Kate Svagdis’ effort to present voters with a referendum to repeal the county’s Sunday liquor sales ban hit a roadblock this week as the Baker County Commission failed to act on the measure.

The Macclenny resident called the decision very disappointing, but revealing.

“There is a $1.6 million deficit in the proposed budget,” she said by e-mail the day after the commission’s meeting July 19. “How does this help the deficit? The real question is whether the people in the county should have the right to vote on this issue or just five commissioners.”

Ms. Svagdis called for the repeal on the grounds it could entice sit-down chain restaurants to locate here and broaden the county’s tax base.

Commissioner Michael Crews motioned to direct the board’s attorney to draft an ordinance to place the referendum on the November ballot, but other board members did not second the motion, which is needed before a vote can take place.

Board chairman Alex Robinson cannot second other commissioner’s motions, but said he supported the referendum.

“I have my own feelings, but I would not be living up to my duty as an elected official if I didn’t allow the voters to decide,” Mr. Robinson said.

Michael Crews also said he wouldn’t necessarily vote in favor of repealing the ban at the ballot box, but that one of the responsibilities of a county commissioner is placing questions of public interest on the ballot.

And while statewide referendums can be placed on the ballot by petition, county attorney Will Sexton said Florida law bars that from happening at the local level.

He said local referendums can be placed on the ballot by local ordinance only, and the county commission is the only body with authority to pass such an ordinance.

The City of Starke’s governing board voted to put a similar referendum on its ballot, said the attorney, whose firm is based there.

In other business that evening:

• The commission approved the job description for a park manager at the St. Mary Shoals Park north of Glen St. Mary on Odis Yarborough Road and directed County Manager Joe Cone to advertise the post as a contract position for $25,000 annually without health insurance or retirement benefits.

The position will be funded with cash from timber sales at the park property, which will raise an estimated $300,000.

Generally, the park manager will be responsible for maintaining the facilities, coordinating events there, patrolling the grounds, conducting tours and insuring compliance with park rules and restrictions.

• Mr. Cone was also authorized to release a request for qualifications [RFQ] from certified construction managers to oversee rehabilitation of the former county jail adjacent to the courthouse.

The county initially hoped to oversee the upgrades with its own personnel, but Mr. Cone said a licensed and certified contractor must do so per state law.

• Commissioners appointed Greg Sheppard to serve on the St. Mary’s River Management Committee.