Mhm. >> Mhm. >> Mhm. >> Mhm. >> Mhm. >> Mhm. >> Mhm. >> Mhm. >> If you all would stand while I do the invocation and pledge of allegiance. Heavenly Father, we thank you for each and every one that is here today.
Heavenly Father, as we are gathering today to have our budget workshop, help us to exert our energy towards working together, looking objectively at our budget. Heavenly Father, allow us to
hear from each of the departments that are presenting and those who are presenting with us today. And bless our meeting and help us to use the wisdom that you granted to us. In Jesus' name we pray. Amen. Amen. I pledge allegiance
to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. At this time we're going to have the budget presentations
and the first one coming forward is the community development ship program. >> [clears throat] >> Honorable chairman and council. Just a second, Kel. Okay. Here are my photos. >> [snorts] [snorts]
>> All right. All right, Kelly. There you go. Sorry. That's okay. Good evening again, chairwoman and commissioners. Um before you you will see the ship um 26-27 budget um um the current request. The summary um is slightly increased and
that is just for employee benefits. Nothing else has been increased for that portion. And then if you look at operational costs, There you go. Um we just decreased it slightly um for just um the rehab cuz we
haven't been quite doing as many as that and put that towards the demo. So that cost stayed the same as well. And I do not have new new any new I do not have any new items requested.
And that's about all my budget. Do you have any questions? Are there any questions from the board? On both counties? How I just have a quick question with the uh on the rehabs and all that the septic systems and all that, how's
that been going as far as the evaluations and seems like every for a while it was just not putting priority It is a little harder currently because of that with them and um doing it but I'll get with Rod and we're trying to coordinate getting that better
hands on that before they get started. It's just harder to get them there prior to you know the initial inspection. Once we know what's there, sometimes it's over the cost that was initially estimated. Are you seeing that on most of them? Not all of them. Just a few. Just a few.
Yeah, and it determines the age of the home have a lot to do with it as well. Okay, thank you. Um you're welcome. I just like to say if you don't mind. You do a great job keeping your costs low. I sometimes I worry about you that you're cutting something that you like computers
things and [clears throat] but thank you for the hard work that you put into this because you always seem to come below what you did last year. And I know that takes a lot of just make sure you take care of yourself. Oh, yes, ma'am. I love you. Thank you. Y'all have any other questions?
Any further questions from the board? Thank you. Thank you very much. Thank you. Okay. And next we have the Veterans Affairs. Okay. Um the only change that I have and actually it's in regards to increase on travel
and per diem because at this moment in time I do both Bradford and Union County. So when it comes to travel per diem and so forth we split it. So Union County has been paying for my hotels but um because I'm
going to be retiring this year I don't know for sure if my replacement in either county will work the same person or if it'll be two separate people. So that's the only reason that my budget has increased. Do y'all have any questions? Any
questions from the board? All right. Thank you. You do a great job helping our veterans. Appreciate it. Thank you. All right. Um next we'll have the uh Senior Center. Good evening. Good evening. Um
my budget hasn't really changed over the last year. Things stay the same. I'm not anticipating any any changes so that is it. is fine. Any questions? Thank you very much. Okay, thank you Melissa. Okay, that was
quick. All right, and next is the agriculture IFAS. Commissioner Cindy Sanders, UF extension here in Bradford. Um, our budget is also remains the same from FY this year FY 26 to FY 27. No
increases and no changes. I just do remind you that in your salaries that UF IFAS pays, you have three extension agents and UF IFAS pays 60% of that and the Board of County Commissioners pays about 40%. So, and then all the benefits
is on the UF side for those three faculty. So, just a reminder but other than that we have no increases or no enhancements. I do want to remind you that our 4-H banquet is next Thursday night and I think County Manager got an invitation today that he'll be sharing with all of you
and hope to see you next Thursday night. Okay, any questions from the board? Thank you for everything. Thank you. Okay, thank you all for your support. Appreciate [cough] it. Okay, moving right along and next we will have building.
Good evening. The only substantial change that was to my budget this year was the fact that we had moved we we in the past we had had some of Alicia's pay under zoning and some under building. Well, we've moved 100% of her pay over to building but other than that no none of my
expenses have changed. This was the year I was I was going to get a new truck but I think I'm going to wait one more year cuz mine's still in pretty good shape, and I haven't heard Jason asking for my old one, so we must be all right on that end, but other than that, we we don't have any
changes. We kept everything the same. All right. Any questions from the board? Thank you, Charles. Thank you. >> Thank you. Thank you, Charles. We appreciate your job. >> Yes, sir. Thank you. Next, zoning.
Good evening, chair, vice chair, and commissioners. The only thing that has changed for the zoning is um Alicia's position. That's it. Okay. All right. Any questions Any questions for zoning?
Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Next is solid waste. The mosquito. Good evening. Good evening. Only changes I have on the solid waste side is the uniform cost has went up,
and um that's cuz of fuel for the uniform delivery people, and that was the increased cost there. And for the first time, I have a full house of employees, full-time and part-time, so we're in good shape with that. That's the only increases.
Then on the mosquito control, there has no change on it other than requesting for a new sprayer that is uh replacing an old sprayer. >> [clears throat] >> That's it. Okay. Any questions from the board? Okay. Thank you. All right. Thank you.
Um and next is the library. Good evening, Madam Chair and Commissioners. How are you all tonight? >> Good. Okay. I do have three budgets. So, the first one is 56. Do you guys have that
one in front of you? Yes. Um, that is my Santa Fe grant. Nothing has changed on that. Everything's the same, pretty much as last year. Um, next we'll go to 57. Um,
there is a change on that and the reason is is because I do have a new item request on there. If you look, it's for my ACs. Um, the 200 thousand.
Um, but I will say that um, I am asking to take that money out of my contingency fund. So, you'll see some changes as far as that's concerned. Um, and then if you have any questions
about that before I move to the next one. And we knew the big one was up so we were aware that this was coming up so we were aware of that. >> Yes, ma'am. Um, okay and then 58.
Um, pretty much everything is the same um, on that one. I just moved around some of my GL lines, that's basically it. Um, but still asking for the same amount. Um,
there is a little bit of I did should have mentioned back on um, 57, there's a little bit of an increase with just salaries and benefits so I mean I'm going to say that on 57. Can you go back to 57? So
back to the 200,000 and as you alluded to the >> [clears throat] >> the air conditioning units. I know there were some structural You mean as far as like or the the ceiling in my women's bathroom is has leaked so much that it's caused
major damage. So that's going to have to be repaired after this AC's though because naturally they're going to have to do things with the handlers because that's what's making it leak. So I'm you know, I have included that cost in that. You know, in the 200 is is those repairs
and the AC's. And that is the panels and all. Yes, sir. And and just to be clear as well, the $200,000 I think you might have said it was coming out of contingency. It's not. It'll It's in the >> [clears throat] >> No ma'am, it'll be in the C It's already
in the CIP. Oh, is it? Okay, we discussed that. I apologize. No worries. That's That's even better. Okay. >> [laughter] >> And that's partly that's just an estimate right now too, right? Yeah, I'm based off of the quotes that I have for the AC's
and then quotes that I have for the repairs. Yes, sir. Okay. Thank you. Any further questions? Okay, well thank you guys for your support. All right, next is our fire rescue. >> You got a 10 B.
Uh A 3. Okay. Uh so this is the this is for department 63. This is the core funding This is what is allocated from the state for the opioid abatement settlement funds. Um the one change here is that we're getting less from the state, so the budget has gone
down significantly. As uh as you all remember, we hired a second position, a community paramedic position. That person [clears throat] has since gone back to a fire engine, and so we're going to be staffing this this position with part-time uh personnel or off-duty EMTs that will be able to staff and help David on the
days that are required. He has a lot of home visits scheduled, but uh no other changes there. Oh. And you're going to put them on this one. Okay. This is for the medical office. This is the um our medical direction, Dr. Odom, and no
changes there. Chief, there's a lot going on here. Sure. You know, a lot of different departments here, so I'm trying to get back to that. >> That too. Yep. You'll go back to 63. Okay. Um on the core funding through the opioid abatement. Now, there was two different programs, right?
>> Yes. >> There was the core program, and then there there was the LSF non-qualified counties. Both of these are through LSF, but one's the core, one's non-qualified. Okay. And so this particular This was the one we just recently approved on the core
side that uh I think Lieutenant Weeks This was uh >> He's uh he's on the other side. He's on the non-qualified side. Right. Okay. Fairmont inside. This is for This was David Jackson that we uh promoted into this position moved over into this
position not promoted but Okay. Um and again the funding from the state. This is where we got uh 700,000 this this year. Uh we'll have it goes in in half so it'll be 350,000 for next fiscal year and then it'll be 175,000 for the following 18
years. Okay. Not the 18-year program. This is They're both 18 years but >> is too. Yes, sir. They're both. We're we became eligible for this because we started medication-assisted therapy MAT services in the >> Okay. Yeah. Okay.
And just for clarification, Chief, the one that comes directly from L F and the other one that come directly to the county. Yes, ma'am. Okay. Okay. Any other questions for the core funding? I can Go on. Any further questions on the board? Okay.
Next one. Back to medical office department number 26. This is for our medical direction for Dr. Odom. Uh any any changes you see here in employee benefits are all due to the changes in the health insurance costs. Chief Carter, what number is that? Is
that 26? Number 26. Okay. Any other questions on um department number 26 on the board? No. No. 54 Department 54 54 And this our main fire rescue budget,
which as you'll see does include the paramedic, fire marshal, and core funding as well in our total overall budget. The main change here is again the employee benefits due to the increased budget and uh and health benefits.
Salaries changed $7,000. Our operational costs changed around 44,000. If you'll go to ops cost, Amanda, please, I can explain. What those are um for other consultant costs, that's what we contract with the Wachua County to do our medical billing. And so there's
automatic 2% increase uh per the contract, and so we'll made an adjustment there as well. Service maintenance agreements, this is for our stretchers, cardiac monitors, uh stair chairs, any kind of medical equipment that we have, any sort of maintenance uh service agreements with.
Communications are all of our devices as far as telephones, um the uh routers for transmitting EKGs to the hospital. So each one of our cardiac monitors has a a router transmitter on the back of it uh that allows it to
send, just like cell service, to uh to the hospitals from the cardiac monitors themselves. Our utility service, we're adding the station in Brocker. We budgeted that at $500 a month. Um and so that would be it 6,000 there. Um
we have operating supplies increase in cost for operating supplies, 10,000 additional there. Or I'm sorry, that was for EMT medical supplies cost. Our operating supplies are again things that we use for paper towels, uh toilet paper, anything like that is
what comes out of our our operating supplies GL. Um increase in physical costs, you'll see our annual physical firefighter physicals have to be um the NFPA physicals. We do 50% of the department every single year. So, we're
going up on costs in that as well. And then, our personnel training, we're adding some additional training dollars in there for our increased personnel that we're adding to the town budget. And if you go back to summary page, that's essentially the changes within our budget for the fire rescue
department overall. Any questions on um 54? Um Chief Carraway, so on line item 31400, that's the 2% increase from Port Wentworth County building process?
