High Springs Joins Fight Against Charter Amendment

HIGH SPRINGS ‒ During the Oct. 8 High Springs City Commission meeting, the Commission adopted an ordinance on first reading authorizing the use of public funds for litigating and advertising to educate and inform the public about Alachua County Charter Amendment 2 that is on the Nov. 3 ballot.

High Springs joins Newberry, Archer and Alachua in opposing the amendment based, in part, on the County’s infringement on municipalities’ right to Home Rule. Many of the other Alachua County municipalities have also passed resolutions noting that the amendment is harmful to their communities and their ability to govern as state statutes authorize.

The specific Charter Amendment of concern is referred to on the ballot as the “County Charter Amendment Establishing County Growth Management Area.” The issue centers on the concern that the amendment, if approved by the voters, will restrict the ability of municipalities to determine the appropriate uses for property within their jurisdiction after annexing property from the County into their cities.

The Florida Constitution provides for Home Rule. The governing article reads “Municipalities shall have governmental, corporate and proprietary powers to enable them to conduct municipal government, perform municipal functions and render municipal services, and may exercise power for municipal purposes except as otherwise provided by law.”

The ordinance, if approved on second reading, which is scheduled for Oct. 22, will allow the City of High Springs to expend public funds for an electioneering communication that is limited to factual information and does not expressly advocate for an issue.

However, the City opposes the passage of the proposed amendment and opposes its application within their city as they stated in a resolution previously passed by the City Commission.

In addition, the City opposes the passage of the proposed amendment for the reasons spelled out in a suit filed by the City of Alachua, v. Alachua County, Florida, et al. in which that City is seeking injunctive relief from the Circuit Court.

While the City of Alachua has filed suit against the County on this issue, at least two additional Alachua County municipalities are preparing to do so as well.

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