Call to Order, Invocation and Pledge of Allegiance

   Chair called workshop to order at 6 p.m. Green led into invocation and Chair led into Pledge of Allegiance.

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.

Marcella Blocker, 144 Brangus Lane, Quincy FL

  Blocker appeared regarding concerns of increasing millage rate and its effects.  

Introduction

  Morris stated staff would like to present proposals. EMS is critical and Chief Ford has a presentation.

Simpkins appeared at 6:07 p.m.

Holt appeared at 6:07 p.m.

Department Budget Presentation - Budget Workshop #4

  Rose Raynak appeared.

If ad valorem were to be cut, decrease of 22 million. It would be a big loss to general funds.  

  Potential impacts from Big Beautiful Bill like Medicaid could lead to more children not being covered by health insurance and would create more demand on county.

Admin costs expected to go up 20%.   

  Potential cut of long-standing awards and clawing back money.

  Raynak discussed things they are seeing now at the county level.

ARPA ends Dec. 2026 - $1.9 mill in recurring payroll – will be re-absorbed.

   increases – insurance (health, liability, automobile, equipment, workers comp, property 

  Total operational – approx. $2.5 million.

   Simpkins stated she thought they had people to repair heavy equipment.

Chair Hinson stated they could save a lot of money by training them to get certified.

  Simpkins stated they need to keep a lot of this in-house. Need to purchase equipment that staff is able to repair. There have been problems with tractors they just purchased and they need to make sure they are doing their due diligence.

  Chair stated they could save money by having an inventory specialist.

  Ad valorem - $1.3 million at 9.00 mills

  Recommended $1.1 million for restricted projects only from surtaxes.

   Chair stated to not touch fund balance

Chair recessed workshop at 6:57 p.m.    

Chair resumed workshop at 7:06 p.m.

  Wood mentioned Ring Power

  possible revenues –

TDC - $325,713 unrealized

Discretionary Sales - $3,245,000 unrealized

Fuel Tax - $1,234,000 unrealized

  Raynak suggested to go out with formal bids for health insurance.

  Raynak went through staff recommendations.

  Curtis Young appeared and mentioned tractors not having warranty.

Wood stepped out at 7:40 pm.

Wood returned at 7:42 p.m.    

  Green asked if included lights in parks.

  Green stated several depts. have asked for part time employees but it will be hard to find someone that wants to work only 20 hours per week.

  Holt mentioned cuts with constitutionals.

  Wood stated these cuts are happening; if DOGE comes to county, then they will deal with it. They need to keep in mind that changes are coming.

  Simpkins mentioned wanting to see cost factors

Questions

Motion to Adjourn

Chair adjourned workshop at 8:57 p.m.