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On the agenda: Franklin County Download Minutes — flock camera (Jul 15)

Past ⚠ Agenda Watch Florida · Wednesday, July 15, 2026 — 2 months ago

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The published agenda for the July 15, 2026 meeting contains: "flock camera". The meeting has passed. The agenda stays here as a permanent public record.

WhenWednesday, July 15, 2026
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WhereFlorida

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Money$70,000 was at stake

On the record“flock camera”

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Government public record — the full text of the published document, archived September 24, 2026. Gold highlighting of key terms is ours, not the original’s. Read the original document ↗

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1. Call to Order
Chairman Jones called the meeting to order.
2. Invocation and Pledge of Allegiance
Commissioner Ward led the Board in prayer followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.
3. Approval of Agenda
On a motion by Commissioner Croom, seconded by Commissioner Ward, and by a unanimous vote
of the Board present, the Board approved the agenda as published. Motion carried 5-0.
4. Approval of Minutes and Payment of County Bills
On a motion by Commissioner Ward, seconded by Commissioner Sanders, and by a unanimous
vote of the Board present, the Board approved the Payment of County Bills. Motion carried 5-0.
5. Public Comments
Chairman Jones speaking, so we only have one speaker card filled out, Mrs. Gayle. It says there's nothing
specific. So, whenever we get to, like we get to Erin's report or wherever, if you just let me know at the
beginning, we'll go ahead and handle that public comment. Is that okay? Mrs. Riegelmayer speaking, yes.
6. Department Directors
a. Steve Paterson – Building Official -- Private Provider Commercial Fees
Mr. Patterson speaking, good morning. How y'all doing today? I just had a couple of things regarding
private providers. The states come up with some new guidelines, and in order to bring, we're changing our
paperwork to match what the state requirements are exactly no more, no less. So we're just coming in line
with the state's requirements, and that seems to be the area, the way direction they want to go. So we're
going to follow their lead. So there'll be some changes on that. It'll be on our website with the statute
listed and why, you know what they're going to be doing and required to do. The other thing I wanted to
do is it was an action item to get. We want to change our fees on, right now private providers get a 30%
discount across the board, and when they use a private provider with larger projects coming on down in
the future of the county, we'd like to increase that to a 50% discount. It's, we don't have the manpower to
handle those to you know a large you know say a hotel or something. We just don't have the manpower to
do that, and they would probably use a private provider on that. If the so I want to go with the 50%
discount for private providers on that, and the other thing is I would like to round down our fees to the
nearest dollar on our permit fees, so just so we don't deal with change anymore. So we're dealing with
round numbers, and that's all. Chairman Jones speaking, anyone have any questions for Mr. Patterson?
Commissioner Ward speaking, Mr. Chairman, I guess do we, guess this would be Attorney Shuler
question? Do we need to change that in the policy? Does it have to be an ordinance? Is it how can we do
all these things that Steve's asking to procedurally be sound? Attorney Shuler speaking, the board has
adopted a fee resolution for building code administration fees. I received a copy of that. I attempted to
edit it in time for today's meeting, but apparently, along with some other software upgrades on my
computer, my PDF editor was not working the way I am used to, so I was not able to finish that. But I
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would need to bring back an amended resolution for the board's consideration. I can do that at the next
meeting. Then we can make it retroactive to July 1, which is I believe when these changes went into
effect. The other thing, just as a point of clarification for me, the 50% discount. This question I can direct
to Mr. Patterson. The 50% discount for private providers is that for both commercial and residential? Mr.
Patterson speaking, only commercial. Attorney Shuler speaking, that's what I thought, and there may be
instances where the county reviews the plans but does not provide the inspection services. Correction,
service from a private provider. So, what would be the calculation of the fee to the county, for example,
my understanding is it would 50% discount for the private provider fees. But if the county reviews the
commercial site plan, the county's fees would be issued on the undiscounted amount of the building
permit is that? Am I also correct? Mr. Patterson speaking, correct. Attorney Shuler speaking, okay. Then I
have my marching orders. Chairman Jones speaking, okay. Well, and to Mr. Patterson, isn't this had this
changed several times in the last two or three years to increase from the state level down to us to increase
the flexibility? Let's put it that way, of property owners to be able to use private providers instead of. Mr.
Patterson speaking, it has. I mean, it's you know we don't have an issue here, really. We can get to most of
our inspections, the residential inspections. We you know we're on top of that really good. There's other
places where they're building. You get a small community where they'll go in and build 1000 track
homes. Chairman Jones speaking, yes. Mr. Patterson speaking, it's hard. You know, it's hard for anybody
to keep up with that. We fortunately are not seeing that here right now, but we don't know what the future
is going to hold. Chairman Jones speaking, so do we need to vote on this, Attorney Shuler? What do we
need to do? Attorney Shuler speaking, no, sir. I think we can wait until the resolution is presented to the
board at the next meeting, and after I've drafted it, I will send it to Mr. Patterson for his review and
consideration in advance of the meeting. Chairman Jones speaking, all right, Mr. Patterson, will you be at
the next meeting when we discuss this? Mr. Patterson speaking, if you make me. Chairman Jones
speaking, well, I just did it. That's why I was asking. Commissioner Ward speaking, make sure he's up on
the agenda, Michael before Commissioner comments. That's all we just took here. But anyway, I do
appreciate you trying to be consistent, and because it is coming from the state to us, we just we just have
to redirect that. I don't think it passed, but I think there was legislation this year that the state had
considered the legislature considered to actually let the private provider do the CEO. I mean, they're
doing the whole thing. Mr. Patterson speaking, she actually issued the permit. It's one of the ones they had
proposed. So, where that we wouldn't have any say so in anything. Chairman Jones speaking, Right. The
only thing I will say on behalf of this county and this board that I ask them when I talk to the legislators
we have is, well, who's going to be responsible for the record? Because if somebody else is doing all the
work, we don't need to be responsible for a record we haven't been a part of, you know what I mean, or
the accuracy or the validity of that record. We can't back that up, you know what I mean. So anyway, but
it's been a constant push for the last several years. All right, any more questions for Mr. Patterson? Thank
you, Steve.

