is expected to return and cast the deciding vote. Deputy County Administrator Mayte Santamaria reminded commissioners they had already approved an ordinance in March scheduling the referendum for November 2026. Keeping that date requires no action, while delaying it until 2028 would require rescinding the ordinance and adopting a new one.