Call to Order, Invocation and Pledge of Allegiance

   Chair called workshop to order at 5 p.m.  Chair led into Invocation and Pledge of Allegiance

Steele stated Simpkins was online.

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

5.a Introduction

  Morris stated county received $8,868,920

  County has balance of $3,162,538 that must be spent by Dec 31 2024 

  Morris stated they have a presentation that provides background, ARPA expenses and balances

Staff seeks board direction on recommended ARPA prioritization of remaining funds to meet US Treasury Allowable uses and deadlines.

5.b American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Presentation

  Dixon appeared. 

  Janice Harris appeared to provide presentation

Chair stepped out at 5:08 p.m.

  Harris mentioned cooperative procurement

    Harris went thru ARPA Board approved priorities

Chair returned at 5:10 p.m.

Hinson appeared at 5:11 p.m.

  Projects that can be obligated by Dec. 31 2024:

-          Ambulance Remount (4 units)

-          Fire Service Improvements

-          Emergency Housing

-          Elderly Affairs Building Expansion

-          Parks Upgrade and Expansion

 Remaining ARPA Fund needed to be shifted to general funds to address EMS salaries/benefits allocation deficits and other expenditure concerns. Total $1,933,789

  Harris went thru projects to be funded by general fund as a result of fund shift

  Simpkins asked if paying EMS salaries for fiscal year that just ended? Harris stated correct  

  Proposed Contingency Project – Wild Hog Population Control

Proposed funding allocation: $100,000

  Proposed contingency project – Butler building parking perimeter fencing $300,000

  Hinson mentioned $300,000 for a small parking lot was interesting

  Chair asked if got price analysis for parking lot fencing – securing that space was def a necessity

  Chair stated would like for money going to Housing program

  Morris stated fencing will include supervisor of election – gate itself is $35k

  Chair mentioned there being no protection for building       

  Morris stated have discussed getting metal detectors

Chair stated that was a priority for him

  Holt mentioned page 7 – would choose to look at other things other than lighting

NeSmith appeared at 5:42 p.m.

  Simpkins stated lighting was a priority to her

  Chair stated would like more details on cost analysis

  Dixon stated goal was not to give any money back

  Holt asked for cost analysis on the other block down the road to get fencing     

  Hot mentioned upkeep of jail

  Chair stated did tour of jail – it is outdated and old but not in bad condition

  Holt stated she was more interested in safety of jail 

  Chair asked Dixon to start convo with Talquin regarding lighting

 Holt stepped out at 6:06 p.m.

5.c Questions/Answers

6. Motion to Adjourn

Chair adjourned workshop at 6:17 p.m.