Yes, ma'am. And this does factor in a 2% increase for all of our employees that's contractually obligated to the CPA. Chief Carraway, what are we writing off each year, roughly? So, we collect with Lots of You mean?
Yes. So, we collect around 80% of of what we bill. Um which is a pretty high collection rate. >> it is, roughly what a year worth? I'd have to look at the number. I don't have that readily available right here in front of me. Uh but I have to look at that number of exactly what we write off. Now, when you see on your agenda
packet, sometimes you'll see write off Right. on there. That doesn't mean that we're just writing that off the books. All that means is that we're sending that to collections for further uh collection activity. So, that doesn't mean we're we're writing it off and not trying to collect on it anymore. Yes, sir. Uh but I can get you a number on that.
I'll have it right here with you. >> I mean, at your time, get Yes, sir. a number on that. Just the average of 4 years. Sure. And and Chief, I I think it around a quarter of a million uncollected debt that went to the collections department
if that helps any. Yeah, do it over a 5-year period. Okay. Absolutely. I'll get back with you on that. Thank you. Any further question on 54? 55 Department 55 is the community paramedic. This is the non-qualified
This is David Weeks' program here. Um, there is a slight decrease in that one as well from last year from the amount that's going to be allocated from the state. So, you have a slight decrease in that. Um, again, you'll see the increase in salary benefits there as well.
Uh, but outside of that, we've decreased the the spending for what's been allocated for that that program. Any questions on the board on 55? 54 62 Okay. All right. I believe this is last but not least. Department number 62 is
the fire marshal's budget. Uh, we have no change to the fire marshal budget outside of the contractually obligated salary increase as well as the uh, increase in benefits.
Any questions on 62? No. No. >> [snorts] >> That should be it for me, right? Okay. Thank you, Chief. Okay. Thank you. Thank you. We'll have um public works and Mr. Cunningham will present that. Yes, ma'am. Thank you,
Madam Chair. So, excuse [clears throat] me, department nine is what you're looking at. Uh Amanda will be sworn. Okay. On the summary page, you'll see that the current [clears throat] request is um
$893,425, which is up from last year. We'll dig into the to the uh supporting documents to show what what caused that increase. Um mainly employee benefits and salaries and also operational costs have gone up
considerably. Most of the Most of the increases that you'll see will be related to fuel costs and not only fuel costs, but also any petroleum-related items such as tires, asphalt, and all that sort of thing. So,
that is the bulk of the increase that you'll see throughout the the uh public works budget. Yes, and and also bear in mind that this this increase includes all departments county-wide. Sheriff's office, property appraiser,
public works, fire rescue, all of the All of that is contained in the single budget. Okay. >> [clears throat] >> Then on page uh the last page of the the packet there is um Jason is requesting a tire machine and
also a balancer and a also fleet service truck for a total request of $30,000. This is something. >> Any question? So, he does need Rod's truck, then. Well, I don't Rod's not here. Rod's not here. Rod left. And
but no, I don't If he could If he could transform that thing into a service vehicle, I'm sure he would. All right. Uh next will be department 19. This is the maintenance budget.
And it has stayed pretty close to the same. Um $70,000 increase. And once again, the um $25,000 of that increase is R&M equipment building fund.
And then everything else is pretty much stayed the same. I guess I'm not seeing it. Yeah. Yeah. And once again, what One thing to bear in mind is that the increases from the major building repairs and the new equipment costs is also county-wide.
Okay. All right. All right. Moving [clears throat] to department 29. This is the road department. Um 3.7 million last year, 4.1 million this year. Once again, if you look at the operational costs
on [clears throat] page two, all of the increases are related to petroleum, the the price of petroleum and petroleum-related products. And And once again, same Same goes. This is for all departments. All
All constitutionals and everything. And then [clears throat] on the next page, we have one capital item, a new dump truck at $225,000. And that will be reflected on the CIP. >> [snorts] >> Any questions, Madam Chair? Any questions from the board on
public works? All right. Next up is the uh discussion for the cost of living adjustment. Uh we did our research, and we have um we have uh consulted the CPIU, the consumer price index uniform scale,
um for cost of living, and for the 12 months from April 2025 ending in April 2026, it was a 3.8% cost of living uh adjustment. And then the Social Security income cost of living adjustment for the
the calendar year 2025 was 2.8%. So, directly below on that sheet, you see that you have uh three amounts in front of you that shows a 3% COLA, 4% COLA, and 5% COLA. So, um
at this time, it would be appropriate to discuss uh whether or not you want to give a COLA or increase or decrease those amounts, whatever whatever the board would would see fit. And we did calculate the total impact. This is not just salaries. This is the
total impact including health benefits and everything that that would be associated with a raise. So, we know at this point what the health benefit cost is going to be? I thought we It's so 9.5% increase from last year.
>> [snorts] [snorts] >> Well, um like to hear your thoughts, thoughts, but I know this is it's a lean budget year, um or also or I guess the questionable one of how the whole budget is going to look.
Um we won't really know that until after July. Um but So, that's the question in my mind and as to whether we you know, can afford to do the increase. I don't know how the other members feel.
Yeah, there's no I mean, they're still kicking it around in Tallahassee right now. They haven't made up their mind what they're doing, so Yeah, we don't even know what's going to happen here yet. Yeah. So, it's kind of hard to make that >> us in a tough position. Yeah. For sure.
Yeah, if I was that one question is that they Yeah. So, because it's an unknown, I think that's the decision that we'll have to make a little bit later than now. Um but it's certainly we need to discuss it. Sure. So,
I would ask the clerk what would be the the latest if they if they come back and decide to to to give a call up, what would be the the latest that you would need that information? By the end of budget August, but I mean it could has to be advertised.
The month before fiscal year begins. I believe that's correct, 30 days. The 30 days prior Right. Which [clears throat] would which would be The end of August. The end of August. So by the end of July then we would better know. And by that time we should
hopefully know. This is one of the earliest years that we've ever come in here and really got to talking about this stuff this early and I'm glad everybody sat this year to I mean and get the weeds in this early. Yeah. Ideally you you want to provide an
increase, you know, to our staff. People who work hard, they deserve that. But when you have an uncertain budget, you don't want to make that commission commitment early and not be able to do that. And especially when we are trying to um look critically at our budget and
and trim some things down. And Madam Chair, just for whatever it will help commission, just remember that at least any of the proposals that I mean the ones that have passed through the Florida House um were not taken up by the Senate. The governor's already indicated that he
intends to call special session following the budget, which is supposed to end next week. But in any one of the proposals, all of the 27 fiscally concerned counties were going to be reimbursed for any ad valorem tax loss by the state. So that should buffer um
any sort of concern that you would have in in kind of how you move forward with your current budget. But But Mr. Commander, has that that that hasn't really been decided yet though, right? I mean they have till Tuesday, is that correct? It is. So, they're going to pass the budget next week.
Um but separate from passing the budget, the governor's already indicated that he's going to call them back for another special session um in order to address tax reform. Um Commissioner Fonso. Yeah, that's my question. Okay. Any other comments or thoughts from
others? So, I would I would just add that you do have time, right? You got until the end of July, as indicated by the court. So, maybe we can see the see how things go in Tallahassee over the next few weeks
and have a tentative plan of putting this back on the agenda at the um second meeting in July. Does that sound reasonable? That's reasonable. Commissioner Andrews, you have I agree. Now, I was just looking to see if our meeting would be July 16th.
>> [clears throat] >> And that'll give the clerk and y'all time to by then. That gives time to give departments what numbers they need to have final through cola and insurance and those type of things. Fuel.
Hopefully fuel will be back down. Okay. All right, we'll move on to the next item, which is the capital improvement plan. There's already been quite a bit of discussion on this. Um I'm not sure what
changes have been made. Let me see. Yes, the new roads that you approved at the last meeting for resources are now in the capital improvement plan. And the three Yes, and the three chips and the roads are being moved to the 20
2020 26 27 budget. Yep, and then the Cypress Run Boulevard, we got the new estimate for construction, 1. nearly 1.3 million. Yes, and we were able to get just in the last day or two get an updated estimate
on the replacement of roof here on courthouse, which is 450,000. Um Those are Those are the only changes in the CIP from the last time you saw it. Okay. And I know we haven't had a chance to and to meet with with the DOT, but one
of the the other couple of streets that I asked uh to be considered is I know that once um 177 is being resurfaced, but as they're doing 177, the three-sided
roads that are less than a I guess less than a quarter of a mile while they're doing and tearing up the road, to have those done during the same time that they do 177. They're They're the little short roads um that run
I guess perpendicular to the Those are chip seal roads. Mhm. Mhm. They're not long streets. They're um short um roads that are now have the milling, but um once they do 177, that those be
included just a chip sealing. Yeah, we did include it. They're not on there. Um Madam Chair, are you suggesting this is in addition to what we just approved? Yeah, but we the main thing. Yeah, I I I mean if we're working on 177th, that's
that was one of the projects, but adding three different projects, um I don't think that that's appropriate right now. Well, those were three that were [clears throat] to be a part of that project. And >> Part of the project is it should have already been approved.
>> Yeah. Well, but but what I'm saying, Commissioner Dorough, they're not on here and they're not on that list. Just like we thought that 177th was, but it's not. It wasn't until we put it back put it back. So, those were to be done at the same time. That's what I That's what I'm saying. And they're not long
mile-long roads. They're short roads. So, when they're tearing it up, just do it all at one time. >> They were never voted agreed on. So, them three roads has got to wait till we get all of these done. That's 177th. Yeah, I understand. Mhm.
Um but that was the discussion um that we were to have um with Mr. with Mr. Daughs. Well, in all fairness, I think we should wait and have that discussion with Mr. Daughs. >> Yeah, because I I know he hasn't gotten any cost Mhm. estimates or anything done
any work on on any of those because we know He put together this package right here. The roads that was got to be done. Those three ain't on there. Um [clears throat] uh and the other one was um where they're doing 173rd,
the dump road, I call it the dump road, was 19th Avenue. It's the other little side road that runs um along there. 19th is a paved road, right? It's not 19th Avenue. It's not paved. It's
>> It's the one that washes out every storm. It's on the left as you go down 177th. Oh, no, not the one that cuts back to 16. Mhm. This This is the side road on on 173rd as you go as you traveling east
on it. I'd say we get what he's got wrote down and then we'll get the rest of them. Mhm. Maybe when Mr. Dodds is back next week and have a further discussion with him, but those those um ones I would like to see added to our
capital improvement. Okay. So, or is it my understanding that you want us to amend the CIP and bring it back before you at a later date? What is this? All of this here? My suggestion would be to wait on Mr.
