ST. JOHNS COUNTY, Fla. – St. Johns County commissioners approved a tentative flat property tax rate Thursday during a budget hearing that quickly turned into a public debate over license plate readers and Flock cameras.
Sheriff Rob Hardwick appeared before commissioners to outline a proposed budget increase — and to address mounting public concern about automated license plate reader technology in the county.
Sheriff asks for nearly $4M to boost deputy pay
The bulk of Hardwick’s proposed increase — $3.9 million — would go toward raises for deputies. He told commissioners the money would give more than 420 deputy sheriffs below the rank of sergeant a pay increase. The sheriff is also requesting five additional deputies.
“That additional $3.9 million will give our deputy sheriffs a $9,000 increase in their pay, which puts us on the heels, not at, we’re still behind the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office, but it puts us on the heels and I believe that people want to police here better,” Hardwick said.
Resident Kailey Masters voiced support for paying officers more — while drawing a line at technology spending.
“I want them to be paid what they’re worth. I don’t want our money spent on technology to catch criminals and replace our officers. We don’t need AI to take their place,” Masters said.
Hardwick responded to her comments directly during the hearing.
“This lady, she about made me cry too as well, let’s take care of our deputy sheriffs, but 95% of the budget I’m presenting to you, the increase, is taking care of my employees in the St. John’s County Sheriff’s Office,” he said.
Flock cameras at center of public concern
Most of the public comment focused on license plate readers and Flock cameras.
The Florida Department of Transportation revoked permits and licenses for automated license plate readers on state roads earlier this week. The directive sparked questions from residents about what happens to the cameras already installed on county roads — and where the taxpayer money spent on them goes.
Resident Debra Campbell, who has been vocal about her concerns with the technology, pressed commissioners on both the cost and civil liberties implications.
“FDOT has legally banned ALPR cameras on state roads. Because those cameras are coming down, where is the taxpayer’s money for those specific units going?” Campbell said.
She also questioned where accountability ends.
“They must help solve crimes. I get that. But at what price is really my question. Where do we draw the line? That’s the one thing no one can answer — where is the Fourth Amendment drawn the line at?” Campbell said.
Another resident raised the warrant issue directly.
“Sheriff Hardwick has defended flock cameras because they can help solve crimes. I don’t dispute that. I think something like searching homes or citizens without a warrant would also solve a bunch of crimes, but at what cost?” the resident said.
A separate attendee questioned whether the county commission had ever granted the sheriff’s office permission to place Flock cameras on county right-of-way.
$500K earmarked for LPR software; future uncertain
Hardwick said the sheriff’s office will comply with FDOT’s directive and remove cameras from state roads. He said $500,000 in the proposed budget is set aside for software updates of license plate reader technology — but acknowledged that money could be redirected if the commission or legislature moves to shut the system down entirely.
“There’s so many other things we can do. The jail could use it tomorrow for our guardian program that actually keeps an eye on our inmates in the jail,” Hardwick said, adding that the funds could also go toward medical monitoring technology for inmates.
When asked about the future of Flock cameras on county roads after the meeting, Hardwick declined to answer directly, pointing instead to a previously issued press release.
During the hearing, Hardwick addressed the broader concern about what happens to the program after he leaves office.
“I think the biggest concern is what happens when Rob Hardwick leaves. I know we’re going to say something that says trust in our legislature, we’re doing that. I’ve had phone calls from Senator Wright, I’ve talked to Senator Lee, I talked to Rep. Kendall, I talk to Rep. Greco, I have talked to Rep. Judson, I’m speaking with the governor’s staff,” Hardwick said.
For now, license plate readers remain on county roads.
Campbell said she appreciated seeing the sheriff answer questions publicly during the hearing.
“That was refreshing. I think it would be invaluable to Sheriff Hardwick to do that more often because people do want to hear from him. We want to be able to interact with him,” she said.
Next budget hearing set for Sept. 15
The next St. Johns County budget hearing is scheduled for Sept. 15 at 5:01 p.m. More information about the county budget is available on the St. Johns County website.
The commission is also preparing for the possibility that property tax reform could be approved by voters in November, which would affect future budget planning.
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