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b. Dewitt Polous -- Mosquito Control -- Retirement Plan
Mr. Polous speaking, thank you for the opportunity to come before you this morning. I just wanted to talk
about the position with the Assistant Mosquito Control Director. Want to put Miss Virginia Messer in that
position if possible, and as you're aware, I'm getting ready to retire, and I'd like to have somebody in place
to take my place in the near future, and just want to bring that before you this morning. Chairman Jones
speaking, all right, any questions, commissioners? Commissioner Croom speaking, yes, Mr. Chair, I got a
couple. All right, I'm not uh not against this at all. Just a couple things, questions I have, and one was for
you, Attorney Shuler as well. The pay grade that you want to move to is that already in your budget where
you can establish that? Mr. Polous speaking, no, it's not. Commissioner Croom speaking, so it will need
to be on the new budget, correct? Mr. Polous speaking, yeah. Well, actually, it's not going to be that much
from what she makes to the grade, but no, that's not in the budget right now. Commissioner Croom
speaking, when are you wanting an appointment? Mr. Polous speaking, excuse me. Commissioner Croom
speaking, when are you wanting to appoint? Mr. Polous speaking, as soon as possible. Commissioner
Croom speaking, so I guess we got to make sure that pay grade 13 is available in our budget, correct,
Erin? Or how are we going to do that? Mr. Moron speaking, yeah, I'll let Erin go first, and then have a
couple of things that we need to. Mrs. Griffith speaking, yes, that is correct. Actually, Dewitt, we will
need to revise your budget request, if this is made effective immediately for the upcoming budget as well,
and I understand like as far as your retirement date, what date do we need to use as far as you know
getting that calculated with your new form? Mr. Polous speaking, well, my retirement date will be
December 31. I will actually be leaving. Mrs. Griffith speaking, okay. Mr. Polous speaking, yeah, and I
actually plan on start December the 30th. Start burning my leave time, so I'll be in and out during that
period. But December 31 will be actually my retirement date. Mrs. Griffith speaking, well, we'll um I'll
get together with Virginia, and we'll actually get your form revised to reflect the change if approved
today. Commissioner Croom speaking, do you have a current opening, correct? Mr. Polous speaking, I
do. Commissioner Croom speaking, are you planning to fill that? Mr. Polous speaking, we are.
Commissioner Croom speaking, okay. My other question is, I guess, as the board, once hypothetically,
you know, if Miss Messer gets appointed to the assistant director position, is that a position once the
director retires? Is that a position that we're going to keep there? The assistant director position, we got to
figure that out as well. Or will we reevaluate it and you know, abolish it? Chairman Jones speaking well, I
think from my memory now, from my memory, I think the only thing that's in our policies for
appointment by this board is the directors. I mean, you know, but I'm we're here. We can make decisions.
I'm not saying that, but I think that's what's in our current personnel policy. Commissioner Croom
speaking, and that was my second question, Attorney Shuler, with direct appointments from this board,
you know, is there any anything in our policy for or against direct appointments when it comes to these
type of positions? Attorney Shuler speaking, Commissioner Croom, typically, the board would seek the
advice of your outside labor attorney before making these decisions. So, my advice would be to let myself
or Mike check with Mr. Carson and then report back to the board if the retirement date is December 31st.
I think you have until at least until your next meeting on August 5th, and I'm sure we can get an answer
back from Mr. Carson well in advance of that. Commissioner Croom speaking, all right, that answers my
question. Thank you. Commissioner Ward speaking, Mr. Chairman, I've got a question, and Erin might
can answer this too. Don't we split budgetary wise some money come out of the road department? Don't
we split a salary there somewhere or some money? Mrs. Griffith speaking, we do, Commissioner. The
mosquito control director is actually split 45% road department and 55% mosquito control. There is not
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really a need for an assistant director position if you have a director. You know, in this case, it would be
more of because of Mr. Polous' impending retirement, where it would make sense to actually add an
assistant director position, you know. But if you do decide to fill with another mosquito control director,
most likely you wouldn't necessarily need an assistant mosquito control director without the impending
retirement. Chairman Jones speaking, so, Mr. Polous, are you talking about December 31 of this year?
Mr. Polous speaking, yes. Chairman Jones speaking, I'll say this: I'm not opposed to it, but I agree with
what Miss Aaron just said. I think if we do after we hear back from the labor attorney if we do. The kind
of action we just do it pending his retirement, then we'll just do away with that position when we move
somebody else and make them director. We won't keep an assistant director. Commissioner Croom
speaking, yeah, Mr. Chair, so should we do an interim director? Chairman Jones speaking, yeah, position
instead of doing that. That's maybe. Mr. Moron speaking, so there are a few things, Mr. Chairman,
Commissioner, if you don't mind, I would like to talk to Trevor about number one. Does that mean that if
she's the interim director, she forgoes the administrative assistant role she has at the road department
because you're going to hold two titles at two different levels? There's a little confusion there, so there are
a few things I would like Trevor to straighten out for me. Can we find a way to incorporate the interim
assistant director into her current role as the administrative assistant to and see how we can maybe just
create a type of a hybrid like system until Mr. Polous officially leaves, and then keep in mind. I think I'll
ask Trevor about our advertising requirements in in our policy just to make sure, especially for the
director, we've a couple of times we've been you know knocked for not doing it correctly. We had to kind
of go back and do some advertising. This was in the past before this current makeup of this board. So,
yeah, there are a few questions I want Trevor to come up with some scenarios presented to the board and
Mr. Polous, and then you guys collectively decide how we're going to move forward. Chairman Jones
speaking, so when's our next meeting? Mr. Moron speaking, August 5. Mr. Polous speaking, Virginia
would continue to do her work with the road department until actual time of, if you choose to make her
director, she would be available. She's not going to leave her position now. She'll be doing both jobs, but
receiving just the difference between the pay grades. Nothing will change with that work until if she is, if
you do decide to make her director, then she would still be there for that new secretary to help with the
transition, so none of the duties will be lost. Commissioner Croom speaking, like I said, Mr. Polous, I'm
not against this, but I want to make sure that we're doing it the correct way. We don't have to go back.
That's my, you know, my responsibility as the commission. Make sure we're doing the right thing, and
past practice, just because we did stuff in the past, and I said it's all departments, doesn't mean it was done
correctly. So, moving forward, I'm going to make sure we do everything clean and correct. Mr. Polous
speaking, how did how did we approach that with Director Davis with those two positions? Did we? Mr.
Moron speaking, they were interviewed. They were advertised and interviewed. There were interviews
and there was advertisement for those. Mr. Polous speaking, do we need to do that? Mr. Moron speaking,
let me hear from Trevor first. I don't want to kind of jump ahead of our labor attorney and then advise you
and the board as to how we're going to what options we have and see what works best for the department.
Because and I know Commissioner Sanders has said this time and time again. Within the next few years,
we have a lot of people leaving some of these departments. Commissioner Sanders speaking, well, what it
is, Mr. Chairman, if you don't mind, what it is, we've got an older, older crews, and they've been here a
long, long time, and they're starting to come out. And I know when Howard neighbors go, there's going to
be about 10 born with him. So, I mean, out of a 20-something department, 20-something person
department, you're talking about a lot of institutional knowledge that's going to be got out the door. So,
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we need to make sure that we get the best qualified people in the position that they are that know their
job. That's the reason why you've been kind of grooming Virginia over the past few years, letting her go
there with you to the meetings and Michigan Control stepping off. Is because there is there is laws and
rules that you got to follow, and so far, she's up to your speed, isn't she? She's doing really well. Mr.
Polous speaking, so you know I've been really impressed with when I take her out to the truck because as
can't just anybody working with trucks, you know if even if I have rusty and other mechanics, there has to
be somebody with a public pesticide license there, according to state rules. But I'm very impressed with
the way she catches on to the mechanical part of the stuff. I mean, I've seen in the past where she's done it
faster some of the guys, and she's willing to jump up there and get dirty if he needs to. So yeah, I'm
impressed. Commissioner Sanders speaking, let me ask you another question, while you're in front of us,
you know we recently lost Scott Tucker. Have you replaced that position? Mr. Polous speaking, no,
ma'am, not yet. Commissioner Sanders speaking, so you need to replace that. How many drivers have you
got now? Mr. Polous speaking, I've got three-part timers, and I've got Richard full time. Virginia and I,
I've been sending her out when somebody can't come for whatever reason. She'll actually take up some
slack also. Chairman Jones speaking, well, Mr. Polous, hasn't she already taken some of the tests or all of
the tests? Mr. Polous speaking, yes, all of them. She has the public pesticide Florida Core and the
Director's Exam. Chairman Jones speaking, okay, good. That's a good thing. Commissioner Ward
speaking, I'm all for this too, but I do understand we've got, as Commissioner Croom said, some steps to
take first. Mr. Polous speaking, okay, I just want a smooth transition. You know, I've got quite a bit of
leave time. I'm going to have to start burning, so I'll be in and out. But just want everything to run
smoothly. My motto's always been, you know, out of sight, out of mind. We like to do our job and keep
the public from calling you guys when you know every chance we get when we take the pressure off and
get enough deal with. Chairman Jones speaking, well, it sounds like we'll be talking about it on the fifth
of August. Do we need to make any motions for that? Okay, you good with that, Mr. Moron? Mr. Moron
speaking, yes. Chairman Jones speaking, all right, we'll see you on the fifth of August. Mr. Polous
speaking, alright. Thank you.
7. Other Reports/Presentations/Updates/Requests
a. Attorney David Theriaque -- Code Enforcement Draft Ordinance -- Final
Review
Chairman Jones speaking, all right, Mr. Theriaque, he's online, correct? Mr. Moron speaking, yes, he is.
Attorney Theriaque speaking, good morning. Are we ready to talk about the code enforcement ordinance?
Well, I know it's probably the most exciting aspect of the meeting today, Mr. Chairman, but we'll slog
through it. I provided another revised draft. I incorporated changes that the board gave me direction on
last time, and there's just a couple items that still need some board attention. So if I could get you to page
six, and we talked about this last time, but I don't know if I missed direction on this. This is a provision in
the property maintenance regulations, and the highlighted section 10B states this article shall not apply to
owner-occupied dwelling units, but rather shall only apply to commercial property and non-owneroccupied dwelling units, and I didn't know what the pleasure of the board was whether to exempt owner
occupied dwelling units or to also capture them in these property maintenance regulations. Chairman
Jones speaking, so, turning through just a question. Is that a way to, I guess, kind of address whether it's a
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homesteaded property or not? Attorney Theriaque speaking, it could be a homesteaded property. It not
necessarily. It's just an owner-occupied dwelling unit. We don't know if that owner is homesteaded that
property. Chairman Jones speaking, so the area it's referencing those. Which section is that, according to
you? Attorney Theriaque speaking, well, if you scroll down, Mr. Chairman, we've got certain
responsibilities of all property owners in subsection 11. We've got requirements for the exterior of
structures in subsection 12, and then on subsection 13 there is language regarding pest elimination. As
this is currently drafted, owner-occupied dwelling units would not be subject to 11, 12, and 13. Only
commercial property and non-owner-occupied dwelling units. So, the question is, if you want to carve out
