On the agenda: Live Oak minutes — Flock camera (Aug 25)

City of Live Oak
City Council Budget Workshop Meeting Minutes
August 25, 2026
The Live Oak City Council met Tuesday, August 25, 2026, at 4:30 p.m. in City Hall located at 101 SE White
Ave., Live Oak, Florida 32064. The following officials were present: Council President Vanessa Robinson,
Councilmember Adam Collins, Councilmember Matt Campbell, Councilmember Gladys Owens, Mayor
Frank Davis, City Clerk John Gill, City Manager Larry Sessions, and City Attorney Todd Kennon. Absent:
Councilmember David Alford.
Council President Robinson called the meeting to order.
The Invocation was followed by the Pledge of Allegiance to the American Flag.
Finance Director Tammie Girard presented the updated 2026-27 operational budget, incorporating
department requests, outside agency requests, and infrastructure estimates discussed during the prior
workshop.
Public Comment: Addison Snyder addressed the council regarding Flock camera technology. He
expressed concerns about privacy, data collection, potential misuse, and the balance between public
safety and individual liberties.
Budget Finalization and Revenue Review: The Finance Director explained that the expenditure
figures reflected requests previously authorized for inclusion. Revenue projections and year-end entries
were still being finalized, so a balanced budget was not yet ready for presentation.
Helvenston Infrastructure Project: Approximately $5.2 million was placed in the proposed budget for
preliminary infrastructure work on Helvenston Street. Funding is expected primarily from infrastructure
and road-improvement funds, including state revenue-sharing funds. The proposed work covers
approximately one-half mile from the TD Bank area to Railroad Ave. and includes road demolition and
utility infrastructure work. Grant funding will also be pursued.
Infrastructure Priorities: Council discussed concentrating available infrastructure funding on
Helvenston first because of its connection to stormwater needs. Pinewood remains a planned project
and may receive funding as additional resources, including anticipated FEMA funds, become
available.
Road Improvements and Sixth Street: Council confirmed that previously planned Sixth Street work
remains scheduled and is not being displaced by the Helvenston allocation. The Finance Director also
reviewed the recurring road-improvement funding received through state revenue sharing.
Utility Repairs and Potholes: Council discussed how costs are allocated when water or sewer repairs
require roadway excavation and restoration. Staff explained that funding depends on the type of work
and may be allocated through water, sewer, or applicable road-improvement accounts. Members also
emphasized the need to continue addressing potholes.
Budget Reserves and Year-End Accounting: The Finance Director clarified that the prior-year reserve
figure shown in the comparison represented the amount used to balance that budget, not the city's total
reserves. Delayed audit and year-end journal entries were affecting completion of current revenue
estimates.
Staffing and Code Enforcement: Council reviewed staffing needs related to planning, building, and code
enforcement. A proposed full-time position would be funded between two departments. Members also
discussed whether additional code-enforcement support may be needed in the future.
District Projects and Routine Street Needs: Council discussed smaller district projects such as
speed bumps and pothole repairs. Staff advised that routine items of this type can generally be handled
within existing street budgets and do not require separate budget approval.
Flock Camera Contract: Council discussed the existing Flock camera contract because related
expenditures are included in the upcoming budget. City Attorney Kennon explained
renewal or non-renewal should be placed on a council agenda for discussion and possible action. If the
council votes not to renew, the appropriate resolution can then be prepared.
Operating Expenditure Budget: The council reached consensus for the finance director to proceed

City of Live Oak
City Council Budget Workshop Meeting Minutes
August 25, 2026
using an operating expenditure budget of $52,348,200. The finance director stated that a balanced
budget would be presented at the next budget hearing.
Adjournment: With no further budget items presented, the workshop was adjourned.
Councilmember Vanessa Robinson
Council President
Attest: John Gill
City Clerk