City Commission Qualifying Period July 18 - 21

HIGH SPRINGS ‒ The City of High Springs has set the next municipal election for Nov. 8, 2022 to fill Seat #3.

Currently, Commissioner Linda Jones occupies that seat, and according to City records, was elected in November 2016. She served as vice mayor during her 2017-18 and 2020-21 terms and as mayor in 2018-19.

Individuals interested in running for a City Commission seat must be a registered voter in the City of High Springs and must reside within the City limits.

In order to formally qualify, candidates must file the appropriate paperwork with the Office of the City Clerk during business hours during the qualifying period, which is Monday, July 18 – Thursday, July 21. The term of office is three years.

The qualifying fee to run for a City Commission seat is one percent of the salary of the office sought. Currently, commission salaries are set at $10,800 per year, which sets the qualifying fee at $108. Candidates can file a waiver called an Affidavit of Undue Burden in lieu of the qualifying fee. The High Springs City Clerk will provide more details to interested parties during the qualifying period.

In other City business, at the May 26 Commission meeting, Commissioners directed staff to negotiate an agreement with Attorney Maurice McDaniel for provision of special magistrate services for the City. During the June 23 meeting, the Commission unanimously approved an agreement for a two-year period, which will be automatically renewed on a yearly basis unless terminated by either party prior to the expiration of the current term. The agreement will remain in effect until completion of the work assignment if he is in the middle of a project.

In exchange for his duties, McDaniel will be paid $200 per hour for each hour with a minimum of eight hours per month or $1,600. At six months, both parties will evaluate the minimum hours per month and assess whether to raise of lower the hour amount at that time.

City Manager Ashley Stathatos said she knew McDaniel’s services would be required for at least eight hours a month as the workload is behind at this time.

Following a presentation by Opioid Task Force Chair Joy Glanzer, Commissioners voted to provide $10,000 of ARPA funds for an awareness campaign to help get the word out about the seriousness of the opioid crisis in this part of Florida.

Glanzer explained that the Children’s Trust will receive the funds and will put out the requests for proposals related to the awareness program.

Commissioner Linda Jones volunteered to be the City’s representative on that Board.

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