the owner-occupied or include the owner-occupied dwelling units. Commissioner Ward speaking, Mr.
Chairman, I'm going to ask a question, and I'm hoping I'm not having a dumb blonde moment here. But
what's the use in doing that? I mean, the whole purpose of code enforcement is to make sure that
everyone complies. And to me, in reading this, and correct me if I'm wrong, I am not a lawyer, but does
that mean that my home that I own that I'm homesteaded, if I have pests or I have unsightly yard, does
that mean I'm exempt? Attorney Theriaque speaking, as draft as drafted right now, yes, Commissioner.
Commissioner Ward speaking, no, I don't. I'm not for that. That's the whole purpose of code enforcement,
right? I mean. That's um. That's my person personal feeling. I feel like that if we're going to do code
enforcement, everybody should be up. You know, there shouldn't be any kind of exclusion, because you
know most of our code enforcement complaints are, well, some of them are owner occupied, some are
not. So how can we establish that? That's I think that's getting too much into the weeds. That's my
personal opinion. I feel like if we're going to do commercial and non-homesteaded or not owner-occupied
dwellings, we also need to include owner occupied dwellings. That's my thought on that one. Not sure
how the rest of the Board feels. Chairman Jones speaking, no, I agree with you. I don't know why we
would, you know, accept some and not others. Commissioner Amison speaking, I agree. Commissioner
Croom speaking, yeah, like Commissioner Ward said, is you know, more of the time you deal with
occupied dwellings. Commissioner Ward speaking, so I guess to answer your question, Attorney
Theriague, I guess we need to omit B. Attorney Theriaque speaking, yes, ma'am. If we're ready to move
on, the next provision is on page seven. It's subsection G. Your building official wanted something to
address exterior electrical facilities and equipment. Steve reviewed this, I believe, on Sunday afternoon,
and thought this worked for him, so if it works for y'all, we'll keep subsection G to capture a requirement
that all exterior electrical facilities and equipment of a structure or property shall be properly maintained
in good repair. Commissioner Ward speaking, Mr. Chairman, I'm okay with that. Chairman Jones
speaking, yeah, under the very first at the top, it starts out with EEF or G at the very top of page seven.
Attorney Theriaque speaking, there's a new subsection G right above number 13. Chairman Jones
speaking, yeah, I don't think, I definitely have no problem with anything electrical being in working
order. It creates a fire hazard if it's not, doesn't it? Attorney Theriaque speaking, well, it was something
that Steve wanted, and he liked this language. Commissioner Amison speaking, that's the biggest in
discussion with Steve and Mr. Theriaque and Angela. We that was one of the main things was the safety
issue of you know life safety that is. Chairman Jones speaking, well, he's also too talking about exterior.
Commissioner Amison speaking, that's what I'm talking. Attorney Theriaque speaking, and I'll bring to
your attention on page twelve went to the ordinance that you already have. It's the board, or they can
delegate it to the county attorney. So I made that change that the appointment shall be made by the board
or its design or its designee, which would be Mr. Shuler, when you wanted to do so. And then in sub B,
that just tracks what I did in A. On the next page, on 13, am I back? Chairman Jones speaking, yeah, you
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are good. Attorney Theriaque speaking, yeah. It dropped. I lost all of you, so I wasn't sure if I was back.
Okay. On page 13, it's subsection 22. It used to say conduct of meetings. The special magistrate really
doesn't conduct meetings or proceedings. He conducts, he or she, conducts hearings. So, I just click
verified and deleted the meetings and proceedings, and simply referred to hearings. On page 14 and 15 at
the bottom, there was this deals with notice and how to post, and I pulled chapter 162, and I revised this
section at the bottom of 14 and the top of 15 to track what Chapter 162 states about posting. And the rest
are just a couple minor tweaks, a comma and a the, and just I did a real final proofread over the weekend
to try to get this in final format for you. So, if you're good with deleting that subsection B, and if you're
good with Steve's language in that subsection G, I will accept all and provide a final version to Mr. Shuler
and Mr. Moron. Chairman Jones speaking, any questions, commissioners? Commissioner Sanders
speaking, just a statement, up there, you had about the you're able to have one inoperable vehicle. I don't
remember where it was. It somewhere around page seven, a little bit. Yes, ma'am. But anyway, now mind
you, I'm still saying this. You're going to have people that has cars in the yards and boats in the yards. So
now this is a this is going to be an ordinance that is clearly demonstrated on complaint, people calling in
complaint, or are we going to have somebody riding around looking for these things? Commissioner
Ward speaking, well, still yet to be determined, I guess. Chairman Jones speaking, if there's anything in
this one that's going to clarify that. Does this ordinance address the commissioner's question? Attorney
Theriaque speaking, no, there's not a statement about whether you're going to direct your code inspectors
to drive around the county looking for violations. It does address that there cannot be an anonymous
complaint. If there's a complaint, we have to have a name and who's providing that complaint. But that's
going to be your call, I guess, if you're delegating it to the sheriff's office, on whether they're going to
have somebody drive around looking or just have it be complaint driven. Chairman Jones speaking that is
our current structure is working with the sheriff's office. Chairman Jones speaking, so, what action do we
need to take care of this morning. Other than the discussion we've had, Attorney Theriaque, do you need a
motion from the board to accept this final draft and bring it back to us? What do you need from us?
Attorney Theriaque speaking, I would defer to Mr. Shuler and Mr. Moron whether or not what's your
practice on if you need a motion to have it come back to you in final format, or we just place it on an
agenda. I'm not sure what your policy is. Mr. Moron speaking, if Mr. Shuler doesn't object, I would ask
for the board to consider scheduling at least a workshop now as you receive the final draft and we put that
out for a workshop, and then have the workshop. Then we schedule a public hearing. That's I would ask
Attorney Shuler. Be good with that. I am. Attorney Shuler speaking, speaking, pleasure of the board. You
can do what Mr. Moron said, or you could schedule the public hearing. It's board pleasure. Commissioner
Sanders speaking, I'd rather have a workshop, y'all, because it's going to be really, really intense on some
issues. So, I'm going to make a motion that we'll go ahead and do the recommendation of the County
Coordinator. Mr. Moron speaking, yeah, can I come back with a workshop date at august 5 meeting
because I'm still trying to negotiate us moving over to the to the army. Let me get that settled, and then
we'll have a workshop settled. Commissioner Sanders speaking, do you want me to do a motion then? Mr.
Moron speaking, I'll just come back with a date. I'll come back at the next meeting with a time and day.
Because more than likely, what we'll have to do, and the chairman and I have had these discussions, is
move a workshop like that to the main room of the armory versus the fireplace room that we're using for
our regular meetings at the moment. Because as Commissioner Sanders said, that's it's going to that's
going to. Intense type of discussion with the public, you know. And as soon, if you don't mind, as soon as
the attorney Theriaque has sent Attorney Shuler, he's good with it. Would you like me to put it on the
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somewhere on the main on the county's website so the public could start looking at it even before we get
to the workshop time, so they have time to kind of ingest what we're doing here. Chairman Jones
speaking, yep, that's fine. Commissioner Sanders made a motion to approve taking this to a
workshop setting, seconded by Commissioner Ward. The other part of Commissioner Sanders'
motion was that at the next meeting, have Mr. Moron bring back up suggested times and dates, so
we can determine that. Commissioner Croom speaking, just a statement, Mr. Chair. I know this is taking
a while, but it's looking pretty solid and something that's much needed. So, thank you for all that's
involved. Chairman Jones speaking, any other discussion? All in favor? Any opposed? That's unanimous.
Motion carried 5-0. Mr. Theriaque, anything else from us? Attorney Theriaque speaking, no, sir. I'll see
you this afternoon. Thank you. Chairman Jones speaking, all right. Let's take a short break, and then we'll
go to Mrs. Griffith. The Board took a short recess at this time.
8. Erin Griffith – Fiscal Manager/Grants Coordinator
1) BOARD ACTION: TRIUMPH HANEY TECHNICAL COLLEGE IN FRANKLIN COUNTY
FORMAL GRANT AWARD AMENDMENT FOR ADDITIONAL FUNDS
Attached is the formal grant award amendment as approved by Triumph at their meeting in Panama
City on June 22nd for the Triumph Haney Technical College in Franklin County Project. The
Hangar renovations are 100% complete, however, there were not enough funds available in the
original project budget to replace the roof. The attached amendment awards an additional $70,000 to
replace the roof, landscape the grounds, and improve the parking area for the facility. The original
Triumph grant award was $250,000 and required 25 certifications by December 31, 2030, Triumph
has required an additional (7) certifications for the additional $70,000 grant award. The amendment
also adds one additional year to the completion timeline (December 31, 2031). This will allow for a
full (5) years for students to earn the required number of certifications.
Board action to approve and authorize the chairman to sign the formal grant award amendment
agreement for the Triumph Haney Project at the Airport. Once returned, Triumph will sign and add
the effective date of the agreement to the attached.
2) BOARD ACTION: ANIMAL CONTROL JOB CLASSIFICATIONS
In 2021 the county received the pay classification plan from Evergreen and implemented the policy.
In 2021, the existing animal control officers were already certified and the department was relatively
stable – Animal Control Officers are required to be certified in the State of Florida and the pay grade
for this position was set at grade 6. The department has recently experienced a lot of turnover and as
it is time to begin advertising for a vacancy, it has become evident that additional grades are needed
for this department. Evergreen has developed the attached matrix to clearly define the new
classifications. New hires without experience or certification will be hired as ‘Animal Control
Officer Trainee’ at a pay grade 5 for the six-month period before they become certified. Once
certified, a new hire could transition to the existing ‘Animal Control Officer I’ position at a pay
grade 6 and then could further progress to an ‘Animal Control Officer II’ position at a pay grade 7
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with greater autonomy, experience, and responsibilities.
Board action to approve the additional job classifications of Animal Control Officer Trainee (5) and
Animal Control Officer II (7).
Chairman Jones speaking, at this time, we're going to Mrs. Erin Griffith's report. Mrs. Gail, do you have
anything on this report that you wanted to address the board about. Mrs. Gail, no. Chairman Jones
speaking, okay, all right, Mrs. Griffith. Mrs. Griffith speaking, thank you, Commissioners. Yeah, I do
have approximately three action items for today, and then some informational items for you all. So that is
board discretion. If you'd like for me to talk about any of the action items, or if you just want to move
right to the informational. Chairman Jones speaking, I definitely want to discuss number three,
commissioners. Do y'all have any of the two you want to discuss? You want to vote for them together?
Commissioner Ward speaking, I'm okay with vote for them together, Chairman. Commissioner Sanders
speaking, yeah, me too. Chairman Jones speaking, all right. So, Mrs. Griffith, do you at least want to read
the caption of one and two so we, the public, can know what we're looking at? Mrs. Griffith speaking,
action item number one was the Triumph Haney Technical College in Franklin County. The formal grant
award amendment for the additional funds. This is actually kind of the aftermath of Triumph's formal
meeting where they approved it and they sent us the final agreement. So just getting authorization for the
chairman to sign that award agreement. And then action item number two is the addition of animal control
job classifications because previously there was only one classification, and the department has changed,
so it became necessary to actually add an entry level position and an advanced position as well. Chairman
Jones speaking, okay, any questions, commissioners? If not, I would entertain a motion.
On a motion by Commissioner Ward, seconded by Commissioner Sanders to approve items 1 and 2
from Mrs. Griffith's report. Motion carried 5-0.
3) BOARD ACTION: RIF GRANT APPLICATIONS

