5 Things You Need To Know About The New Clay County Florida Commissioners And Their 2025 Priorities

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The Clay County Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) is the central governing body for Clay County, Florida, overseeing key public services, infrastructure, and the county budget. As of December 22, 2025, the board has a fresh composition following the 2024 election cycle, with a clear focus on aggressive economic development and critical public safety infrastructure projects for the upcoming fiscal year.

The five Commissioners, all registered Republicans, are responsible for setting the policy direction for one of Northeast Florida’s fastest-growing communities, representing a population that continues to expand rapidly across areas like Green Cove Springs, Orange Park, and Middleburg. Their recent decisions reflect a commitment to managing this growth through strategic capital improvements and a renewed emphasis on fiscal responsibility and transparency.

Meet the Clay County Board of County Commissioners (BOCC)

The BOCC is composed of five members, each elected to represent a single-member district for a four-year term. The board’s leadership roles (Chair and Vice-Chair) rotate annually. The current board members are:

  • Commissioner Betsy Condon (District 4) – BOCC Chair
    • District: District 4.
    • Role: Current Chair of the Board of County Commissioners.
    • Background: A prominent figure in county leadership, Condon focuses on fiscal conservatism and community engagement. She also serves as a member of the Value Adjustment Board (VAB).
  • Commissioner John Sgromolo (District 1) – BOCC Vice-Chair
    • District: District 1.
    • Election Update: Newly elected in 2024, replacing former Vice-Chair Mike Cella. He was sworn in following the November General Election.
    • Background: A Clay County native, Sgromolo is a Clay High School graduate who earned a baseball scholarship to Flagler College. His election signals a new era for District 1, with his term beginning in late 2024.
  • Commissioner Alexandra Compere (District 2)
    • District: District 2.
    • Election Update: Elected in 2022.
    • Background: Compere is an attorney who was born and raised in Clay County, bringing a local perspective to the board. She is one of the younger members and an active participant in regional initiatives, including the Value Adjustment Board.
  • Commissioner Jim Renninger (District 3)
    • District: District 3.
    • Election Update: Re-elected in November 2024, having initially been elected in 2020.
    • Background: Renninger holds a Certified County Commissioner (CCC) designation, demonstrating a commitment to professional development in county governance. His re-election ensures continuity in the board's leadership.
  • Commissioner Dr. Kristen Burke (District 5)
    • District: District 5 (includes Green Cove Springs, Lake Asbury, and Penney Farms).
    • Election Update: Elected in November 2020.
    • Background: Dr. Burke is a Republican who has previously held the position of BOCC Chair. Her district encompasses the county seat, Green Cove Springs, and she is a member of the North Florida Transportation Planning Organization (TPO).

The BOCC’s Number One Priority: Aggressive Economic Development

The overarching theme for the Clay County Board of County Commissioners in the 2025 fiscal year is economic vitality. The board has formally established economic development as its number one priority, aiming to create initiatives that foster a robust local economy and attract high-wage jobs.

This commitment is spearheaded by the Clay Florida Economic Development Corporation (CFEDC), the county’s dedicated agency for supporting local businesses and attracting new investment. The strategy focuses heavily on leveraging the county's geographical advantages and improving infrastructure to make Clay County a more attractive location for key industries.

Key areas of focus within the economic strategy include:

  • Sports Tourism: Developing new facilities and programs to attract regional and state-level sports events, generating revenue for local businesses.
  • Infrastructure Improvements: Recognizing that robust infrastructure is foundational to economic growth, the BOCC is prioritizing highway and road improvements to facilitate commerce and commuter traffic.
  • Affordable Housing: The Annual Action Plan for FY 2024-25 includes initiatives, such as the State Housing Initiatives Partnership (SHIP), to focus on the preservation and production of affordable housing, a critical component for supporting a stable local workforce.

Major Capital Projects and Public Safety Investments for 2025

In addition to economic development, the Clay County Commissioners are dedicating significant resources to enhancing public safety and streamlining county operations through major capital improvement projects outlined in their Approved Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) and legislative priorities for 2025.

New Public Safety and Fleet Centers

A primary legislative priority for the BOCC is the construction of two essential facilities that will directly impact the efficiency and effectiveness of public services.

  • New Fleet Center: The county has requested funding for the construction of a new fleet center, estimated at $1,500,000. This facility is designed to support and streamline operations for Public Safety, the Sheriff's Office, and other County departments, ensuring that essential vehicles are maintained efficiently and kept in service.
  • New Public Safety Center: Construction of a new Public Safety center is also a top priority. This investment is crucial for modernizing facilities and providing the necessary resources for first responders and emergency management personnel as the county’s population grows.

Infrastructure and Quality of Life Enhancements

The BOCC is actively addressing quality of life issues through various capital projects across the county, demonstrating a focus on community needs beyond large-scale economic ventures.

  • Animal Shelter Construction: The agenda includes plans for the construction of a new animal shelter, a project that addresses a long-standing community need and improves animal welfare services.
  • Sidewalk Projects: The FY 2024-25 Annual Action Plan highlights ongoing efforts to improve pedestrian safety and connectivity. Major accomplishments from the previous year included seven sidewalk replacement projects, setting a precedent for continued investment in local infrastructure.
  • Water and Wastewater: As a rapidly developing region, the long-term Capital Improvement Plan also includes necessary upgrades and expansions to the county’s water and wastewater systems to accommodate new residential and commercial growth.

Understanding the Impact of the 2024 Elections

The November 2024 General Election brought both new faces and continuity to the Clay County BOCC. The election of John Sgromolo in District 1 and the re-election of Jim Renninger in District 3 solidified the board’s composition for the next two years.

This election cycle was significant because it confirmed the county's strong political leanings; as of 2025, all five elected Commissioners are registered Republicans. The new board has pledged to restore public trust and maintain a sharp focus on core government functions, including public safety, infrastructure, and responsible fiscal management.

The Commissioners’ meetings, which are held in Green Cove Springs, often involve public hearings on critical issues such as the budget and zoning ordinances. For example, the second and final public hearing for the 2025 budget was scheduled for September 23, 2025, reflecting the ongoing, year-round commitment to financial oversight.

Residents and stakeholders interested in the future of Clay County should monitor the progress of these key initiatives. The commissioners’ work on economic development, the new fleet and public safety centers, and critical infrastructure improvements will define the county’s growth trajectory for the remainder of the decade, impacting everything from property values to traffic flow and the overall quality of life in Northeast Florida.

clay county florida commissioners
clay county florida commissioners

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