Orange Park leaders weigh multiyear water and sewer rate increases as residents press for accounting Town manager proposed an immediate 8% water/sewer rate increase and additional multi‑year adjustments to restore enterprise fund solvency; public commenters raised concerns about fund transfers, administrative charges and the scope of cuts staff offered to avoid larger increases.

Orange Park residents are facing imminent water and sewer rate hikes as the town manager unveils a plan to address skyrocketing operating costs, but questions about fund transparency loom large.

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Town manager urges ‘truth in budgeting,’ warns of potential $876,435 hit from state tax proposal Town Manager presented a budget memo emphasizing limiting recurring spending to recurring revenue and warned that a Florida property‑tax reform bill could cut the town’s first‑year property‑tax revenue by about $876,435, prompting calls for early budget planning and resident engagement.

Orange Park's Town Manager warns of a potential $876,435 hit from a state tax proposal, urging a commitment to "truth in budgeting" and careful financial planning.

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Johnson Slough project: town staff sets timeline; residents warn of cost and environmental impact Public Works said it will finalize a guaranteed maximum price and present a contract amendment for the Johnson Slough roadway and culvert project in February with construction expected in March 2026 pending agency reviews; residents urged cancellation or modification over cost, environmental and process concerns.

The Johnson Slough improvement project is on track for construction, but residents are raising serious concerns about costs and environmental impacts—do you think it should move forward?

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Flock Safety presents license-plate readers; residents raise privacy and surveillance concerns A Flock Safety representative told the Orange Park Council LPR cameras capture rear-vehicle photos, that partner agencies own data, and that images are deleted after 30 days; residents and privacy advocates pressed for independent audits, limits on data sharing, and local controls under Florida law.

Flock Safety's license-plate readers promise enhanced security, but residents in Orange Park are raising urgent questions about privacy and data control.

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Orange Park updates $14M Johnson'Sewell culvert project; council authorizes research into hiring a construction manager Public Works reported permit submission to the water management district in mid-December and a 90% guaranteed maximum price near $14 million; council authorized the town manager to research and, if warranted, issue an RFP for a construction manager to assist with the project (motion passed unanimously).

The Orange Park Town Council is gearing up for a $14 million culvert improvement project, with plans for construction to potentially kick off as early as February!

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Residents urge caution on surveillance cameras; council defers vote to Jan. 6 Residents voiced strong privacy concerns about proposed license-plate/flight cameras and urged the council not to adopt a surveillance network without restrictive contract safeguards; the town manager and police chief agreed to delay action and the council deferred the item to the Jan. 6 meeting for additional legal review.

Residents in Orange Park are rallying against the proposed surveillance camera system, fearing it could pave the way for a "Stalinesque" invasion of privacy.

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Orange Park firefighters' union accuses town of bargaining violations; town attorney urges statutory process The president of the Orange Park Association of Firefighters said members have been without a contract for 426 days and alleged the town reneged on a tentative agreement and threatened financial retaliation; the town attorney urged mediation and statutory remedies.

After 426 days without a contract, Orange Park firefighters are alleging serious violations in their negotiations with the town, claiming coercion and rising fatigue among their ranks.

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