Call to Order, Invocation and Pledge of Allegiance

   Simpkins called meeting to order at 6 p.m. Hinson led into invocation. Simpkins led into pledge of allegiance.

Amendments and Approval of Agenda

   Dixon stated no amendments

Holt/NeSmith 4-0

Citizens Requesting to be Heard on Non-Agenda Items (3-minutes Limit)

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.

Terry & Tonia Mitchell, 6360 Old Bainbridge Road

  Mrs. and Mr. Mitchell appeared before the board. Concerns about private, unmaintained county road

  Here to oppose GC transferring ownership of Clifford Johnson Rd to the City of Gretna

  Dixon stated will be on agenda next Tuesday   

Cathy and William Farr, 564 Middle Creek Road

  Cathy Farr appeared to discuss millage rate.

  Simpkins stated will call them once they get to item.  

Public Hearing

a. Introduction of Proposed Final FY 2024/2025 Aggregate Millage Rate

  Simpkins stated millage rate is 9.0000

  Dixon stated citizens were allowed to speak now

  Mrs. Farr appeared to discuss millage rate. Requesting 8.5 millage rate

  Hinson asked CA if increasing taxes – Dixon stated same as last year

  Reginald Cunningham appeared. Stated would be considered an increase from last year. No rollback rate.

  Hinson stated he wished they talked about this beforehand. They were not responsible for the value

  Cunningham stated it did not work that way.

  NeSmith asked how much revenue generated via ad valorem    

Dixon stated about 1.3 million

  Holt stated when evaluation goes up..

  Mr. Farr appeared. Rev went up bc property value went up

  Hinson asked Farr how long he has been in GC. Farr stated 2 yrs

  Dixon stated could always lower millage rate

  County Attorney stated they have a balanced budget that has already been advertised.

Holt motion to adopt millage rate of 9.0/ NeSmith 4-0     

b. Introduction of Proposed Final FY 2024/2025 Budget

c. Questions from Public

d. Chairman Introduces Motion for the following items: (Voted on separately and in order presented below)

1)      Approval of Final FY 2024/2025 Millage Rate

Holt motion to adopt millage rate of 9.0/ NeSmith 4-0

2)      Approval for Final FY 2024/2025 Budget

Holt motion to adopt FY24/25 Budget/ NeSmith 4-0

  Hinson asked if budget was completed and Dixon stated yes.

  Simpkins asked about revenues listed and if they were updated

  Dixon stated they did get updated numbers

  Steele stated Chair Green was on Zoom

  Lauren Scott appeared before the board.

  Simpkins asked if these projections were correct

  Scott stated did reach out to diff entities.

  Simpkins asked why projected amount was not put in

  Scott stated was told to balance it what it was at that time.

  Dixon stated they took conservative approach to budget bc had to work through things like fire and EMS

  Hinson stated had same concerns which is why wanted workshop

  Simpkins stated she felt like she could not defend this budget.

Holt motion to adopt FY24/25 Budget/ NeSmith 3-2

Simpkins, Hinson opposed.

  Simpkins asked Lauren if budget meets requirements by state. 

  NeSmith asked CA how many staff positions in budget unfilled.

  Dixon stated there are 2 people dedicated to budget

Motion to Adjourn

Simpkins adjourned meeting at 7:36 p.m.