The Rural Infrastructure Fund (RIF) is a grant program administered by the Florida Department of
Commerce to support the planning, preparation, and financing of infrastructure projects in rural
communities. Its goal is to encourage job creation, attract capital investment, and strengthen and
diversify rural economies. Grant applications were due on Monday and the county submitted two
total participation project applications for consideration:
• St. George Island Boat Ramp and Shoreline Stabilization Project - $1,312,500 – replaces 257
linear feet of seawall which had collapsed in the aftermath of Tropical Storm Debby. The county
received a FEMA denial for seawall due to age and has been searching for funds to make the
necessary repairs to stabilize the access road. This ramp provides access for seafood harvesting
by proximity to oyster bars and provides a way to launch for commercial charter captains in
addition to residents and tourists.
• Apalachicola Regional Airport T-Hangars & Terminal Building - $3,500,000 – phased multiFCBCC Regular Meeting
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grant project to construct two 8-unit T-hangars, two 11-unit T-hangars, two 60’x60’ box hangars
and new terminal building, total cost estimate of all phases will be $8.,300,000. This aviation
infrastructure improvement will expand the commercial capacity of the airport by providing
space for 38 new tenants which will encourage capital investment from aviation businesses
seeking modern facilities.
Board action to authorize and approve the chairman’s signature on the attached RIF project grant
applications that were submitted to Commerce on Monday.