Dodds and then we can amend it after we have a discussion with Mr. Dodds if it needs to be amended. I think that's what he was saying. Yeah, that's what I was saying. Madam Chair, I apologize. So, I think what will be the best procedure going forward because we have not adopted this CIP, so it
can't it it doesn't have to be amended. It's not final yet. If you would like to have further discussions with Mr. Dodds regarding the additional roads at the next regular board meeting on the June 2nd. Mhm. I think we could if you
guys approve to put them on, we will add them to the CIP at that time and bring it back at the 2nd June meeting for final approval. Okay, that sounds reasonable. Yeah. We're good. Can I say something? I mean, why wait because every
commissioner that's sitting up here has got roads that love to be put on. You know what I mean? So. Well, it sounds like there's just a misunderstanding that the 177 what Ms. Bonner is saying is that those were to
be included in the 177 project. Yes. As far as the completion. But again, without Mr. Dodds being here and clarifying that, I you know, that again, I think this just warrants a discussion with Mr. Dodds
before we move forward anything. Yes, sir. So, 177th Road is a resurfacing. We can't include it with three separate roads cuz those are chip sealed. They're completely separate approvals. We'll have to get those approved for you specifically. We'll get the estimates and bring that back at a future meeting.
And if you guys do approve them at that time, we'll add it to the CIP, which will come back at a later time. Right. It would be a It would be a separate project. It would would not be something that could be rolled into the 177. So, if it's not part of 177, then I I agree with Commissioner Thompson and we I
think the the board agrees that that it's not part of it, then we just move forward. We don't add any more to the list that we already had. I mean, we already done went through this one time. So, you know, and we all agreed on that, but so, those three roads weren't on there.
We'll have a discussion with Mr. Dodds next week. >> That's right. Okay. Thank you. I want to go back to something else. Back to the uh cost of living adjustment. And I hate to go out of line here. We sat and we listened to all the
departments and some of the departments had raises that were in their budgets. Are those raises merit-based merit-based raises or where are we coming up with those numbers? The salary increases. Yeah, no, the only
salary increases in any of the budgets are fire rescue. And that's because >> was through the governed by the CBA. >> Right. But there are no salary increases anywhere else in the county. Okay. Cuz I know with the COLA increase, even at
3% and again, you know, however each department, you know, factors in any kind of merit-based raise. And, you know, I don't know how that works in each department um you know, throughout the year. So, I'm just curious about that. I know at
the landfill, we just had a discussion about that, and there was a 3% cola increase, and then there was also a 2%, but not everybody was eligible for the 2% because it was merit-based. So, at least everybody got 3%, and then some may end up with 5% again based on
merit-based raise. So, I guess my question is then with a 3% cola increase or 4% or 5%, is there still the ability from each department to give merit-based raises? No, the short answer is no, sir.
>> Okay. Okay. We can move on. Thank you. Okay. What is it? Okay. All right, next on the agenda is the uh community organizations. Uh you recall last meeting the um the
various organizations came forward and made their requests. So, now is the time to go through the list and determine what what agencies you want to fund and at what level. Okay. I think you know, most of the
agencies um requests were the same as last year. I'm just a few that had slight increase in their budget requests. Um with the exception being know, the the
new one uh for the Skillman's post, is one that you is brand new to us. Um I I would um With the exception of that one, I would I would support the request that they've
made. It's not a significant increase that um is being asked from the agencies that asked for it. But I think that we have to um um think on the other the new one.
Board, I would suggest that we just keep the request at what they were last year. Without any increases. Um That would be my thinking. That would be my my consensus as well. Um and Skillman's place, I'd just like
to say that the program that the young man brought, it sounds wonderful, but um I think that we need to wait until it's established and um up and running and then hopefully um he'll come back and and let us re-evaluate, but um
I agree. I I think that we approve it at the same amount as we did last year. Uh Maybe um there are some other um agencies that um for the Skill the Skillsman's post, um
the uh Pam Widow has spoken at last I guess the last meeting. There's some funding through the um What is it called? Florida of the Florida um program that could possibly uh apply to uh for funding.
Uh I know you're needing some start-up funding, but that would be a suggestion. And then um after you've been able to build up some history with in the community, then you know, you can also bring back to the the board for your your request.
And also to go ahead and apply for your uh 5013C status, and that would help with other funding. And Madam Chair, if I may point out to you the original Florida Tourism Task Force item um it's staff's recommendation that we
no longer fund that agency. Um we were under no state um requirement to fund, and we just don't see the we we've not seen the benefit of of funding that in the past few years. And
Yeah. That agency allows us to do free advertising, and also for for well, for some of our agencies if they're under 1.5 million, like that could help our agriculture department, that could help the
different nonprofits in the community [clears throat] as well. So, how many of these are asking for more this year? It's just a few. The only one Acorn's clinic, and they provide an array of services
um to the community. Um Meridian. Meridian is just a thousand um about a thousand dollars more. Um Senior Citizens was about Oh, where are they? a few thousand
2,500 more, and Tourism is 1,000 more. And that was it. I mean, I'm going to make a suggestion we keep them as they was last year. Every dollar counts. >> [snorts]
>> So, that's my opinion. Mhm. That was what everybody agreed with. All the other subjects you discussed are What Amber Sheppard, she's not using the task force? No, sir. Okay, then. Yeah. And I talked I talked with a board member today at lunch and she indicated that
that there's she does she's actually When I say board member, one of their board members and she doesn't see the benefit of the county paying that money either. Okay. Are you ready for a motion? Um Not yet. Not yet. Not yet. We don't have
This one we don't need a motion but we want to get our our consensus on that. Just all I need is direction. >> Right. So, we would I'm understanding I'm sorry. Oh, wait a minute. Wait a minute. So, this it will be on the agenda coming up at 6:30 Well, at the regular meeting
following this meeting. So, we'll save the motion for that. Okay. But, as I understand it for the record, you would like to continue to fund at last year's level all the organizations that have requested except for the original Florida Tourism Task Force, which you
choose to eliminate. Yes. Yes, ma'am. All right, I'm going to let Amanda handle the service agreements contracts since she's been working so hard on this for the last year. Madam Chair, Board, in front of you on
this sheet right here, I have listed the service agreements and their annual costs. These are only the agreements that the board has that have a cost specific to the agreement and not things like engineering firms that may be specific project costs down the line.
So, this was a request of a board member to present this to you. We do have a group that has been working for about 6-8 months now that has gone through these all these contracts and agreements and several of these have been updated,
services have been bid out and there are plans for others to be bid out. We've been working with the clerk's office as well to establish a calendar for when these agreements coming up and then we'll need to be bid out for services in
the future so that we can keep a good control on how much we are spending on these agreements. We have been able to reduce our annual costs about 200,000 through the agreements that we have worked on this past several months. So, just this is for your review. If you
have any questions about the specific items, I have all of the agreements we can discuss them with you. Okay. Wait. I would just say would like to say how much I appreciate you are going through this to so that we could see, you know,
what we're spending, are there things that we can do without or reduce and I really appreciate getting the information. Any questions from the board from this list? Okay. All right. Thank you very much. That would That would conclude the
budget meeting and Madam Chair, I would request a 10-minute break between meetings. The budget meeting is now um adjourned and we will reconvene in about 5 more minutes. >> Mhm. >> Mhm. >> Mhm.
>> Mhm. >> I'm calling our Board of County Commissioner meeting to order June uh, May 21st, 2026 kind of commissioner meeting. Thank you. If you all would stand again with me have our invocation and pledge of
allegiance. I'm sorry. You just please, I'm going to keep the I'm going to include it in the prayer. Okay. Thank you. Lord, we lift you up today and we thank you for your grace, mercy, and love. We pray, Father, for our commissioner, this
board, the men and women entrusted with the responsibility of guiding our community. Grant us a portion of your wisdom and the courage to make decisions that honor you and provide fair and just services to our community. Please help us to always show compassion and to
serve every resident with fairness and humility. May we lead not by personal gain, but for the good of all, seeking unity over division and service over self-interest. We pray for every corner of our community, for our families, for the
schools, for our businesses, for ordinary citizens, our first responders and farmers, law enforcement. We pray for everyone, dear Lord. And help us to keep Effingham County a safe place. Protect our children, Lord,
as school is about to close for the summer. Strengthen our homes and inspire us to look out for one another as neighbors and friends. Lord, in these times of challenge, remind us that we are stronger together. In times of blessing,
keep us humble and thankful. Lord, we ask a special blessing and comfort upon the family who have lost loved ones. We pray for our road department head, Jason Hodges, for the loss of his dear mother on Mother's Day. And for the Melvin and
the Moxley family for the loss of school board member Lynn Moxley Melvin. Heavenly Father, as we approach Memorial Day, we ask a special blessing upon the families of those who have made that ultimate sacrifice for our freedom.
Lord, may your peace rest upon our country. May your light guide our path forward. And we ask all of this in your name. Amen. Amen. I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to
the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. Thank you. Um At this time, before we um take on um any of the public comments, we're asking um the
board um to walk on one agenda item, and Mr. Carnaghi will explain to you, uh but there's one item from our P&C that we need to add to the agenda.
Yes, we just when it comes time on the agenda, we just need to um approve the uh the invoice for Which one? 31 Uh it's two pages. $31,646.31. Immediately following the consent
agenda, Madam Chair. Um The board, do you consider that? And you're okay with adding that on? So, these funds couldn't be paid through TDC legally? No. That's correct. So, they'll come out of
the public works, and then we'll transfer the money from the TDC over to the fairgrounds. All right. Um Our attorney, do we need a a motion for adding this to the agenda. I'll ask for a motion for for the added
item to the agenda. Move to approve the item. Second. Okay. Motion by Commissioner Commissioner Norton, second by Commissioner Rooney. Um any other further question? I just want to clarify when I said move to approve, I meant
move to approve it to discuss it later. Yes, absolutely. Yeah. Big drop off will be there. Okay. So, that's clarified. We have a motion and a second. Any further question or discussion? Now, we'll add this item to the agenda. All in favor, sign I.
