Call to Order, Invocation and Pledge of Allegiance

  Chair Green called workshop to order at 4 p.m.

CITIZENS REQUESTING TO BE HEARD ON NON-AGENDA ITEMS

The Gadsden County Board of County Commissioners welcomes and encourages public participation at all meetings of the Board. Citizens are free to speak for up to three (3) minutes on non-agenda items. Public comments and participation are also encouraged for items on the agenda. Additionally, if you are unable to attend a meeting in person, comments from the Public can also be submitted via email to CitizensToBeHeard@gadsdencountyfl.gov until noon on the date of the meeting. 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. Citizens are further encouraged to participate on the County’s website at www.gadsdencountyfl.gov.

  Chair read aloud the above statement.

GENERAL BUSINESS

1.       Introduction

2.       Property Tax Revenue Estimate

 Dixon appeared and stated they will be going through budget. Ms. Burgess was not present. Other depts. are here to go deeper into their budget. Did not do walk thru on fire and EMS bc a lot of things to be worked out first.

 Dixon stated first 6 pages are over view of legislative outcomes for this year

Simpkins appeared at 4:07 p.m.

  budget yet to be approved by the governor

  Dixon mentioned ad valorem estimate 

Estimated 1.3 million increase

  Dixon mentioned CRA Fees

Hinson appeared at 4:14 p.m.

  NeSmith asked if they heard from CRA’s – they have 4 of them.

Asked if any presentation by CRA. Dixon stated could gather info on that.

  Holt asked about the funding and what amounts were they matching.   

  Chair stated a presentation from CRA would be appreciated. Holt stated to make sure they are on good legal ground beforehand.

  Dixon stated a great portion of their funding comes from the county.

  Dixon stated Ms. Fryson will present on behalf of elderly affairs

3.       Department Presentations

Elderly Affairs (Latoya Fryson)

  Fryson appeared before the board to discuss elderly affairs

Chair stepped out at 4:21 p.m.

  elderly affairs focusing on allowing seniors to be actively engaged   

  was awarded grant July 2023  

  created a fully operational center - Carver Heights

  Over 200 seniors registered services between all 3 sites; currently serving Meals on Wheels to 33 clients.

  Provided diabetes education classes in each of the centers

   partnered with salvation army for a food pantry every 2^nd Tuesday of each month.

Chair returned at 4:27 p.m.

  Fryson mentioned Elderly Affairs goals/achievements

  Chair asked if maximizing opportunities for grants.

  Fryson stated looking for grants

  Chair asked about utility assistance program

  NeSmith asked about level of engagement with program

  Fryson stated board meets every month  

  NeSmith asked if they have workout equipment

  Fryson stated they have dumbbells and ordered bands as well. They also walk as well.

  Holt asked about state or federal programs that provide cooling centers

  Hinson asked if they brief the seniors on transportation and Fryson mentioned Big Bend transit

  Dixon stated need to be more inclusive with them on grants

Public Works (Curtis Young)

 Dixon stated Agnes Denson and Roy Bradwell will present for public works on behalf of Mr. Young

   Agnes explained the Public Works Dept.

   Agnes mentioned their goals/ achievements for public works

  Mentioned all funds received from FDOT

  Mr. Justin appeared and talked about mosquito control

Normally spray around 860 miles and they have citizen request around 300-400 annually

  Chemical usage (larvicide) standing water – 330-380 gallons per year.

   Justin went thru FY25 Outlook 

  Chair asked if any estimate on costs

  Justin stated chemical cost has doubled - $30 a gallon

  NeSmith asked if has stayed within budget

  Justin stated they were in budget right now 

 Holt asked if there was public notice if was going to spray a road

 Justin stated not typically unless notice spray in system; has mentioned it to CA

    Hinson asked how effective are the mosquito repellent plants

  Justin stated a lot of contradictory answers to that; not very effective for him

  Agnes stated next portion is about Fleet – vehicle maintenance   

  Agnes mentioned the fuel system, 2 sites

FY23- $975k and FY24- $604K; biggest user is City of Quincy

  NeSmith asked for clarification on users – were they purchasing and paying county for usage and Agnes stated yes 

  Simpkins asked how much paying annually and what they were using annually. 

Stated will get back with her on that question

  Dixon stated tanks need to be replaced in regards to fuel system

  Agnes went thru the pending available funds

  Public works will request fund to pave 1 unpaved road in each district

   Roy Braswell appeared

  NeSmith asked if there was road in district 3 or 4 less than a mile and Bradwell stated yes

  Holt stated it was expensive to do a mile – asked if have equipment and Bradwell stated yes

  Hinson stated should do a bond

  Holt mentioned mowing crew – need help with that and what numbers it would cost to hire an extra crew.