Mrs. Griffith speaking, okay, action item number three is the board's RIF grant applications. The
Rural Infrastructure Fund is a grant program administered by the Florida Department of
Commerce to support the planning, preparation, and financing of infrastructure projects in rural
communities. Its goal is to encourage job creation, attract capital investment, and strengthen and
diversify rural economies. Grant applications were due on Monday, and the county submitted
two total participation project applications for consideration. Project A, the St. George Island
boat rampant shoreline stabilization project, $1,312,500. This would replace 257 linear feet of
seawall, which had collapsed in the aftermath of Tropical Storm Debbie, the county received a
FEMA denial for the seawall due to age and has been searching for funds to make the necessary
repairs to stabilize the access road. This ramp provides access for seafood harvesting by close
proximity to oyster bars and provides a way to launch for commercial charter captains in
addition to residents and tourists. Project B was the Apalachicola Regional Airport T hangars
and Terminal Building. The request was $3.5 million. This is a phased multi grant project to
construct two eight-unit T hangars, 211-unit T hangars, 260 by 60 box hangars, and a new
terminal building. A total cost estimate for all phases, would be $8,300,000. This aviation
infrastructure improvement will explain the commercial capacity of the airport by providing
space for approximately 38 new tenants, which will encourage capital investment from aviation
businesses seeking modern facilities. And the board action would be to authorize and approve
the chairman's signature on the attached RIF project grant applications that were submitted to
Commerce on Monday.
Chairman Jones speaking, all right, Mrs. Erin, I've got one question. Are we, I guess we're
allowed to submit more than one RIF grant? Mrs. Griffith speaking, we are. We were allowed to
actually submit two. Chairman Jones speaking, okay, we're good. That was my only question.
Any other questions, Commissioners? All right. What's the pleasure of the board? On a motion
to approve by Commissioner Croom, seconded by Commissioner Amison to approve item
3. Chairman Jones speaking, any discussion before we vote? All in favor? Aye. Any opposed?
That's unanimous. Motion carried 5-0. Chairman Jones speaking, all right, Mrs. Erin, let's talk
about some information items.
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• SGI Volunteer Fire Department Firetruck: $1,000,000 in down payment assistance towards the
$2,100,000 cost to replace the department’s 25-year-old aerial fire truck – the proposed
replacement will be a 2029 E-One 100’ RM Aerial Platform Firetruck.
• Alligator Point/St. Teresa Volunteer Fire Department Firetruck: $624,791 – this will provide
the department with a 2,500-gallon Tanker-Pumper built on a Freightliner M2-106 two-door
cab and chassis, equipped with a 1,250 GPM Hale pump system. This truck will also have
wildland firefighting capabilities for the rural/forested areas.
• Sylvester Williams Park Energy Efficient Ballfield Lighting: $295,000 in assistance to install
energy-efficient, storm-rated lighting at Sylvester Williams Park like the county’s other
ballfields to improve safety, accessibility, and year-round usability at a neighborhood park
location within the city limits of Apalachicola. Comprehensive Plan Update: $104,900 in
support to fully update the county’s comprehensive plan to ensure alignment with current
statutory guidance, planning standards and community priorities. Recent changes in state
requirements necessitate a comprehensive revision.
• Bob Sikes Cut – Planning Assistance to States Program Cost Share Army Corp Study:
$150,000 to provide the 50% phase I Non-Federal cost share for a shoreline modeling and
sediment transport study focused on Bob Sike’s Cut and the surrounding areas of St. George
Island. This project would be completed through a partnership with the U.S. Army Corp of
Engineers through its Planning Assistance to State’s Program.
• Apalachicola T-Hanger Project: $1,250,000 towards the construction of 26 new T-hangars and
5 new box hangars that will increase the quantity of based aircraft to increase the airport’s
revenue from aircraft storage fees, hangar rents and increased fuel sales. The county’s RIF job
growth fund grant application that is currently in process will also go towards the construction
costs of this same project.
• Eastpoint Volunteer Fire Department Reappropriation of 2025 Funds: $577,440 to purchase a
new firetruck for the department. The delivery of this Toyne FTL304 Rural Mobile Water
Supply Tanker Firetruck will not occur until April of 2027, which was past the original funding
allocation due date for the 2025 Funds.