Any opposed? Five votes. Now, we're going to move to our public comments. We have uh Ms. Maria here. Hi, I'm Maria Gear. I live at 17245
Bradford Avenue, Brooker, Florida. Um and I am in District 13. Uh I didn't write anything today because I just want to personally thank you for doing a
good job not the last meeting, but the meeting last month. I'd like to thank uh Ms. Andrews for recognizing that the Douglas building is very bad location and that ICE is not
uh doing all they can to be uh humane humane and um I'm glad that you have uh opened up your heart to uh look at other options. I'd like to thank
Mr. Thompson for not rushing into a possibly very bad choice. I thank you for that. I thank you, Carolyn Spooner, for being
a strong, caring, calm >> [clears throat] >> chair, and I can see why you are the chair. Excuse me. I'd like to thank Mr. Rodrick Riddick, I'm sorry, uh for reminding
people that they gave their word to, uh you know, do, you know, to, uh do the options, you know, to look at all the options. And I like to thank Chris Daughtry for
kind of showing your true colors. Um you were a bit of a bully to Carolyn Spooner. You want to sit down now? No, I don't, Mr. Daughtry. Yes, yeah. We We going to direct the comments to the board in general, but not individual. So, but go ahead and make
your comments, but just make it to the board. Well, I just want, you know, to for somebody looking, um at you all, you know, we decide who to vote, who not to vote by your actions
and what you bring to the table, cuz we're voting for you to do what's the best for our uh community. And um we will be, you know, even though there's only a few people in this room, we will be keeping an eye on, you know,
what is being done to our community. That's all I have to say. Thank you. Thank you. >> Thank you. Miss Kate Ellison. >> Kate Ellison, 971 Southeast 32nd Way, Melrose, Florida, Bradford County. As you consider the budget during these
difficult times, looking at all sources of revenue is so important, even though these sources are limited. The cost of everything has gone up so dramatically, it's hard to even wrap our minds around what constitutes smart spending.
Um it's especially important in these times to plan ahead and plan wisely. Rural counties like ours rely on property taxes for most of their income. It's never a good time to threaten income sources, but during inflationary
times, it's especially threatening to think of losing any property tax income. I'm glad to contribute my homestead taxes to the collective coffers. It means I have a stake in what happens here. I know all the community organizations and the department heads are trying to
control their costs just as you are. Uh yet they must find ways to pay their bills even though costs of petroleum, especially, are higher than ever. Their budgets count [clears throat] on adequate support for [snorts] the work they do,
which is essential to the life of the county. Renting out county properties is one small way to expand the revenue side of our equation. Long-term income from these resources is something we should be able to count on. For the Douglas
building, a long-term lease that includes the ability to clean up the brownfield around it is a great place to start. If you are hesitant for some reason to accept the commercial industrial expansion already offered by a local company, maybe there is another
choice. The most equitable method would be to call for proposals. Maybe there's an even better option out there somewhere. Our county is growing and that means more companies and individuals will be looking at us. It is your job to provide
guidance that shapes our future the way we would like it, not something haphazard or unplanned. >> [clears throat] >> The north and south gateways to Stark should be developed in a way that draws people in. I'm glad you're taking the time you need
to think through the steps that we will take next. Thank you. Thank you. Um next by Wanda Strong. Good evening. Each Each month we have a meeting and we talk about saving the county
money and we look over the budget and it's amazing how we talk about savings and we go through the motions and we think about
we're going to save here, we're we're going to save there but we never really save any type of funds. We looked at saving dollars in
the scheme of things but are we really going to save any money? Is there Is there really going to be a savings? We have the means but where was the sheriff's office?
Where Where was our Sheriff? In any of these presentations that we've had? We didn't see the Sheriff. We We don't know whether or not his budget is going to come in. So, we don't know if we're really going
to save any money. That department didn't provide us any numbers. Also, we looked at what's going on at the library. They've had the damage,
but we really didn't talk about what's really happening in the ceiling. If the damage has been going on, there's probably black black mold that's there. Black mold is
far more costly in the long run. We have the employee cost that has been there for the long run. And we have the people cost that go to the library every day. That's a cost
that that nobody knows. You have somebody that sits there every day that could possibly be breathing mold spores. We should have had this fixed a long time ago. A long, long time ago.
If we had the money, and we did have the money. So, are we really saving dollars? Are we really? Probably not. Thank you. Um next we'll have Bo Hastings.
Good evening, County Commissioners. I wasn't going to speak, but I came up and asked Mr. Riddick and Mr. Daughtry a question about this ice facility cuz people may not be aware, if you look at the last minute meetings that were putting out the minutes, uh they spoke,
Mr. Shaw, about subletting that building, not OMI being in that building doing their product, but subleasing that building. Of course, I didn't hear that in the meeting when Mr. Shaw was here, so I figure it's just something they'll
sneak in on us later on, kind of like they did with the subletting or leasing it to the sheriff for $1,000 a year. As far as these budgets, yeah, they're not going to cut no money off of us. They're just going to keep spending, spending, spending, and increasing, increasing,
and increasing. And I can tell you this, my income does not go up like that. It's not merit-based. It's not 3% every year. It's maybe 20 bucks a month, but then your increases go way up, and we're told to skip a meal. And that kind of ain't
right. You know, it's just like funding Meridian. Why do the taxpayers have to fund it? Is the city giving any money to Meridian? Isn't it in the city limits? Isn't that Milner guy on the board of directors there, too, like the city council? Is the city giving any money to
Meridian? I mean, I think the program that uh that Skillman's post put out would help our community and help the children better than Meridian here in town because when you go in there, there's nobody there. I mean, y'all just really need to think about this instead of just spending money,
spending money, spending money. We need a decrease. You need to have these budgets tell every department to cut 5%. Make it easier on the taxpayer. It's not easy on us. We are struggling. Our costs go up, but your costs go down cuz you don't have to pay for nothing. We pay
for your gas, we pay for your travel, we pay for your oil changes, we pay 100% of your insurance, which is now going up what, 5% you said? Plus the $3,000 co-pays that we give the employees, which I know I think there's about 120
Rutherford County employees according to what you spent on fair tickets. There's only 250 that we're paying that 3.7 million in insurance costs and 72,000 in co-pays. So, then I guess what, there's like 100 and something people that
aren't getting insurance that we're paying for. I guess those are the low-toting people that you just really don't care about. They're kind of like me. But, I'm telling you the taxpayers are fed up with your spending and we're coming for you. And after this election, the other three districts, get ready cuz
we're going to recall you if you keep spending like this. We're tired of it and we're fed up. Thank you. Um, I next we move on to our Did I miss anybody's um call? Thank you.
Uh, we're moving to the approval for the consent agenda. I'll ask for motion for approval. Yeah, I'll make a motion to approve the consent agenda. Motion by Commissioner Doughtie to approve the consent agenda. Is there a second to the motion?
>> Seconded by Commissioner Thompson. Any further question or discussion? Madam Chair, if I could just I'm going to point out that in the consent agenda that we do have the burn ban still in effect. So, just so everybody knows it's still in effect. >> Okay. Any further
question or discussion? If not, all by a sign aye. Any opposed? Five vote. And um, Mr. Corrigan, you wanted this item added out of the consent agenda. Yes, ma'am. We just need approval to pay the invoice uh to Harold Starling in the
amount of $31,046.31 for the replacement of all the doors at the Charlie Johnson Center. I'll make a motion to approve the invoice as discussed by Mr. Portegay. Second. Motion by Commissioner Dority and second by Commissioner Thompson. Any further
discussion on this issue? Questions? All in favor, sign in. Aye. Aye. Any opposed? Thank you, Madam Chair. Um next is a proclamation declaring May 17th through the 23rd for Emergency
Medical Services Week, uh EMS Week. Okay. Um the proclamation reads, "To designate the week of May 17th through 23rd, 2026 as Emergency Medical Services Week. Whereas, Emergency Medical Services is a
vital public service and whereas, the members of the Emergency Medical Services team are ready to provide life-saving care to those in need 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. And whereas, access to quality emergency care dramatically improves the survival and
recovery rate for those who experience sudden illness or injury. And whereas, Emergency Medical Services fills health care gaps by providing important out-of-hospital care, including preventative medicine, follow-up care,
and access to telemedicine. And whereas, the Emergency Medical Services system consists of first responders, emergency medical technicians, paramedics, emergency medical dispatchers, Our police officers, educators,
administrators, free hospital nurses, emergency nurses, emergency physicians, trained members of the public, and other out-of-hospital medical care providers. And whereas the members of the emergency medical services team, whether career or
volunteer, engage in thousands of hours of specialized training and continuing education to enhance their life-saving skills. And whereas it is appropriate to recognize the value and the accomplishments of emergency medical services providers by designating the
emergency medical services week. Now, therefore, the graphic comic board of county commissioners, in recognition of this event, do hereby declare the week of May 17th through 23rd, 2026, as emergency medical services week,
the 52nd anniversary of EMS Week theme is EMS Week: Improving Outcomes Together. I encourage the community to observe this week with appropriate programs, ceremonies, and activities in honor of the EMS
profession and the essential services it provides. Um, hearing the proclamation, is there a motion for approval? >> Motion to approve the proclamation as read. Second. Motion by Commissioner Daughtry, second by Commissioner Commissioner Andrews. Is there any further question or discussion on the
proclamation? If not, all in favor sign I. >> I. >> Any opposed? I vote. Thank you. Okay. And um, next we'll have the presentation coming on the CPTA grant strategic
planning presentation. >> Madam Chair, I'm the Ashley Adam Adam 5. >> Oh, I tried to skip you. >> [laughter] >> My apologies. It wasn't intentional, it's just these eyes. Thank you. And Madam Chair, thank you for that
proclamation board. Appreciate the support, for sure. What you see before you is to replace a I think I hit the button up here, man. I'm sorry. Um is to replace the Hilburn Springs volunteer fire apparatus.
It was a 2013. It's we've had multiple expensive expensive repairs on that apparatus. I don't enjoy bringing items of this cost before you. Uh however, I feel it is my responsibility as your fire chief to let you know uh the condition that our fleet's in. We've been very fortunate with our
appropriations uh that we've received two brand new fire trucks over the past year uh to replace a a much of our outdated fleet. Uh outside you'll actually see the new town of Brooker fire engine is parked out there for display for after the meeting here. Um
and so with this uh replacement here is an identical truck to the Brooker apparatus. And the big item here is that it's it's here. It's ready for delivery. Whereas if I were to order one today, if we had the funding, you know, to order
one and and put it in the next budget, and order it today it's 16 months of build time. To put this in the perspective, Friday afternoon last Friday uh we had a a seizure call that we were dispatched to. That engine was the closest unit. They went en route to it and they broke down
on the side of the road. Uh we spent over 70 75,000 dollars worth of repairs to this apparatus uh over the past year or two. And so to me I think we have a a unique opportunity. I have this amount in my
budget if we use contingency funds. Uh you know, we do have the the funding there. However, we also have the ability uh possibly to offset the cost even more due to the fact that we have the core funding from the state that they may allow us to uh to offset some of the
cost there. We don't have an answer as to yet. It's been It's been approved by LSF. It just has to go to DCF for final approval from DCF. And then Matheny also may be willing to trade and take this uh the Hilburn Springs truck in on trade as well. Uh so again, those would be things to
offset the cost. However, if there's no offset at all, it is within my budget if if you allow me to use the contingency fund as well. So so to you, um it is my desire for our fire rescue to have whatever they need to do their job
and they do it well. My question is as because it's a sizable amount uh over half a million dollars, is there any way possible um to utilize the new truck that we have and until you get
yours um so that you can still provide the service and then the additional fund that will be later can purchase that so that the expenditure doesn't have to occur now. Um Well, I think one of the things is
we're in a unique opportunity where the the funding is there within the budget to be able to do that to make that expenditure. However, [clears throat] the Brooker truck that's outside is actually owned by the town of Brooker for now. Now, that will be signed over to the county eventually, but I would imagine they would like to see us moving into that fire station before we
actually take ownership of that apparatus. But again, I have have not I'm not speaking on behalf of Brooker. I would just Yeah. I could understand that certainly. Yeah, but that that was my what my I guess my concern because when we're looking at the lean lean budget and I know you you
mentioned about the co-co-co um or funding coming not yet approved um and we're trying to be as conservative as we can. Um I I was just and I feel like the town of
Brooker would understand um that use because it will be replaced with a a new vehicle, too. Sure. And it'll be a while before the building is actually there. Well, and and even if I said if we pass up this opportunity, [clears throat] it'll be 16 months before we were able
to purchase a new one or even, you know, if we ordered it today, 16 months down the road to order a new one. Um and so that's where, you know, I think this is a an opportunity we have that's the fire truck this year, which is which is unheard of to be able to buy a fire truck off the off the lot right now.
