Call to Order, Invocation and Pledge of Allegiance

   Holt called workshop to order at 4:02 p.m. Holt led into moment of silence and the Pledge of Allegiance.

Simpkins and Green appeared online.

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.

   Wood read aloud the above statement.

5. General Business

5.a. Introduction

  James introduced workshop #6. He stated he has gone over budget with Raynak.

They cut as much as they could without affecting cutting personnel.

Chair appeared at 4:05 p.m.

   James stated need number on non-profit reserve part 

5.b. Budget Workshop #6

 Raynak appeared.  Provided update on property insurance.

 Raynak mentioned EMS plan.

 Ford appeared before the board to discuss EMS plan.

Green appeared at 4:18 p.m.

 Wood asked EMS costs

 Ford stated got numbers from Madison County – average salary is 72k

Chair stated to get numbers from 3 different counties

 Raynak went on to Summer Youth. It was up to commissioners on what level they want for this.    

 James stated did not want to diminish program but there are ground rules they need to set.

 Wood asked to consider if that program should have more money than boys & girls club.

 Holt thought to set this program at 300k.

 Green suggested 350k.

 Chair stated they could set it at 350k.

 James mentioned non-profit reserves

 Green stated they would need to cut back on non-profits; they need to also see the return in investment and if they really are serving the community.  

 Simpkins stated they need to set parameters and have a certain amount set for non-profits.

 Chair stated he was not against non-profits, its just a tough year.    

  Holt stated they should set up a group to go through non-profit applications.

  Green asked what they spent last year on non-profits; Raynak stated they are still figuring it out but it was around 400k that included TDC things like reunions.

  Chair stated would like to set funding for GCDC.

Simpkins would also like to add funding for GCDC in the budget.

  Wood stated they need to look at growth. 

Chair stepped out at 5:42 p.m.

  Raynak stated need to know about millage rate. Preliminary estimate was at 9.5 and needed direction.

  Baptiste stated not allowed to vote until public hearing.

   Green suggested to stay at 9.0 mill rate

  Holt suggested 9.2

  Simpkins asked for rollback of 8.75

5.c. Questions

6. Motion to Adjourn

Vice-Chair adjourned workshop at 5:53 p.m.