Mosquito Control District meeting tonight

Tonight’s meeting of the Anastasia Mosquito Control District is set for 6:00 p.m. at AMCD headquarters; located on Old Beach Road between SR-312 and Pope Road.

The spotlight will be on Commissioner Ron Radford when he tries his hand and making peace between the District and St. Johns County government leaders who would like to absorb the small district.

At issue, some say, is the effectiveness and efficiency of the county taking over the district’s functions, while others believe cash-strapped St. Johns County commissioners and county administration have their eye on the assets of Anastasia Mosquito Control District — not the least of which is about $3 million in reserves.

A bout of sabre-rattling before Tom Manuel was convicted on corruption charges, when he was still Chairman of the Board of County Commissioners, and what some say amounted to strong-arm tactics against the District, begat a sentiment of acrimony — which has lingered to this day.

Radford may have a hard row to hoe; since, as recently as December, county commissioners asked the St. Johns County legislative delegation to consider a bill that would allow the district to be absorbed. The delegation declined. Bitterness between district and county commissioners piqued.

Nonetheless, it has been reported that Radford is encouraged.

After a lunch with County Administrator Michael Wanchick, a takeover proponent, Radford reportedly said “over the next few months the two organizations will look for ways to work together”. Radford also said “working together” did not include “consolidating operations” but rather finding ways to save money, according to local news reports.

Photo credits: © 2011 Historic City News staff photographer