Most build times are are you know, it's almost 2 years. Um but again, that's uh that's where we stand with our with our fleet. And that would wipe out your contingency budget. It would. Uh we do have uh we do have a significant amount of
um unbudgeted revenue that has come in and so there would be there would be that to act as a an additional uh buffer where I would not be at risk of of going over budget, if that would make sense. Um Um those those are the concerns that I had and I don't know if anyone else has
any concern, but Um >> [clears throat] >> one concern that I do have as far as Brooker is concerned, is if we take that and depend on that that truck, then when Brooker does get complete, then we're going to have to order another truck, which will be 16 months out, which will
leave Brooker without a vehicle. Um also um like you said, you said that um that they may buy the truck that you have, right? Yes, ma'am. They're hold they're holding it as a favor uh currently and so I'm sure they could have it sold by the end of next week,
probably, if we did if we did turn it down. Yeah. Um and [snorts] and the one thing that that comes to my mind is um just never having a situation where we can't respond. Um Thank God that [clears throat] was a
seizure and not a heart attack or or something that I mean um but if it's >> [clears throat] >> if if it's in contingency and if the grant or the the funding is coming, um then I I feel like we should we should
go ahead and do that. >> Well, let me be let me be clear. There's no guarantee that that funding is coming. Um and so, I want to be clear on that. If However, that funding will go back to the state if we don't utilize it before June 30th. So, that's an additional opportunity that we have that if they do approve that funding, it won't be there
for may not be there for next year. Um they when it goes back to the state, they have the opportunity to redistribute that out to to anyone who applies for that funding. And how much did you is that funding I know you told me up front. The core funding is 158,000. Yes, sir. And then there was one other
thing you was And then the the other piece of that would be um the trade-in amount. And they haven't given me an exact trade-in amount because the gentleman who was supposed to come do the the trade-in evaluation got sick, so he wasn't able to come out and give us that amount. But, um I would
estimate around $100,000 we could get for trade-in as well. And that truck's 23 years old, correct? 13 13 years old. Huh? 13 years old. It's 2013. So, you're hoping for about 260,000 less than off the
560. Yes, sir. And [clears throat] again, I I don't enjoy bringing these requests before you, but I feel like it's my my duty to do that um to take care of the people in this community for the land responses to calls you deserve to know about them.
Chief, wasn't there another small piece of revenue the MCO? The MCO funding is is what we have used to uh we put in that into our uh new equipment over 5,000. So, the MCO funding, which is the Medicaid
reimbursement where we pay in and then they pay us a certain amount back. Uh so, a big portion of our new equipment over 5,000 budget is made up of that MCO revenue. And [snorts] we'd use that source to purchase another vehicle, right? >> An ambulance, yes, ma'am. And and um
Maros. Do we have any thoughts, questions, the board? I have a thought with You might not like this, but I think somewhere there was a board that decided that they were going to pass on that fire truck, and now it's available, and I personally think it's something
that we should pass on, too. Now, we have two new fire trucks. We have the city that responds as well. I know there was an incident. Uh, you mentioned the seizure, but yeah, I think we have uh, our paramedic team, and we have other
senior staff, you know, that can respond as well. Um, and yeah, again, I think that uh, somewhere across the state, somebody decided that it wasn't a good decision for them, and um, I right now don't think it's a good
decision for us, based on just again, a lot of unknowns. So, and a lot of unknowns on your end, too. There was a lot of maybes. You know, they may do this, and they may do that, and you know, we don't know, so. That's my position on it. Any other thoughts?
Um, so, this um, what is calling for actually the the motion to do it or or not? I'll I'll I'll make the motion that that we go forward with purchasing the the Maros truck. I have a motion by Commissioner Andrews. Second. Second to
the motion by Commissioner Ready. Any further questions and discussion? Um, just my my position as I've I've stated, I think in a lean budget that what that we have a vehicle, use what we have until we can afford to to do
otherwise. Um All in favor, sign I. I. I. And then all opposed? Nay. Nay. A three nays and two four. Okay. Um next is the um
I skipped you. So, this is your turn now to come and present a CPTA. TIA, could you explain the presentation? Okay. Good evening, commissioners. I'm Laura Dietrich. I'm a senior planner project manager with Haf Associates. We
are your on-call land planners, civil engineers, water resource, landscape architects, permitting, and all kinds of different uh available services at your disposal when you do need those.
Um this presentation this evening is with regards to a grant that I wrote last year in May and June. It is a community planning technical advisory grant. So, that's what the CPTA stands for. These are state grants. There are
usually two 300 people in the state, different cities and counties that compete for these. Last year, they only picked 26. So, it is very competitive. It's very difficult. The maximum amount of $75,000 based on the scope of the grant and what
we're looking to do every year cuz this is an annual grant. Um that's based on how you can also justify what you're asking for in the fee for that scope. So, in this initiative that we put out last year, the deadline to submit was August 1st of 2025. We
prepared that in the summer prior to that so we'd be ready cuz we knew the deadline was coming. So, I met with Mr. Cornegay and Ms. Brown to go through what all the scope that could go in this CPTA grant would be on July 7th of 2025. And that led us to the following.
And just to make sure you understand everybody that was involved in this effort for the county, uh of course your county manager Scott Cornegay, Amanda Brown, Harley Hutchinson, and General James Eyford, and Amanda Shepherd. And then of course our staff, myself,
Joe Loretta, and Cody Smith. So, in going through this grant, it was discussed amongst yourselves and Chairwoman Spooner had actually worked in 2023 to put together an outline of a strategic plan for development for the county. To look at it a strategic
intentional 3 to 5 year start on how you're going to focus on economic development, how you're going to take your assets and your facilities, and you're going to look at how you're going to turn those and program them to make a a large return for the county. So, with that, they looked at several
different things. And the strategic plan was one of them. But then as as staff and I went through what we could focus on in addition to that, we said, "Well, let's get every single penny of every dollar in this grant cuz we're going to go for all 75,000." So, let's not just look at expanding on the strategic
development plan, but let's look at three targeted initiatives. Those original initiatives were the fairgrounds, the Douglas building, and the bypass, the entire Stark bypass, which you have four intersections for. Well, after we'd already submitted the grants,
then later through the fall as you very well know, the federal government tried to inter- intervene and and ask for the use of the Douglas building for you to contemplate use for ICE. So, that put us in a position where we had to pivot very quickly. We had to ask for permission from the state to supplement the Douglas
building in the grant for something else. Well, while the Douglas building is very important and I believe that that is going to be future subject matter that will be completely justified for other grant dollars to program that so that's not forgotten. That was just put on the wayside. But, we did pivot to the airport, the Keystone Heights
airport and the economic development opportunities there that have been underwhelmingly under programmed for decades. So, it actually gave us a great opportunity at a really good time. So, first to start about talk about what we did right before the strategic plan and the three targeted initiatives.
