Kate Svagdis

Kate Svagdis wants the ability to order an alcoholic beverage at a family restaurant, on a Sunday, without leaving Baker County. And she’s willing to mount a petition drive to make it happen.

The retired Macclenny resident and fervent anti-tax activist discounted support on religious grounds of the county’s ban on Sunday alcohol sales, citing the use of wine in certain Christian rites and Jesus’ miracle at the Cana wedding feast.

Her motivation in calling for the law’s repeal, and the City of Macclenny’s ban too, is the hope that sit-down chain restaurants like Chili’s, Applebees or Longhorn Steakhouse will open new locations here.

“I’m not looking to go to hell, I’m trying to figure out how to increase our tax base,” Ms. Svagdis said.

To that end, she appeared before the Baker County Commission July 6 to request the board approve a referendum so the county’s  13,000 registered voters can decide whether to uphold the ban.

“We’re spending money and this is one way to broaden our tax base,” she told the board.

She also presented them with e-mail from Arcane Properties, the real estate company that seeks out suitable real estate for new Longhorn Steakhouse locations. The sender wrote that due to the number of residents in Macclenny and Baker County, as well as the bans on Sunday alcohol sales, the area didn’t meet the criteria for a new restaurant.

Though commissioners didn’t immediately make any decision, county attorney Terry Brown said the board could approve either a binding referendum, in which the will of voters would become law, or a non-binding one. In latter instance, the results could be used to gauge public opinion, but would not change the county’s ordinance unless the commission voted to do so.

“Overwhelmingly, the folks who have talked to me want it on a referendum, not wanting the commission to decide,” said Commissioner Michael Crews. “And that’s on both sides. Some say, on the theological side, let’s finally put it to rest.”

He and board chairman, Commissioner Alex Robinson, supported the referendum idea. Commissioners Mark Hartley and Mike Griffis said they were undecided. Commissioner Gordon Crews said he would support the referendum, but not until the 2012 election.

“It will probably be the most contentious issue the county has faced,” Mr. Griffis said. “You won’t have to worry about turnout either. You’ll know what the people think.”

Changing what people think may be the easy part. Harder will be getting the referendum on the 2010 ballot.

The deadline for the county commission to approve the referendum language and adopt an ordinance placing it on the ballot is August 17, County Manager Joe Cone said.

The county is in the midst of preparing next year’s budget and the commission has only two regular meetings before that deadline.

The charter for the City of Macclenny — the only part of the county with water and sewer utilities likely to be desired by sit-down chain restaurants — doesn’t allow voter referendums.

That means, to remove the ban on Sunday sales within city limits, at least three city commissioners would have agree to repeal the ordinance. The commission voted to uphold the ban in late 2007.

Ms. Svagdis said she doesn’t advocate a complete repeal of the ban, but altering it to permit Sunday sales in sit-down chain restaurants.

“I don’t want it at bars or strip clubs and that sort of thing,” she said. “Just family-style restaurants.”