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• D.W. Wilson Pickleball Courts – pre-construction meeting held yesterday, notice to proceed
issued for construction to commence on Monday, July 20th
• RESTORE SGI Storm Water – submitted formal time extension request to US Treasury to
allow sufficient time for project closeout upon completion and final change order values
• RESTORE County Wide Dune Restoration – submitted formal time extension request to US
Treasury to allow sufficient time for project closeout upon completion
• Sylvester Williams Park Lighting Project – requesting lighting quotes from vendor Musco
Sports Lighting and Duke Energy
• Other Projects 6) BOARD

INFORMATION – BUDGET WORKSHOP SCHEDULE AND COUNTY
DEPARTMENTAL REQUEST SUMMARY – BUDGET BOOK WILL BE POSTED ONLINE
VIA LINK ON THE AGENDA PAGE FOR THE BUDGET WORKSHOPS

Mrs. Griffith speaking, okay. All right, commissioners. At the last meeting, the legislative appropriation
requests were announced. Below is just kind of the summarized list of the advancing projects, and to date,
formal notification has been received from the granting agencies for the projects funded by the fire
marshal's office, the fire trucks, and Florida Commerce. The comp plan updates, grant award agreements
will follow once processed by the granting agencies. Some are faster than others. Likely, we will see
Sylvester Williams Park energy efficient ball field lighting. We are thinking that that one will likely come
from the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, and then we also feel like the Bob Sykes Cut
planning assistance, the state program, the cost share with the Army Corps. We feel like that one will also
come from the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, and the Apalachicola Tea Hanger Project
will likely come probably through Florida Commerce. So, we have also not received you know the formal
notification from those departments yet.
In board information, we do have some miscellaneous project updates. We have the D.W. Wilson
pickleball courts. The pre-construction meeting was held yesterday, and the notice to proceed will be
issued for construction to commence on Monday, July 20. Restore SGI stormwater county submitted a
formal time extension request to the U.S. Treasury to allow sufficient time for project closeout upon
completion and final change order values. The Restore Countywide Dune Restoration Project. We also
submitted a formal time extension request to the U.S. Treasury to allow sufficient time for project
closeout upon completion. The Sylvester Williams Park Lighting Project. We are requesting lighting
quotes from Bender Musco Sports Lighting and Duke Energy. And let's see, we also have some board
information for you all. The budget workshop schedule and county departmental request summary was
included in my report. The budget book will be posted online via link on the agenda page for the budget
workshops, and one thing you will notice by looking at that summarized list, you will notice that just the
county's current county constitutional officers and county departments budgets total $19,930,407. This
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amount is not inclusive of all operational expenses for the county, as it does not include legal and
professional service expenses, all insurance costs, other government agencies, required state contributions
such as the county's Medicaid cost share, non-governmental and nonprofit support budgets. The total
budgeted Apple and property tax proceeds for the current year is $19,102,706. In the current budget.
There are approximately $3.8 million in the general fund in state shared revenues to fund almost all other
operating expenses. Just to kind of put that into perspective, when the with the impending property tax
reform, and I also want to mention on here included in the sheriff's request is the request for construction
funds for a 5.7-million-dollar 10,000 square foot administrative building? The sheriff did present this
concept to the board during last year's budget workshop, and the board recommended that he approach the
legislature for funding assistance. The legislative request was not funded this year, and although he has
received a $500,000 award in the previous cycle, that would only be likely enough to construct what was
stipulated in that original award, which was kind of a classroom meeting room area with several offices to
be used for substance abuse counseling and assistance. The sheriff's department has been in contact with
the granting agency and has asked if the grant could be amended, whereas the deliverable could be
reduced to phases of construction instead of completion, and it is possible with that granting agency for
them to also grant an extension, as they understand that building projects take multiple years to complete.
With that being said, unfortunately, it is not possible for Franklin County to fund such a large capital
improvement without the assistance of state and federal grant funds. The county's new EOC have.
Discussed for a period of about 10 years, an original plan developed through a design grant and finally
funded through a combination of one federal grant award of $1 million in 2022, one state grant award in
2023 of 2.6 million dollars, one state award in 2024 of 1.5 million dollars, and $1 million allocated in the
Gulf Consortium Fund, so I just want to put that out there. If you all, you know, do want to request that
that capital be removed at this point, or we can proceed the budget workshops with it in there. The sheriff
said that he did understand that you know it was likely that the board would not be able to fund something
like that. Now, one thing that we might be able to do is the county could, you know, because in the realm
of possibilities, you know, about $150,000 in design expenses to actually get whatever site is selected for
the building. If the county wanted to earmark something like that as far as the county's contribution, that
is possible with your capital outlay fund, and that could be done, which would basically handle the civil
engineering, the stormwater permitting, and that would also get the construction bid specifications ready
to go for such a large facility. So that that's something that is in the realm of possibilities for the county,
but unfortunately, being able to fund a $5.7 million improvement is just not possible. Chairman Jones
speaking, you said earlier in your what you were telling us that we're using some money from Gulf
Consortium for the EOC? Mrs. Griffith speaking, that's correct. Chairman Jones speaking, okay, is it, and
I'm just asking for possibility. I'm not saying that we can do it. I'm saying somebody else would have to.
Is it possible we could use other Gulf Consortium funds or seek funds from Gulf Consortium for this
building? Mrs. Griffith speaking, well, the Gulf Consortium fund is actually has a fixed balance, so
unfortunately, that one is not growing. With that being said, there is a state expenditure plan that would
have to be amended, and currently the county actually funded the dredge project. So the East Point and
Two Mile Dredge was funded with Gulf Consortium funds. We also had construction funding put in there
from the original state expenditure plan for $1 million for the EOC, and then the third project that the
county had there was some funds that were earmarked for restoration of Apalachicola Bay, and the
amount available on that I believe it is roughly 4 million. Now I'd have to actually pull the state
expenditure plan and look at it, but there were funds set aside for that. Now, if the county would like to
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actually do a formal amendment, you know, there's a process for that, but that's just going to be something
that that the board would have to determine. Chairman Jones speaking, okay, I'm not saying we should or
we shouldn't. I just want to make sure the board knew that the fund there were actually funds in that fund
for Franklin County. And I'm sorry, I wasn't trying to cut you off or stop you. So yeah, I say we just leave
it in there. We'll have the discussion just like we do all the rest of it. So that's why for the board.
Commissioner Ward speaking, Erin you were talking about studies and things like that. Is there a
timeline? So, if we spend all the money for the studies, do we have X amount of years or months before
we can build? Mrs. Griffith speaking, to actually do the design and permitting work for a building of that
size, and then depending on the funding source, you know, if it's made up of you know any sort of federal
funds, you'd be looking at roughly the same timeline that we are for the new EOC site, because you do
have to do a lot of environmental review work if the funds are being provided by federal dollars, so most
likely the design and permitting process would take, I would estimate, a year at least, which would
actually get you through another legislative session. Commissioner Ward speaking, okay, and then say for
example, just hypothetically, it doesn't get approved. Do those studies? We would have to repeat and do
those studies again and spend the money. Mrs. Griffith speaking, actually, with the design and permitting
for a building, there shouldn't be much change unless there was a substantial change in the Florida
Building Code. Commissioner Ward speaking, all right. I didn't want to spend money to have to spend
money again is why I was asking. So, I didn't mean to interrupt you. Sorry. Chairman Jones speaking, all
right. Anything else, Mrs. Erin? Mrs. Griffith speaking, that's it. Chairman Jones speaking, so I'm going
to put you on the spot and ask you a question, but I know you'll know the answer. Usually, always do.
How much are we, is the total spend on the pickleball courts and the lighting that we're doing, and it's not
about Apalach or any other place. I want to make a, but I want to know what is that total we're looking at
doing on those six. Mrs. Griffith speaking, let's see, the lights were approximately $150,000. BCL
contractors’ construction contract. Chairman Jones speaking, I think it's around 500. Mrs. Griffith
speaking, yeah. So, it would be 425 plus about 150. So, I think we did about $575,000. Chairman Jones
speaking, I think we did pretty good on that because I saw a thing the other day in the Panama City paper.
They're doing eight new courts with lighting, and it's $1.3 million. Mrs. Griffith speaking, oh wow!
Chairman Jones speaking, so they're getting two more courts for another $600,000. Just want to highlight
that so public would know we do our, not only we are collecting TDC funds, but we’re also doing our
best to spend them in the right way. So, all right. Anything else for Mrs. Griffith? Commissioner Sanders
speaking, I have one question. Just thought about it. Are you ready for the budget? Mrs. Griffith speaking,
getting there. Commissioner Sanders speaking, are you ready for it? Mrs. Griffith speaking, yep. We're
ready. Commissioner Sanders speaking, because I'm looking at I'm looking at some numbers right here
that you got down here, and with what we possibly got coming to it, I think there's going to be some pen
strokes around this place on 21st and 22nd, so there's a lot of stuff that we're going to may have to say,
hey, not right now. Too many unknowns right now with that vote standing out in November. So anyway,
I'm just going to tease you a little bit, Erin.
Chairman Jones speaking, all right, any other questions for Mrs. Griffith? All right, Mr. Moron.
9. Michael Morón – County Coordinator
1) Action Item: CareerSource Gulf Coast Agreements
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FRANKLIN COUNTY BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
REGULAR MEETING
COURTHOUSE ANNEX, COMMISSION MEETING ROOM
JULY 15, 2026
9:00 AM
MINUTES
Commissioners Present: Ricky Jones-Chairman, Jessica Ward-Vice-Chairman, Cheryl Sanders, Ottice Amison, and
Anthony Croom, Jr.
Others Present: Michele Maxwell-Clerk of Court, Michael Shuler-County Attorney, Michael Moron-County
Coordinator, and Erin Griffith-Fiscal Manager/Grants Coordinator, Jessica Gay-Clerk to the Board
• Under the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA), Local Workforce Development
Boards (LWDBs), in coordination with and subject to approval by the Chief Elected Official
(CLEO), are required to execute Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) with required one-stop
partners to support the operation of the local workforce delivery system. Each MOU must include an
Infrastructure Funding Agreement (IFA), which establishes the methodology for funding shared
infrastructure costs within the local service delivery area. The Infrastructure Agreement attached will
be used for all Mandatory MOU partners.
• The MOU (attached) defines the roles and responsibilities of one-stop partners, including the
operation of the local one-stop delivery system, the provision of workforce programs and services,
and the allocation of shared costs among participating partners.
• The IFA (attached) serves as the financial component of the MOU and outlines how infrastructure
costs, including facilities, equipment, and technology, will be allocated among partners. Costsharing is based on each partner’s proportionate use of the system and the relative benefit received,
ensuring compliance with applicable WIOA regulations and federal cost allocation requirements.
• Board action to authorize the Chairman’s signature on the MOUs and IFAs contingent on
Attorney Shuler’s review.
2) Action Item: No Beach Fire Signage
• Chairman Jones, based on a request from Ms. Lynn Wilder, would like the Board to request