  Hinson stated they seem to talk about this every year – asking for tractors.

Need to inventory first and look at what was purchased the last couple years.

  Dixon stated 2021 they purchased add. Tractors and mowers – equipment not performing like they thought they would

  NeSmith asked how many mowers and Dixon stated 6 – total of 10; having trouble with newer ones.

  Holt asked if still on buyers list in Palm Beach

  Agnes stated fleet dept. requesting shop renovations  

  Dixon stated they were in between – will be a question to come before the board.

  Roads and bridges – requesting 1 million for FY25   

  Chair asked if leasing new vehicles should line item be going up – Dixon stated number will be cut in half in terms of maintenance

  Simpkins asked if leasing 102 vehicles – stated no

  Simpkins asked if it was strictly for vehicles in public works and they stated it entails all. 

Building Inspection (Roosevelt Morris)

  Dixon stated he will go through building inspection 

  looking to add deputy building official  

  Budget is $475k

  Chair stated Mr. Morris was at conference 

  Holt asked to explain variance

  Dixon stated looking for additional space for them

  Holt asked how many building inspectors – Dixon stated 3

  Holt stated worried if have enough people in that dept.

  Hinson asked about qualifications

  Dixon stated has one new person looking to become building official – not sure of qualifications

  Dixon stated it was the housing cycles – residential is slowing and commercial was picking up 

Human Resources (Dr. Lisa Burroughs)

   Dr. Burroughs stated will mention core

   Burroughs mentioned 3 main accomplishments:

Compensation study – phase 1

HRIS – Currently in discussion with UKG for contract to acquire software system

Open Access and Communication with HR

  average turnover rate went from 16.44 % to 6.55% 

  FY25 Outlook 

  requested add. Full time position – HR Assistant; will assist them in being more efficient. 

  Budget – asking for add. $113, 661 – increase due to estimated impact of HRIS system and staff salary increase.

  Simpkins asked about HRIS system

Summer Youth (Dr. Lisa Burroughs)

  Burroughs stated about to launch summer youth 6-week program; June 21 is orientation day

June 24 will be start of program and last thru August 2

  Will provided on the job training; next year will be $13 for wage so would have to budget for that.  

  Mentioned partnering with Gadsden Technical College and FL Public Safety Institute

  Mentioned partnering with CareerSource Capital Region 

  Anticipating 450 students next year - county needs to secure a budget of $700k

  Would like guidance on how they should budget upcoming year

  ultimately should be year-round planning 

  Hinson asked about jobs for special needs students

  Burroughs stated they have not customized it yet

  Hinson stated if do not identify them, they will not have any

Wants to make sure to partner with school system. 

  Chair stated need to do better job on communication with special needs parents. 

  Holt asked about monitoring students while working

  Burroughs stated Ms. Germany was working to identify people on job and follow up with them if any issues; random visits as well.   

  NeSmith asked if have enough staff and resources

  Dixon stated no, need more staff.

  Dixon stated need to bring more ppl to the party, like they did with CareerSource.

   Hinson mentioned CareerSource – paying for all kids?

  Dixon stated they know what CareerSource said they would do; they said 100 upfront and then came back and said as many as possible.   

  Chair stated still need to budget for this program

  Dixon stated if hire all kids, will be in a budget deficit

  Simpkins asked if have something in writing with CareerSource    

  Dixon stated by Friday 

Economic Development (TJ Lewis)

   TJ Lewis appeared before the Board.

  Primary function of Econ. Dev. Is business retention and expansion. 

  Lewis went through accomplishments:

Office staffing

Office lease and buildout

GadsdenBiz.com

Using CAD (Computer Animated Design) to tell a story

New ED & Res. Plan

  Lewis mentioned GIS Webtech + Resimplifi

  Mentioned CoStar when trying to make sense of the numbers

NeSmith returned at 6:51 p.m.

  Goals / 25 Outlook for Economic Development

  Trying to keep same budget for the year – nothing new added.

  Going to be pursuing grants – one in Brownfield area.  

  Lewis mentioned grants applied for

  Hinson would like for them to talk about how they could build infrastructure

  NeSmith asked if any applications submitted for infrastructure for the 3 undeveloped exits

  Lewis stated has been in contact with FDOT

  NeSmith asked if actively looking for resources for interchange

  Lewis stated yes, plan is coming

  Hinson stated would like for them to authorize CA to find 10 students that are special needs for the summer youth program. 

  Dixon stated will reach out to Ms. Harris at School District

  Holt mentioned planning and zoning, tiny houses.

  Simpkins stated wanted a breakdown of funding 

Motion to Adjourn

Chair adjourned meeting at 7:22 p.m.