I said to to Scott, I said, "Look, we need to talk about what your assets are. Let's do an inventory of all the county on properties and buildings. Let's do an evaluation of the property appraiser, look at what the access is, the condition, if it's vacant, if it's got a building on it, if it's had maintenance
on that building, if it has not, what are the items that the building inspectors may have noticed, and then let's do a current kind of inventory catalog of all of your your assets." So, we did do that first. So, we did that in addition to all the other work that I'm going to talk about. So, first and
foremost, the strategic plan that Chairwoman Spooner had brought before you in the last year and a half, 2 years, I believe, um was an outline and we included all of those the mission statement and the values and the themes and the objectives and the goals that were put before that,
but we populated that with all the community input that we have. So, what is the plan? So, that plan is helping you unify your vision and what you're going to do with regards to the development. So, not to confuse this, this is not your comprehensive plan, which is about land use. It's not your zoning code about how you actually lay
that development out on the property. This is a very intentional plan specifically for development and driving economic development. So, this is going to help you lay out what those objectives are. I've added performance measures that hold you accountable by the citizens,
the business owners, the stakeholders, the authorities, and the agencies that you work with. And that's going to help you focus in on what those decision-making tools are and how you're going to measure those going forward. So, that led to the community workshop that
we had on March 24th, in which three of you actually attended. Uh we had numerous people from not just in Bradford County, but also from Clay County, from Alachua County, and from about seven or eight different cities, and business owners, and stakeholders,
and we actually had new people that had just contemplated moving here that heard about the meeting and read about it in the paper. So, that was really neat for them to meet a lot of their future neighbors. So, we took everything and the input and we correlated that meeting with uh North Florida Professional
Services, Brandon Stubbs, who is your lead planner, that also is an on-call server to you. So, he and I have known each other for a long time, and I said, "Look, why don't we consolidate our community workshop so we get a bigger turnout, and we make sure that we kind of collect all the data that we're
looking at because there's several things they're looking at that are also lending themselves to what we're going to put into the intentional focus of your development plan." So, we thought that was a good idea. It was efficient use of time. So, we ended up having a full room of not only looking at your comp plan update that you're currently
doing, but also this development plan. So, people were able to not only look at the vision of of long-range planning, but how to get into to the nitty-gritty in the dirt about three specific areas, the airport, the bypass, the fairgrounds, but also
other things that maybe weren't we weren't contemplating that need to be focused on in the uh development plan. So, you have a current mission statement, and then there's a proposed mission statement. You will be getting that final draft. It's going through all the graphic packaging right now. You'll
get that tomorrow. I want to I walked along during the break and and told you about the timeline, but it occurred to me that I wanted to give you a little breathing room. There are two simultaneous tasks that are going on with the state and with yourselves in accepting and adopt well, you don't need to adopt this
necessarily, but I guess I think maybe a motion eventually will go through on that. But the state grant deadline is May 31st, which is next Sunday. So that would mean the 29th. So while the state grant deadline means that all of the deliverables in this
grant would need to be sent to the state by the 29th, which we've already sent deliverable one, which was all the input and survey data that came from the workshop. And then deliverable two was the asset catalog that we put through. And then
this now strategic plan with the target initiatives, that's the final one due along with this presentation tonight. Well, that meets the requirement for the state the state grant, which it has greatly exceeded cuz we did far more than than we were
hoping to do in the scope and the amount of money we asked. So we we stretched that greatly. So that will check that box, that will meet all the requirements. We've talked to the state and they are fully going to be satisfied with all of that. However, because this is a living tool for you, you will have that time to look through
it longer to make any changes or any additions or revisions and we can go back as long as you want me to and make those changes cuz it's a living tool for you. So I don't want you to think that just because these that meet those requirements by next week will go to the state to satisfy what they need,
it's not going to end there. So you do have plenty of time to make whatever changes you want because the state's looking at it from a grant deliverable perspective. For your needs, it's going to be constant change and evolution with this plan. So I just want to give you a little comfort there. So as you read the the final draft
that's going to be in your possession tomorrow with all of the narrative and imagery, you're going to have your mission statement in there to contemplate if you still agree with how that's crafted. You have your vision statement from the current to the proposed. And that that current is I
guess what has been in the draft that you all started working on and looking on in in 2023. So, this this proposed one is condensed and shifted a little bit from that, but still focuses on the same areas. Then you're going to get into your value statements and that's focusing on, you
know, the big picture items of how you're going to work together with the community, the stakeholders, business leaders, Jax USA, Northeast Florida Economic Development Corporation, um the really large, uh which is kind of odd that I haven't heard them mentioned before in in this county's arena, is the
large economic development group that serves you is the North Florida Economic Development Group. And that's all of the surrounding seven counties that serve you. So, um I integrated them into the strategic the strategic plan for you and uh have
made some of the other um cohorts that are in Mr. Cornege's role aware of that so there's more collaboration cuz I know that you've benefited from other developments that didn't work out in Baker County or Clay County and they came here instead. So, we definitely want to make sure that you're on the radar with that group in
the future because we wrote another grant. I'll talk about that after I talk about this and we already submitted it. So, um all right, that takes you to your goals. So, the five goals are economic growth and development. That's the game changer. That's your future. That's what's happening to the region. It's no longer just about
Jacksonville. It's about the entire region because of your amazing access on 301 just being south of I-10. The new corridor, the new main spine for the state of Florida is 301. DOT started planning that over 25 years ago through the Moores program. And that is what's
opened up everything for the whole central west to be coming up north and that's where you see all these developments in rail, all the logistics. If you are less than an hour from the core of the I-95 I-10 corridor, the space port, Jax port, the airport, all of the rail and trucking logistics
that are going on air, land, and sea, that is all happening now. So, and the the folks that are on what used to be kind of the peripheral, more rural counties, they're the ones that are starting to benefit in a great way because the land is within that target zone through time and mileage.
You have amazing access infrastructure which is being improved rapidly that you're living through and driving through. So, just keep that in mind that you you are not off the grid on that. You're now dead center in the middle because your land is available and it's less expensive and the access is great.
So, and frankly, some of the things that people need to do in processing, [clears throat] development, innovation, technology hubs, they don't need them to be in hyperactive centers so they can do the [clears throat] things they need to do. So, just keep that in mind. Uh public health and safety, I added a wellness
factor to this as we get into the the objectives a little bit when you go through your your draft in the next week. Um takes into the developed and the undeveloped uh natural corridors, your open space, your conservation areas, your parks and trails. >> [clears throat]
>> You're a huge part of that throughout the northwest plan for the state. Um infrastructure and mobility improvements, workforce, economic development which dovetails in with that economic development is kind of one of the cause and effects of your job creation that comes out of that. And then public transit opportunities which
are regional and there are some JTA links that we actually went through on the community workshops so we can get into that in a minute. Um I want to focus on the target initiatives for a minute. There are three. So, looking at your Stark bypass, there are four intersections. The
northern most, then the State Road 16, then the State Road 100, and then your southern. And to to someone who's driving through it, they might think that they're all the same even though [clears throat] if you look at an aerial or an overhead map of what's going on there right now, you may see a lot of agricultural land
and you may see some residences, you may see a little bit of commercial. But based on your future land use map, which we are sharing all this information with North Florida Professional Services as they're updating your plan right now. So that way they can contemplate what we're suggesting in this strategic development
plan because there's an element in your comp plan about economic development and the future land use map. So we want to make sure that what we're doing does not conflict or contradict in any way what they're doing. So there there we've been sharing resources 100%. Uh so this looks at the different character of
each of these These are just the three. I'm going to show 16 in a minute. This That's That's a little bit different. Um you have opportunities for commercial, you know, intensive to general. So anything from soft retail commercial, uh you have definite opportunities for
mixed use in single family and multi-family residential and the traditional transitional buffers that you've got there. I know that there are some large property owners that I've worked with in the past and have been in communication with regards to this plan and looking at these concepts that
we want to make sure we're aware of what they're programming so that way we can make sure that they're aware of how to position and and be um sensitive to where your needs are, where your needs are and how those collide in a positive way. So especially about the next
intersection, I'm going to show you 16. So 16 is where you have infrastructure improvements that have already run are running northbound on that and I believe in the next year we've got extensions of utilities and infrastructure that are going to continue north on 16. Those are
critical because those tee up future developments to come in, right? So if you have things turnkey, if you have the entitlements in place or the vision to do so and the flexibility to do so, which is definitely what this development plan is about. It's about laying the groundwork. When you have people come in, you can
sit down with your economic development partners and say, "Look, we we're ready for you. We've already started to contemplate and we're easily ready to be nimble to make these changes and facilitate that quick change if they need to do entitlements, which they most likely will have to do. Um and then staging the infrastructure that makes
that possible because most likely all of these types of users are going to need water and sewer. And so running those unless they bring in package plants. So those will be dealt with site-specific based on the merits of that project. The conceptual rendering that's on the right, that just contemplates if you
were to actually break out some of the planning for the 16 intersection and how you could use some of the commercial, office, flex space for logistics, which is definitely um over capacity as far as usage. Total absorption in Northeast Florida is
what's happening with flex space. They can't build it fast enough. They can't build it appropriately enough to actually be what the users need. So that is something that we're seeing on roadways just like this bypass is something that's a perfect asset and it's easy to put up and it does not actually require a lot of utilities. In
fact, you can do it on septic and well because they don't have a lot of the users and employee and staff and bathroom fixtures that would require a lot of that. Instead, you could do it on septic and well. So that makes some of that much more nimble. So moving into the airport [clears throat] and I'm and if you want
to stop me at any time and ask me any questions, please do so. I'm kind of moving through this quickly so that we can get into discussion and I can go back to them. Um second target initiative is Keystone Airport. So the image you see on the left is a conceptual plan of how to look at the Bradford County side of the airport.
This was a Bradford County written and sponsored grant that was awarded. So we worked with the Bradford County land on that airport side because it's bifurcated, of course, as you know, between Clay and Bradford. So, not that Clay doesn't have property in the infield and the outfield of the airport
to look at in the future, but this focus purely on Bradford's land. So, when you see the gray area and then there's yellow area and red area. So, that talks about the retail commercial office is on the peripheral. You have some of the more aerospace and aeronautical
sensitive uses in the yellow and then a lot of hangars and flex space that can really shapeshift on a lot of different mixture of uses that the FAA allow for in the gray. That encapsulates about 600 acres right there. So, that led to a current tenant who is
putting a deal together that we worked with to actually build 100 acres in phase one and then 600 acres in phase two. So, the image on the right is an actual concept plan that we shared with the group and I believe it's not under an NDA anymore.
Usually these things are done under non-disclosure agreements, but General Iffert did a presentation before the Keystone Heights City Council and I was told it's on the front page. So, I guess it's for public consumption now. So, there is a group in Dubai that we
have been working with and the Raine Group has uh done several of these overseas and what they want to do is do technology innovation development in 100 acres in phase one. So, I know it's hard to see in the
smaller exhibit, but you look up. Does this have a pointer on it? No. That does. Can't see it. This box [snorts] right here is 5 acres. Anything in this infield, this triangle-like baseball diamond, so to speak, that's got to be aerospace
directly. It can't be the peanuts that are sold on the plane. It's got to be the parts of the technology that's used to actually make [clears throat] that that aeronautical vehicle or part or service work. Um drones will be that's another serious thing that's been going on out there. I don't know if you've
been aware of that. Um but Mr. Cornigay and General Iford have had incredible events out there with the DOW and the Pentagon and several other, I think, folks that have come in serious um capital stack that's been looking at probably the second tenant they were
going to work with. So, then looking at this this doesn't want to work. Get a new one, so. This group This is not going to work. All right. Well, it's not going to work. So, I'll use a pencil and talk.
This This area here, this light gray, that's 95 acres. This right here is a proposed road that has already been approved and designs have already been put in. DOT has already approved it and I believe that funding is already 100% funded. It just has to come down to the construction. I've actually driven it
several times and there's a roadway that actually uh temporarily dead ends into a barricade, so they're ready to go ahead and make that continue on and then build that road. This is going to allow for better access inside the infield or the outfield of the airport. So, the 95 of phase one is
in the gray. The little box is also a part of that. The extra 600 phase two is a part of that bubble plan that you see over here. So, that's phase two. Um all of that land is uh got to go under environmental inspections and survey,
but we have looked at our water resource group has looked at it and other than the wetlands that are in the southwestern corner of the outer area of the outfield are maybe not in play that we couldn't do a lot of mitigation on, but everything else is high and dry. So, that's all
viable property. That's real and ready to go. Laura, I'm sorry. If I could just to uh clear up on the road, the connector road that you mentioned, that is not currently funded. However, it is one of our appropriations asks [clears throat] for this budget year. We just don't know
if it's been if it's going to make it through the budget or not. This one built upon isn't it? The yes. And that end right there with the barricades there's going to connect. That's correct. >> Yeah. But this one's the one that's penned. That is right.