funding from the TDC for “No Fires on Public Beaches” signs based on last year’s approved
ordinance.
• With your approval today, the request will be added to the next TDC meeting for review and
recommendation.
• Board action to have TDC consider funding “No Fires on Public Beaches” signs for County
beaches.
3) Action Item: EDC Vacant Seat Appointment
• At your last meeting, the Board discussed the vacant Economic Development Council seat. This

seat is reserved for someone with an educational background.
• Commissioner Sanders is nominating Dr. Teresa Ann Jacobs from Alligator Point for the
Board’s consideration.
• Dr. Jacobs’ short resume is attached for your review.
• Board action to appoint Dr. Jacobs to the EDC vacant education seat.

Mr. Moron speaking, good morning. Let's see here. So I have three action items. Commissioner
Sanders might want to say something about the third one before we before you vote in all of them as
under consent. That's just about the appointment for the vacancy on EDC, but y'all had the short
resume, even the bio picture. Everybody seems to be okay. I didn't get any callbacks or any
questions. So yeah, of course, Career Source. I don't have Kim online, but it's standard agreements.
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Attorney Shuler will review them. If he has a question, he can reach out to Kim. If you guys have a
question, you can reach out to her also. It's required agreements that they have to have. And Mr.
Chairman, I don't know if you want to say anything about the no beach fire signage that Miss Wilder
has asked for. She's you know that was based on the ordinance the board approved was it last
summer, sometime so last fall it was yes. So that's my three action items unless the board has any
questions. Commissioner Croom speaking, I got a question about two when we approved wasn't it
during turtle season? I think it was because when does it run? May to October, I think. So on the
signs, should we put unless we taking the signs up and down, which I don't recommend, should we
put the months on there, May through where the turtle season is, so it won't be confusing the people.
Chairman Jones speaking, I think our other signs already have that. Mr. Moron speaking, that's a
good idea. Yeah, we could do that, and then we could do per ordinance, blah blah blah.
Commissioner Croom speaking, that was my only concern. Chairman Jones speaking, if the Board is
good with this, you're actually going to be passing this back to the TDC to consider funding. Is what
we're talking about? Mr. Moron speaking, yeah. Chairman Jones speaking, which I don't think would
be a problem. We have a signed budget for stuff like this. So, do y'all want to actually discuss these
separately, or do we vote on one through three as one motion? Commissioner Ward speaking, did
you want to talk about three, Mrs. Sanders? Commissioner Sanders speaking, I mean, I just put her
name out there, and I think I've got her resume and everything. I think Dr. Teresa Jacobs, I had
nominated her to sit on the education seat for the EDC. I think she's well qualified, and she's what we
call a team player. And I think that's very vital that we have representation throughout the whole
county, and she fills the seat, and that's what I would ask the board to approve my recommendation
for her to sit representing Franklin County on the EDC as part of the educational background.
On a motion by Commissioner Croom, seconded by Commissioner Sanders, to approve items 1
through 3 on Mr. Moron's report. Motion carried 5-0.
4) Discussion/Action Item: Code Enforcement Discussion
• As we prepare for the upcoming fiscal year, how will the County proceed with code enforcement.
• The trial period with the Sheriff Department providing code enforcement will conclude at the end

