Danny Federico
reporter3.riverbendnews@gmail.com
Senator Corey Simon and Representative Jason Shoaf presented and approved a local bill proposing the dissolution of the White Springs town government during the Legislative Delegation meeting held on Monday, Feb. 10. So, what does this mean for the town, and what are the next steps for the bill?
The bill, which was proposed by Senator Simon, aims to address ongoing concerns regarding the town's financial management. According to concerns raised during the delegation meeting, White Springs residents have experienced repeated tax increases without seeing adequate improvements in services.
"It's clear to me that the taxpayer-funded resources are being mismanaged, and the citizens are not getting the public services they deserve. We've attempted to get answers, but the leaders have failed to respond," Representative Shoaf said. "Through the legislative process, we will bring transparency and accountability to this matter. And if it's necessary and in the best interest of the citizens of White Springs, we're going to enable the county to take over."
Now that the bill has been approved on the local level, it will move up to the Florida legislature. Here, residents and officials will be able to voice their comments and concerns one more time. Afterward, the legislature will review the bill and vote for it to either pass or fail. If the bill passes and is subsequently approved by Governor Ron DeSantis, it will become effective on the date it's signed. As of that date, the White Springs Town Council would cease to exist, and the town would become unincorporated, similar to Day, Dowling Park, McAlpin, O'Brien and Wellborn.
Hamilton County would then take on the responsibility for public services, including utilities, fire protection and prevention of criminal activity, among other services. It is estimated that this transition would provide services more efficiently and ensure greater accountability for tax dollars. Additionally, while concerns have been raised about the impact on local historical preservation efforts, it was noted that state and federal designations, such as the National Register of Historic Places, may continue to protect some sites.
"Over the last few years, the Town of White Springs has lacked transparency for that community," Senator Simon said. "We want to ensure the entire community of White Springs has clarity and transparency moving forward."
If enacted, the proposal would mark the first dissolution of a Florida municipality since Cedar Grove in Bay County, which was dissolved in 2008 following a public referendum. Other examples of municipal dissolutions in Florida include Painters Hill in Flagler County (1986), New Port Richey East in Pasco County (1985) and North Key Largo Beach in Monroe County (1982).