Okay. Any questions about what's happening at the airport? Okay. So, that has been um and just so you're aware of who all's been in the room on that um for the last [snorts] 7 months is Amber Shepherd um with the Northeast
Florida Economic Development Corporation, General Eyford, Craig who's the manager of the airport, and the board, uh Marty Shaw who's on the board of the economic the Northeast Florida Economic Development Corporation, Scott Cornege,
myself, uh my head land development civil engineers, uh and landscape architects, and water resource engineers, which we've also met on talking about putting together there's two massive viable opportunities for utilities um in the tune of about
$60 million that we have achieved several times for other groups around the state. So, that's a simultaneous effort we're doing separately um as kind of a an an effort that actually we've been working with Mr. Cornege on since prior to this grant. So, there's a lot
happening, a lot moving, and as far as this particular CFETAG grant, this is a part of that, and that helped the economic development group and the tenant be able to come up with coordinates and conceptual plans that they couldn't uh deliver because the on-call group that's helping the airport
had done a lot of the strategy with regards to flight paths and and SEACAST systems, but this involved more land development. So, that wasn't in their niche. So, we went ahead and tucked this in and made it work. So, that is continuing
on in discussion. So, you'll hear more about that. And then, the fairgrounds. So, we first started with just a simple bubble plan. And we sat down with Harley and Scott Cornegy and Paul Huntley and our engineers and LAs and we started
talking about the different programming that's going on with the fairgrounds. So, I just want you to know that we do understand that there is an ag agent ownership and a small facility on site. We also understand that there's a non-profit that has a lease agreements with several
different structures and kind of easement alleyway areas within the grounds that are currently active within I think a 2-year frame or so they may come under your discretion of continuing with the association. So, just for the fun of it, we went ahead and thought
about the future, which we know a year or two goes by very quickly and that also is good preparation time on raising the money through grants, right? So, we can be prepared to really program the fairgrounds. So, we took the opportunity to plan this as if you have no other
owners other than UF the ag cuz it's good to have them there. But as if the lease agreements had expired. So, I don't want you to think that I've disregarded associations that are involved. So, we looked at the structures you have currently. They're viable. They can continue to be used.
They can be maintained and they're already being used well for indoor functions and displays and activities. However, the majority of the site is not being programmed properly. It's not being used to its best potential. And how can we do that? I know that the
horse arena, as they've shared with us, could could be greatly programmed on an annual basis, let alone all of the different regional functions and events that go on that you hear about in other counties that you can capitalize on that you have to have a very small investment
on that has a large return. So, we took that into account to do multi-faceted campus master planning on this so that way each different area of the fairgrounds could actually function as a stand-alone venue even if you don't have a fair or you don't have a holistic
entire venue going on, you can have an activity in the horse arena. You could Bless you. You could have an activity in the main event building. You could have RV parking that could be all year round. That's a wonderful revenue source and RVs are always traveling by you and need places to hook up and stay. And so,
we've programmed all these things that you can make revenue 365 days a year to help further the development and programming of the fairgrounds. So, that has evolved into some conceptuals that we planned. So, based on all the information and the questions and the
discussions with Harley and with Paul and with Scott, evolved into this. And not that this can't change. This is the first blush on everything we've heard and us looking at other grounds that are similar and what could be better and a lot of them didn't take into account
things that give you a daily and monthly revenue like the RV parking and some of the other smaller events that don't need the entire fairgrounds. So, as you can see around the perimeters on the north and the south, that's where RV parking is. The RV parking and camping along the
perimeter on the north would be more of guests that would come and and park all year round or during an event. The RV parking and camping on the southern area is associated with the main event buildings and with the horse arena because people that travel with their
horses and show horses have to actually have places to stay and they always travel with the camper and RV usually. So, that way that's kept separately. Um not that you couldn't program when there's not event for visitors. Then you have your central midway corridor that continues to be activated depending on
whatever the event is and that's open flex space. Your main event building or the only event building really that is viable somewhat is in the southeast corner which is here. And this is actually under a lease
agreement right now with the nonprofit. So, you really couldn't unless you work with them, I don't know how how you know, flexible that agreement is, but [clears throat] you don't have full reign of that building as it is. And it's really not able to hold events in the capacity that
you you want to program. So, that central building is the main event performance barn. And that is laid out in such a way that people can still come in from the parking lot, channel through purposely, and I've experienced a lot of rural regional farm and fairs that are
right around this county and it's amazing how well that works to channel through those buildings cuz then they see the arts and crafts, they see the different food vendors, they see all the different things that need to be programmed and it channels them through and then as they come out of those buildings, that's when they can either
continue on to the main event barn or they can hit the midway. And then that takes you all the way through into the rodeo and then the open area. That large open area that is to the left of the performance barn can be programmed constantly. You could actually use that for more camping, you could use that for
open events, you could use that for whatever you want it for. But um we felt that this laid out fairly well and it used the assets currently have so that you save money on things you don't need to improve or not improve, but purchase and develop. So, that leads into three of the main
areas uh that were requested that really need to be enhanced. So, that was the rodeo um arena and that needed to be better facilitated with grandstands, with restrooms, with uh concession stands,
and then of course a performance main event hall that you don't have. That would be dead center ground zero for the entire fairgrounds. Um if you've seen the one that's in, I believe, Clay County, um they've got something similar where
you've got a like a portion of it that you can actually close off, and these are built for hurricane standards, so these are not things um that are easily uh destroyed in storms. Not that anything is 100% resilient. But, this is a concept, again, it's going to come
down to when, you know, you want to move forward with that, and then of course, different funding mechanisms to help you realize those. So, this is just another bird's-eye view looking at how you have that open performance barn, the different parking, and the access with your existing
structures, the enhanced horse arena, and um you keep your parking in place. So, with that, do you have any questions about it? That's a lot to take in. >> [laughter] >> And you you did say you'll make the packet available to us so that
>> You're going to have the final the yeah, the final one's coming through tomorrow. Staff has looked at the all of the narrative and all of the imagery, so they've had that to vet. Um so that way when you do get the product, it is it is finished final product that's much more filtered down, so then you can get into
the critical areas. And do you agree with the objectives? Do you agree with the performance measures that hold you accountable not just to the community, to your stakeholders, to one another, to the tax base, to your own staff, and your budget, and then of course, your your partnerships that you got. So, I'm
going to make sure you have that. So, by next Thursday, we have to send that to the state. So, I would ask you that if you could look through that, and critical areas that you want changed or revised, um that can be done really easily, really
quickly. I need to be working on those by Wednesday, cuz we'll have to alter the entire So, I can get that out. But, remember, the state [snorts] is not as concerned about the qualitative of how you're going to continue to keep this living
document evolving and changing. Even if you see something 6 months from now, you know, and then you bring it before each other and you say, "You know what? We We want to change this or we saw something we didn't we didn't uh think was in here and now we want to add it." So, don't think that there it's done. So, when it goes to the state, that's satisfying a grant requirement
because you're being reimbursed for all that money. But, as far as the the final evolution and approval, you I think that's up to you when you want to do that. So. But, you were asking for feedback from us by Tuesday. >> [clears throat] >> Well, feedback on on critical descent of
sending that out so we can make those changes cuz we're going to send it to the state. So, I would imagine um given how much this has been vetted, I would hope that whatever you see that you want to add or change and then kept in mind again, you all seen the original goals. Most of
most of the core content came from the document that you all used. I believe I'm not sure the last time you all looked at it, but this was it. It was 3 years ago. Okay. So, this yeah, 20 Well, it's a Okay. So, 2023.
Um and then the outline, I believe, was the kind of the skeleton of that that came from this this document. You started out doing the same thing. Right. So, what's been added it's it's been heavily populated by all the input from the residents, from the stakeholders,
the business owners, um educational institutions, uh DOT Ag agents, um folks from uh 1,000 Friends of Florida. So, there's everything from wellness and natural environment protection of waterways and
greenways, and we've got objectives in there for you and performance measures to to work with your partners on that as well as all your economic development, job creation, and your infrastructure. And then of course, there's a couple new things that people didn't realize I don't think that you can utilize and I
believe Madam Chairwoman you and I spoke about it is that JTA has a transit bus that works in Baker County. And because I was their director for several years and still work with them regularly, they've got something that's going right by you and there used to be one that was coming down this road to go into Gainesville.
So, I I think it would be a very very good discussion to have with JTA about um reinvigorating that and and making that that quick jog down to to pick up folks here to either head east and west or head south and that's doable. Otherwise,
local transportation for more uh rural counties tend to be things like St. Johns counties used for years like little sunshine bus, stuff like that. But there's some opportunities. I know you're working with the regional council on your diabetes and doctor visits transit which I think is still being utilized and they fund. So, um
there's opportunities for JTA transit though. I think it's the same in Baker County, too. Mhm. >> [clears throat] >> And with the expansion of 301 and all the development that's programmed and planned for 301, it's it's a route that has to be contemplated. I'm sure it's on paper
somewhere but we're going to give them a nudge to show them why they need to start doing it now. So. >> [snorts] >> Any questions? Just a comment. I I see Miss Deegan with a lot of different organizations and >> [snorts] >> she
is always around a lot of people that I think that it lends to her experience and what she's given us and she's always a big player in the room. I'll say that. I don't know about that. >> that. Yeah.
You know, through the ULI and and some of the other organizations. So, we appreciate what you've done. Very professional. We look forward to you giving us some feedback and getting some more feedback from you and other different people in the industry. Yeah, absolutely. And that's another thing is that the survey we want to post
online so that can be an active thing that can still keep coming in. And then also for folks that didn't come out to the meeting, it was advertised on in the newspaper and online and I mean, no matter how many ways you you advertise something, people are busy. They don't see it. They don't look. And
and if they're not talking about it in the grocery store or out at the restaurant or church or wherever they are, people are going to miss it. So, I don't want people to think again, this is a living document. This is a living tool that needs constant feeding and and evolution. It's going to roll It's kind of like a CIP that focus purely on
economic development instead of improvements, right? So, it should always be moving and staying constant with how you're going to grow. And then one of the thing I mentioned earlier, I just want to reiterate for everybody is that the CPTA grant the state legislature went into double
innings last year and so they did not award grants until very very very very late. So, we did not even find out technically that we won it until December. But we knew, since we won it, let's keep going. Like, let's not wait for a contract. It'll all be fine. So, we just kept going. We didn't actually
get a contract until I think March, which is fine. We, you know, everybody's good for it. We're fine. But, the legislature's trying to compensate for being late and later and later every year. So, what do they do? The deadline's never going to change. They may be late to telling us go, but
they always make May 31st still have to have it in. So, the deadline for submittal is always August 1st. Well, they moved it to May 1st and didn't tell anybody. But, because we're the grant people, that's one of our heavy heavy loads that we carry and watch out for all of our
our constituents. We were aware of it. But, we'd already been talking about what the next grant would be. So, we did collaborate um on how to move forward and we did a CPACE grant and got it in 2 days before the deadline um to do a full strategic plan because
of what's going on at the airport to completely bloom that. So, I want you to know that hopefully that grant will be funded. We It was very intense. I'll make sure I don't know Mr. Coringay if they have a copy of of what we submitted yet, but that was we got into the weeds
on that one. And that's that's packed. So, we're hoping we're going to be successful. Um, that's something we'd find out about in the fall. Depends on how late the legislature runs. So, anyway, so stay tuned on hopefully another award. And I also like to thank you for your
work that was done because the strategic planning is was was very important to me, but it's important to the board and our community and to have um something in place so that we have a guiding force and tool to help us to move forward toward plan for growth and
development in our community. So, Madam Chairwoman, you're the champion. You started it. You pushed and you you did the heavy lifting which helped build a good structure for what we we continue to populate. Um, thank you all for for making the initiative even getting
going. So, it's good timing. And I I want to thank you for all the work that you put in this and and seeing the fairgrounds laid out and that horse arena, that really I just it's wonderful to look at something and get a a true
visual. Yeah. And um that's beautiful. And and the sights the the um destinations on the bypass are on the bypass that you had put. Um, thank you for all that and this was this is amazing and looking forward to seeing it
or sitting down with it. So, thank you again. Thank you. Um, you know what's interesting also I want to point out because listening to the comments, which I I totally understand um public comment about cost and savings and expenses and how everything impacts what you do.
