1.

Call to Order, Invocation and Pledge of Allegiance

  Vice- Chair called meeting to order at 6:11 p.m. led into invocation and Pledge of Allegiance to the U.S. Flag.

   4.

Citizens Requesting to be Heard on Non-Agenda Items (3-Minute-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.

    Vice-Chair read aloud the above statement. 

Wood stepped out at 6:13 p.m. and returned at 6:13 p.m.

Richard Copeland, 125 Max Herrin Rd. Chattahoochee, FL

Chair appeared at 6:13 p.m.

   Copeland appeared to discuss railroad issue on Max Herrin Rd.

  Morris stated road was going to be paved. 

Aracely Cruz, 71 Pontiac Dr.

   Cruz appeared before the board to speak on behalf of United Voices that speaks up against discrimination.

Jenita Jimela, 20 Stevens Dr.

  Jenita appeared before the board to speak on lack of digital presence.

  Simpkins glad she addressed it. They need things available online.   

   5.

General Business

 5.a.

Introduction

 5.b.

Budget Workshop #2

  Raynak appeared to discuss millage and TRIM.

  Things that need to happen before adopting millage

  GC Roll back rate 8.6383 mills    

  4.19% 2025 roll back rate 

  Holt stated they asked for certain things under 9 millages

   Green stated

Wood stepped out at 6:46 p.m.

   Simpkins stated she wanted to make sure they are addressing additional resources for citizens and the digital divide.

Wood returned at 6:50 p.m.

   Raynak mentioned expenses increasing due to extra staff like Public Works. 

  Chair asked about future possibilities with spending dollars

  Raynak mentioned new legislation

  Green stated have to be realistic about millage rate.

  Holt mentioned 50% cut in revenue for Medicaid.

Chair asked Morris about EMS in Midway; Moore stated they just received signed contract.

  Chief Ford appeared. Moving date was June1. Waiting on shoreline to be installed.

   Simpkins stated they need to do their part and they report to the citizens. She was not for 9.5 millage rate.

Chair suggested cutting 10% across all departments

  Green suggested 9.5

 5.c.

Questions

  6.

Motion to Adjourn

Chair adjourned workshop at 7:42 p.m.