Green Cove Springs has several upcoming community events and City Council activities. According to the City of Green Cove Springs, the Palmetto Community Development Corporation will host an event called "Boots on the Ground" on Saturday, at the Corner Pocket from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., with tickets available for $25. Residents interested in volunteer opportunities can participate in the MLK Day of Service Food Distribution at Vera Francis Hall Park on January 17, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. The MLK Day Ceremony is scheduled for January 19, 2026, with the exact time yet to be announced. During public comments, city leaders were reminded to provide accurate information to address ongoing misinformation.
During a special session of the Green Cove Springs City Council on Tuesday, the council addressed several topics, including a review of employee compensation. Vice Mayor Ed Gaw suggested, and the council agreed, to begin the session with public comments. Residents raised questions about employee pay scales, staffing levels, and what is considered “mid-range” pay, as per the city's announcement.
The employee wage study, presented by Human Resources Director Dee Jones, reviewed 134 employees across 91 job titles and included employee feedback. The findings were compared with data from similar cities and organizations to support competitive hiring practices. Council members expressed differing views: Darren Stutts opposed the raises due to budget concerns, Cheri Starnes suggested deferring the decision until further discussions with employees and the first budget workshop, and Glee Glisson supported continuing the discussion on the matter.
Mayor Matt Johnson stated that while wage studies are not perfect, they provide useful information on employee compensation and recommended including a budget item in FY 26/27 to explore funding options for potential raises. Additionally, the Florida League of Cities dinner is scheduled for December 18, in Lake City. Vice Mayor Ed Gaw noted that the city may need to adjust expenses or increase revenue to accommodate wage changes.
