FORT PIERCE — With Vice Chairman Larry Leet absent and the remaining four St. Lucie County commissioners split evenly on when to schedule a referendum to renew the county’s half-cent infrastructure sales tax, the board voted unanimously July 21 to postpone the decision until its Aug. 4 meeting.

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, 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.

“Our request is to let the residents decide whether or not to continue the sales tax referendum,” Schwerdt said. “Providing for the sales tax referendum provides for long-term planning. We’d like you to continue allowing us to make needed progress on infrastructure projects throughout the county.”

Utility Systems Director Kevin Matyjaszek echoed that message.

“There’s a direct correlation between infrastructure and quality of life,” he said. “Not allowing residents to vote on extending this sales tax is a disservice. They’re already going to the polls, so let them decide.”

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.

Kroll said approving the referendum in 2026 would provide certainty for long-range planning, allow time for public education and ensure continued investment in transportation, stormwater, public safety and environmental projects.

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.

Chairwoman Jamie Fowler asked whether a failed 2026 referendum could be brought back in 2028.

Santamaria said it could, although it would be treated as a new infrastructure sales tax rather than a continuation.

Commissioner James Clasby opposed placing the measure on the 2026 ballot.

“I don’t want it on the 2026 ballot because there’s Amendment 3 on it and there’s the School Board tax,” he said. “I don’t think it’s a smart idea to put a tax on a ballot where people are being asked to basically eliminate taxes.”

Commissioner Erin Lowry agreed, saying many residents are struggling financially and may reject the measure simply because it includes the word “tax.”

“I don’t feel people understand it’s a continuation and not a new tax,” Lowry said. “It’s not that we don’t support it — we just want a better opportunity to make sure that it continues.”

Fowler argued the county would have two opportunities if the measure were placed on the 2026 ballot.

“If I get two chances to win, I’m going to take two chances over one,” she said. “If we wait until 2028 and it doesn’t pass, we’re done.”

Commissioner Cathy Townsend agreed and moved to keep the referendum on the 2026 ballot, but the motion failed on a 2-2 vote. Clasby’s motion to delay it until 2028 also failed 2-2.

With the commission deadlocked, members voted 4-0 to continue the item until Aug. 4, when Leet is expected to return and cast the deciding vote.