1.

Call to Order, Invocation and Pledge of Allegiance

  Vice- Chair called the meeting to order at 6:03 p.m. Pastor Farr led into invocation and Green led into the Pledge of Allegiance to the U.S. Flag. 

Simpkins appeared at 6:04 p.m.

   4.

Amendments to the Agenda

No amendments. 

   5.

Approval of Agenda

Holt/ Wood 4-0

   6.

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.   

Cathy Farr, 564 Middle Creek Rd. Quincy, FL

  Farr appeared before the board to discuss notice of proposed property taxes. Requested 8.7 mill.

William Farr, 564 Middle Creek Rd. Quincy, FL

  Farr appeared before the board to discuss notice of proposed property taxes. Requested 8.7 mill.

Chair appeared at 6:10 p.m.

Lemonteh’ Horne, 4434 Gearhart Rd. Tallahassee, FL

   7.

General Business

  7.a.

Finalization of the Tentative Budget for FY 25-26

 Mr. James stated it was going to be tight budget year so need to reduce expenditures.

Took out COLA from budget.

 Green asked what is projective cut on vehicles and other things

 James asked why spending money on outside vendor when they could use in-house services

  James recommended to terminate Medium4 contract.

  Baptiste stated there were 2 contracts and board agreed to 3-year agreement for $450k. It was not agenda item tonight and requested to get this on another agenda.  

  Holt stated there was a reason for 2 contracts

Green stepped out at 6:31 p.m. 

  Baptiste stated salaries was not a part of agenda and could be outside of sunshine.

   Holt stated the 15 employees should have been put into the budget

  Raynak went through presentation

  Chair mentioned needing heavy equipment operators

  Colonel Barkley appeared. Green asked for numbers.

  Baptiste stated board just has to approve preliminary budget; county is free to make changes.

  Raynak stated 6 million worth of expenditures over last years budget.

  Simpkins stated budget is based on 9.0; wanted to look at rollback rate

Wood stepped out at 7:28 p.m. and returned at 7:30 p.m.

Raynak stated it was cut due to leases

Raynak stated senior citizen had no budget last year and now they have $72k.

  James stated need a motion

  Cathy Farr appeared again.

  Holt motion to approve tentative budget/ Hinson 3-2

Simpkins, Wood opposed.    

   8.

Motion to Adjourn

Chair adjourned meeting at 7:43 p.m.