Nassau County financial concerns - An opinion

Submitted by Dave Edwards

Amelia Island, Florida

December 17, 2015 1:00 p.m.

Many Nassau County residents may not be aware that our county is facing dire financial straits. I'd hate to see this looming crisis lead to the insolvency of the county and downgrades of our bond rating that enables us to borrow money for long-term capital projects at favorable interest rates. If not addressed, the county will not be able to meet its financial obligations in 2017 and beyond.

That is why I'm proud to be part of the 'Citizens for a Better Nassau County' coalition. I care about our quality of life here too much to watch it be degraded by continued unbalanced growth - too much residential development clogging our roads and schools without the corresponding office, industrial, and commercial development needed to feed our tax base and help pay for our growing pains.

We're very fortunate our tourism sector has rebounded since the Great Recession. However, if we want to maintain our relatively low property taxes and a high quality of life over the long run, we need to grow smarter in the future. We need to protect and grow high-wage jobs, not just rooftops. We need private capital investment in non-residential land uses to broaden our tax base and benefit the county as a whole.

But, most importantly, if we really want to make a positive change, we need informed citizens and an intellectually honest discussion about our county's true financial condition. 'Citizens for a Better Nassau County' believes informed citizens make better communities. The future prosperity and financial viability of our county is at stake. I encourage all of our residents to stay informed and engaged on these big financial issues that will affect all of us if we don't succeed in broadening our tax base.

Editor's Note: David Edwards is the owner of Sand Hill Recycling, LLC located in Yulee, Fla., and is a supporter of the local ‘Citizens for a Better Nassau County’ effort. Edwards

and his family have resided in Nassau County for more than 24 years.