What's really nice is at first blush and people might look at this plan and go, "That just looks so expensive. That's so much stuff." It's like, "Wait a minute. Strip away what we're looking at here. Parking lot already exists, which is the most expensive part cuz asphalt is incredibly expensive. So, that's easily
a $1 million parking lot, I can tell you. Actually, probably more. Five or six of those structures already exist and are in pretty good shape. They can, you know, be be maintained, but they're built for outdoor use. They're not built to be, you know, air conditioned, pristine, you know, weather
protected type of buildings. So, those those are in good shape and the grounds are there. You own the land. So, the majority of what you're looking at is either already in existence and in ownership and built. So, really the only cost other than setting up some hookups
for RVs and building the main outdoor structure is just grooming some things. So, the actually the cost to do this is very low and can be funded through other incentives and and job creation and growth grants. So, that might look like a lot of money, but it's actually not. So,
mostly soft costs there and and the revenue actually can start generating money from some of the RV parking that'll pay for some of these events. So, All right. Thank you. Thank you for your time. >> So, Madam Chairman, I've got Laura, I just want to thank you
personally. I'll tell you what, we've been working hard together on this for several months now and Commissioner Doughty, you'll you'll appreciate this. Um, the speed at which Laura was operating tonight during her presentation is about 50% throttle.
>> [laughter] >> When she when she operates with me and I, she's at 100% throttle, if you can imagine that. So, yeah, she's she's high energy, high speed and I believe she has delivered us a an outstanding product.
In Baker County, they tell me to slow down when I talk. >> [laughter] >> Not that they can't understand what I'm saying, but I I get going a little get a little excited. So, I appreciate you allowing me to do this. It's a lot of fun and I I hope that we can we definitely already know how to get the resources to help you to make this happen. So.
Thank you. And you'll get your final draft tomorrow. Okay, we're looking forward to it. >> thanks so much. Thank you. >> And anyone in the crowd, [clears throat] if you want any information, this I probably didn't get there. The very end and staff has it. That's my cell phone number and my email address.
I never sleep, so you can call me whenever you want. And uh and I'd love to share the survey and I'd love to hear your thoughts and that this is a public document, so this will be put out for everybody to All right. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.
All right. Okay, and next we have our community organizations 2026 um 27 fiscal year. Um Madam Chair, this is an action item and the consensus from the budget workshop was to fund all the organizations at
last year's levels except for the Florida tourism original tourism task force, which would be eliminated from the funding. All right. Um so, we need to take a ask for a motion.
Um is there a motion to approve the recommendation? Yes, I will make a motion to approve the recommendation from staff uh to eliminate the um the Florida task Florida original tourism task force,
which Yeah, and then um keep everything funded as it was funded last year, without any additional organizations funded at this time. Okay. The motion by Commissioner Daughtry funding all of the organizations as they were funded last
year with and eliminating the one on the tourism. Second. >> [clears throat] >> Motion by Commissioner Daughtry, second by Commissioner Andrews. Any further discussion questions? If not, all those in favor by saying
aye. Aye. It's five to zero. The clerk's report you said? No no report. And any recommend for the sheriff? No. The county manager? Nothing to report. Okay. And our county attorney? Nothing tonight, Madam Chair.
Okay. Commissioner comments? Well, there is one thing that I wanted to bring up just for the record and something that we kind of need to look at. Um three years ago, going on four, we had a
problem in the office office and we had requested that we have someone sent and Dr. Sanders is the one that came to us. And that's been a long I mean, like I said, it's been three years almost and we're going on four. She has done an outstanding job and
I feel like we owe her a great deal because she really has left her responsibility to come over here every day a week and just like tonight, being here tonight because of our need. What I What I discovered is Suwannee
County had the same same problem that and they were allowed to take one of their their agents and make them an interim uh at the facility at at their um
their department, Barry Swanee County. So, um I talked to Mr. Carnegay about it and um I'm I would like to see us um do the same thing. Pick one of our agents and make
them the director and allow um Dr. Sanders to return to her her responsibility and duties and um have one of our agents getting to the position where they can promote. Um my recommendation would be
Lizzie Whitehead. Um she will not be eligible for promotion until spring of next year. But, um I think that us having her there every day as the interim um would keep us consistently moving
forward. Um I think that every one of you know how hard she works and um she is a leader and I think that she would represent us well. Um and like I said, this has nothing to do with with Dr. Sanders because everyone knows she's done an outstanding
job. But, I think I almost feel like we've taken advantage of a good situation for quite a while. So, I just wanted us to think about that and um maybe discuss it since we can't discuss it any other time. So, um
that was what I wanted to bring up. She's a good one. She would be a good one. She's a boss. >> [snorts] >> So, you're asking us to have that discussion now? I I I I I would think I don't know that that
would be a I don't feel it's appropriate to do it right now. To to pre-select the person. It doesn't feel like the right thing to do in this situation now. Okay.
But I get what you're you're suggesting. Um but there's a process that we have to to go by. Well, and and like I said, 20 times already been through this. So that's the only reason that I brought it up is I knew that there was a process
that could be done. And so but this is this is something that and we have to take it through the university. I just wanted to bring it up because I thought it was an opportunity for us to do something for someone that's been
good to us and um that I think will make an excellent director. But like I said Yeah, Madam Chair, I'll be happy to to communicate with UF and get some more details into the process itself, what that would mean or
what it would look like if you if you like. And then what we can bring it back in the next meeting. And and also having a conversation with Dr. Sanders. Oh yes, by all means. Okay. All right. Okay. All right.
Okay. Um comments from you or from your report? No. Okay. No. Um committee members? Sure. Um I I just want to bring up one thing and you know, it's kind of on the more of the negative, but at the same time
um when we had our first rain the other day, a little bit of rain, uh immediately my phone started ringing with people wanting to uh eliminate the burn ban. So then about what 3 days ago, then my stone phone started ringing because
there was a burn permit issued by forestry and it's in the same area on County Road 18 where they just had all them fires get away. So, how in the world can forestry issue a burn permit when we're under a burn
ban? I I just it it blows my mind. So, then I did a little more research. So, if you got the money to have all this equipment out there you can burn. So, all the other people in Bradford County that don't have the money to have
all this equipment sitting there you can't burn a trash pile. You know, I you know, just just wanted to bring it to your attention. I just don't understand why we're in such a drought we're in and forestry would issue a burn permit.
I just it it blows my mind. It also blew my phone up. So, anyway, just just comment. So, the other thing is I just want to bring everybody's attention. This Saturday we're having our special needs baseball game
for the autistic kids. It starts at 11:00 Saturday morning at the field. If you're not doing anything, come down there. It is awesome to see. I'm just telling you. We've got a softball girl softball team that works with them, plays with them and it's a regular game
and it's it's really fantastic. Also, at 10:00 we're having our first flag football game there at Edwards Road and then at 11:00 we're having our second flag football game which that flag football is going to start to go pretty good. So, just want to bring that to your
attention. Then the last thing is and it was mentioned before, please keep Gene Melvin and his family in prayers. Um tremendous loss with with Lynn Melvin, but just keep them are your prayers.
So. And that's it. Commissioner Redding I just want to wish everybody a happy and safe Memorial Weekend. And remember what it's all about. Thank you. Okay. Um and I have a few things. Um we had
already what Commissioner Redding said we have a burn ban in place for a reason to keep our community safe and just ask people to please adhere to it. Um I too want to acknowledge the passing of our kind um school board member um Lynn Melvin and
also to keep Ms. Ledbetter in your prayers as well. Um we had a wonderful um May Day event. They had a you the traveling team tournament uh for May Day at R.J. East school site. Um also to remind you all that breakfast
graduation tomorrow and we pray for the safety of our kids when it's um summer time coming up now. Um Also the R.J. East school will be having a summer camp and I'm so excited um that we had a visit from the PACE um Dr.
Weatherly and um they're going to be moving forward to uh implementing uh their reach program. Um Commissioner Daughtry. And um they're hoping to have an introductory um session during the summer when the R.J. has its um summer
camp and their hope is to get started in the fall when the school system starts back. So I'm really excited about that. Um and I just want to invite you all on the 30th is the Shirley Ann Brown Livingston Cancer Walk uh fundraiser that will be
in the Lincoln City areas of 2.2 2-mi um walk and um cancer is a a deadly deadly dreadful disease and so we support that. Um and also um just thankful for our budget workshops so
that we um more informed on and making decisions about our our budget. Um and I want to I want to say I'll leave it wishing best wishes to Amanda.
Um but as we continue to look at our our our budget um for this coming year, um I'm hoping um that when we have our audit that comes uh for this fall that everything will be
really really great and all of the all of the issues of minor issues that we have will also be resolved. So, the other question is are we getting everything we need with the Sheriff's Department and making sure that everything is going smoothly with that.
I want to thank the Sheriff's Department, our law enforcement, our uh correctional departments for the wonderful um police memorial that they had in Union County um and their participation in that from both both counties together.
Um and with that, have a safe and wonderful Memorial Weekend. All right. And anything further Oh, hold on. We're going to Our next meeting is June the 2nd and um it's on the calendar at the end of the
agenda. Um Not on the agenda. It is on the screen now. Okay. So, on June the 2nd uh 9:00 9:30 and then [snorts] on June the 18th will be at 6:30. Our next two meetings that
are coming up. All right. Madam Chair, the Memorial Day service and ceremony will be at the new vet location for Veterans Park on Monday, Veteran I mean Memorial Day at 10:00 a.m. All right. Thank you.
And there was something else that that coming up that you gave us the flyer for on the 28th. Um, what is that? The 4-H. The 4-H. Okay. All right. Nothing [clears throat] more, the meeting is adjourned. Thank you all.