CALL TO ORDER, INVOCATION, PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

   Chair Green welcomed everyone to the meeting and called it to Order at 6:00 p.m., Commissioner Hinson gave the Invocation and the Chair then led in the Pledge of Allegiance to the
U. S. Flag.

CITIZENS REQUESTING TO BE HEARD (3-Minute Limit)

Anyone wishing to speak on agenda items or non-agenda items should schedule or notify the County Administrator’s Office before attending the meeting and will be asked to follow the Gadsden County Public Meetings Citizens Access Guidelines.  Also, public comment for Commission meetings can be submitted via email to CitizensToBeHeard@gadsdencountyfl.gov until noon on September 19, 2022.  Comments submitted after the deadline but prior to the meeting will be added to the official record, but the County cannot guarantee that Commissioners and staff will have adequate time to review comments prior to the meeting.

  Chair Green read the above statement aloud.

PUBLIC HEARINGS

1.

Public Hearing: Second Public Hearing for Adoption of Final Millage Rate and Final Budget for FY 2022/2023

  Mr. Dixon said this was for the Final Budget Hearing.

  Georgette Daniels, Assistant County Administrator appeared before the Board.  For the FY 2022/2023, the final Gadsden County wide operating millage rate is 9.0000 mills, which is 7.00% more than the rolled-back rate of 8.3341 mills.  Also to adopt final budget of $57,594,834.

Couple of items discussed at last public hearing included in number:

$10,000 included for Havana Main Street, $10,000 for Quincy Main Street, $3000 for Gadsden Wellness. $125,000 for emergency housing and had to make salary adjustments for Emergency Medical Services Unit because mandated to take those employees to $15.00/hr.

Budget is $57,594,834

  Dixon said for Havana and Quincy MainStreet, asked they not fund them because CRA.  Quincy has 2 CRA and will receive ? , Havana $20,000 and MainStreet exists within the CRA’s and funding thru Main Street.   

Green asked if known the amount given to each Main Street? 

  Holt said CRA’s have been debate throughout State for years.  It’s up to Board what to do with CRA dollars when get them. 

  NeSmith said she named 5-6 adjustments-$10,000 for Havana Main Street; $10,000 Quincy Main Street, $3,000 Gadsden Wellness, $125,000 for Emergency Housing, $244,000 for EMS for salary adjustment.

NeSmith asked how much Havana was receiving and Mr. Dixon explained further the CRA dollars.  CRA #1 $340,000 and CRA #2 ?  NeSmith asked if they receive money from CRA and Dixon explained not necessarily.

  NeSmith asked about Wellness Center and Daniels said they were included. 

  Green explained Wellness Center requested $60,000 and each Senior Center receives $10,000 for the year.  NeSmith said they had not agreed on a process.  Green explained no-one would receive $ until agree on process.

  Dixon explained…

  NeSmith said had opportunity to visit wellness center and they doing awesome work.  Set up process first and then give opportunity to apply for money. 

  Daniels said there are 2 different pots of money:  $50,000 set aside for non-profit organizations and provide satellite senior centers with money. 

  Holt said should not attach title to any money until …  This was not included or discussed at last meeting.  Hinson mentioned last meeting for $25,000/ district and not decided how will be used.  Need process in place.  Have huge debate on this one.  Holt said approve budget and millage rate

  Green said need to be agenda items and Board has not discussed how to spend money. 

  Hinson said biased when comes to seniors and youth.  If give every group $50,000, still too low of number.  He said State took funding from other organization. 

  Green interjected and said did not think should discuss what State funds.  Need to be fair to each organization.  Since have influx of money, have almost $10 M in addition to general fund

  Holt said those statements were not true. ..  Wait until workshop and then can make decisions. 

  NeSmith said had opportunity to visit with Gadsden Wellness and need to make sure they position them to be successful.  Way to do it is make them accountable. 

  Hinson said funding was moved from Gadsden Seniors to Gadsden Wellness.  With Havana, Chattahoochee and Quincy,

  Green said they know there are needs for funding from County government.  Asked Administrator when could appropriate workshop be scheduled.  Said need to agree there is enough funding to do what they want and then can have workshop to decide how to distribute. 

  Moore said in favor of process of vetting; Quincy and Havana came before Board and asked for $10,000 and thought had vetted them.  If have not vetted, what do they need to do?  Comfort organizations will sail through and be no problem.

  Holt said they have to approve items individually.

  Green said can entertain motion.

  Holt moved for adoption of Millage rate/NeSmith second 5-0

  Holt asked how to approve-have first 4 been included?  Approve budget as is

  Opal said Resolution has dollar figure, will this upset budget?  Yes.

$57,446,834 for new budget.

  Holt move approval of final Budget of $57,446,834 County wide Budget/NeSmith second

Hinson question-want to be consistent with what did last week.  Think should keep as is and can amend in future.  Need to make sure include Havana, Quincy and Chattahoochee Main Street and housing. 

  Chair called for the vote.  Board voted 5-0

MOTION TO ADJOURN

  Adjourned at 6:57 p.m.