of the fiscal year. Is the Board ready to negotiate an annual agreement with the Sheriff for code
enforcement?
• Sheriff Smith, during the initial discussion, requested a full-time employee once the trail period
was over. This change will end the County’s agreement with the Department of Health to share and
supplement the salary of a state employee for code enforcement and increase the Code Enforcement
Budget?
• What other considerations or changes to code enforcement would the Board like to discuss this
morning?
• Attorney Ethan Way plans to attend your August 5th meeting in-person to discuss options
regarding an ordinance to fund property clean-up.
• Board discussion and direction on code enforcement.
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Mr. Moron speaking, all right, commissioners let's have a discussion about code enforcement and how
we're moving forward with it. Are you guys good with me sitting down with the sheriff, trying to hammer
out an annual, yearly agreement? Know that the sheriff has asked for a full-time employee rather than a
part-time employee, that does a couple things. Number one, it increases the budget, but number two, it
also affects the agreement we have currently with Department of Health because we share that one of
their employees and we basically fund half of the salary, or to some point, maybe a little bit more than
half for that service, so that will change that status, and I will, something I need to know to let them know
that because their budget, I mean they have a budget into us, but I believe they go on the state budget,
which has already started. So, we'll have to let them know that on our budget at October 1, that we will no
longer have that agreement. What else? I don't know if there's anything else you need to talk about.
Attorney Way will be here at your next meeting here in person to discuss that Gulf County ordinance and
how we could tweak it to fit our needs to do cleanup to be reimbursed for any money we expend for a
property cleanup based on the magistrate's ruling. Chairman Jones speaking, Commissioners, you have
any input on this item? Mr. Moron speaking, this is more guidance, commissioners. That I that actually a
motion to split things, Chairman. Commissioner Ward speaking, I'm good with it. I mean, we're going to
have to figure it out whether and obviously involve Miss Sissy in the discussion because it does affect
her. So that's my only request is that we keep her in the loop on everything. Chairman Jones speaking, I
would echo that. Commissioner Amison speaking, okay. Well, I will say that during the initial discussion
with the sheriff, me and Mr. Moron had, I see it was the sheriff, Miss Smith, and is it Colonel Coulter?
I'm trying to get the name right, but yeah, he's a colonel, I think. I want to say Dwayne. Yeah, by the way,
trying to be professional. But anyway, that was one of the things the sheriff had mentioned. You know
that he would want it to be a full-time position eventually, and after the meeting, and once we you know
the sheriff got his beak wet, so to speak, with code enforcement, he told me he said, wow, it's definitely a
monster to itself, and so I can understand, you know, where he's wanting to go with it. The only thing
that's going to come down though is this: is Miss Smith's going to have to make a decision, I believe. And
she was very aware of that because the sheriff was very blunt about it. You know, when the time comes,
the job's yours, but it's going to be your decision to make whether you want to stay with the state or you
know. So, I'm just letting y'all know what the discussion was in that meeting, and I'm sure Mr. Moron
may have echoed that already. But, anyway, I just figured I'd throw that out there. Chairman Jones
speaking, that's helpful. Thank you. Commissioner Croom speaking, for that discussion with Miss Smith,
she will either have to be a state employee or go more with sheriff office. Commissioner Amison
speaking, yes, that was what was discussed. Commissioner Croom speaking, I got you. Six months ago,
about four or five, I don't even know how long it's been. It's got to be getting close because it was a sixmonth trial basis, right? My question is with this, are we going to, I'd like to see us keep it on a invoice
style thing where the sheriff, you know, tells us, hey, he bills us that way. It doesn't increase anything
over that way. But you know, and the reason why is you know, I love our sheriff, but he may decide to do
something else or this and that, and you don't never know who comes in. It gives us a little bit of control
with future sheriffs down the road and future boards, but anyway. Mr. Moron speaking, okay. So, what
I'm hearing here, commissioners, let's go forth and sit down with the sheriff, work something out, and
bring it back to you for your approval.

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as the EDC/Team Franklin coordinator.
• We discussed his role, responsibilities, and a 3-year contract at a rate of $3500 per month. A draft
copy is attached for your and Attorney Shuler’s review.
• Mr. Williams did meet with Sheriff Smith on merging his current responsibilities with this new
role.
• Board discussion and possible action or direction.
Mr. Moron speaking, EDC coordinator contract. A couple commissioners have reached out to me and
asked if I sit with Mr. Bill Williams to see if he was interested as EDC, and I will admit this because Bill
is watching here. Ray texted me this morning. I threw in Team Franklin in this whole coordinator thing,
admittedly, but it's kind of the same. It's like cousins. But anyway, we discussed his role, responsibilities,
and a possible three-year agreement at $3,500 per month. He sent me a draft copy of what he'd like the
board to review, and if you guys would authorize Attorney Shuler to do the same to review it, he did meet
with the sheriff. That was part of our discussion, and the sheriff is willing to give this a trial to see if he
could serve, you know, two masters, if I would say that, you know, and make it work out. Bill is, he's
pretty confident he thinks he can. He doesn’t think it'll be a problem. So, what I need here is some more,
need some action to kind of number one authorize Attorney Shuler to look at it and kind of get back to
Bill and say, "Yeah, the board likes the draft pending Attorney Shuler's review, and you guys like the
monthly fee." Commissioner War speaking, Mr. Chairman, I've got some questions and concerns. One is,
first and foremost, we'll tackle each one. This is nothing against Mr. Bill. I love you. He's great. I think
he'll do great, but my concern is the three-year contract. I think that's far too long. I think we should do
six months. What are? I guess to make it all even, we need to make sure that it's that this contract's
comparable to all of our other county employee contracts, be it the terms, the pay, everything, because we
need to make it fair. I know people can negotiate contracts, but I feel like you know, like our airport
manager, all of our county employees, or all of our employees that are on contract need to be kind of on
the same plane level and keep it all the same. That way, it for one, it's continuity. It makes it less
confusing. All that. That's my opinion. One of five. In addition to that, how are we going to deviate the
sheriff's budget and salary? Because I believe Mr. Williams is correct me if I'm wrong, salary is grant
funded on the sheriff side. So how do we extrapolate that data for the salary from the county's perspective
versus the sheriff's perspective? Mr. Moron speaking, logs, he said. So, for the grant, he has to keep a log
of how what he works and what he does and when he signs out. So, what he'll have to do is keep a log
that shows in an eight-hour day. I'm saying eight, but you know how that goes. You know who four hours
for the grant was that he's working for the sheriff, and was four hours for was for EDC basically.
Commissioner Ward speaking, and I know you said you spoke with the sheriff, and I guess I need to
reach out to the sheriff. But is the sheriff okay with that? Is he going to be okay with Mr. Williams not
giving the full eight hours in the day? Mr. Moron speaking, yes, he indicated to me. I didn't speak to the
sheriff. He indicated. He said he was going to go have a second meeting after our meeting with the
sheriff. And yes, commissioner, he said the sheriff said, yeah, because the sheriff was more actually was a
little bit more bothered that he was kind of doing EDC on the grant funding time. So, to be able to show
where he's receiving funding from both sides, the sheriff's well okay. I'm cool with that because no
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nobody wants to lose the grant funding. Basically, is what it is. Also, they want to make sure it's done
right. So, yeah. Commissioner Ward speaking, okay, that's those are my, I'm fine with it. I like the idea. I
just feel like those are some concerns that I had that I feel like need to be addressed before we move
forward. Mr. Moron speaking, okay, so we cut it down to a year because is that what our probably, I
would tell you after the budget we're probably going to be the AOED is going to bring their
recommendation to you. George the chairman will. I'm sorry, and about the contract for the airport
manager. So that's probably going to be a year-long contract that's visited every year, or you could build
in automatic renewals if there's no problem. There are many ways, but I'll let the legal Michael tell you
why it's about that part. You know, but you want them to be about the same is what you're. Commissioner
Ward speaking, I would like them to be, I would like similar. Attorney Shuler speaking, okay. Well, may
I, as I understand it, regarding the airport manager that he's an interim, not the permanent. Have I
misremembered that? So that is different from say the TDC, which is a more permanent position at a
three-year contract, as I recall. So, are we going to look at the EDC as an interim, or are we going to look
at that more as a vendor contract? I think all the TDC vendors are at three years as well. Mr. Moron
speaking, yeah, and I will say this to you. I'm glad you brought that up because when the AOED chairman
comes to you, he is looking to remove that interim for the airport manager and make it a permanent. I
thought I think it was a yearly contract they were going to do not three for the airport. Attorney Shuler
speaking, I think you're correct, but I want to. Yeah, I hear you trust but verify, as Reagan said.
Commissioner Ward speaking, Chairman, my concern with that is the and as and I understand the word
interim, but my issue is he's a county interim. This is a split role. Who's to say the sheriff won't come back
in two years in his three-year contract and say I don't want him to do that anymore. That's my concern,
and I'm not saying that's going to happen. I'm just trying to protect the county at all costs. And if he's
stuck in a contract, what does that look like for us or the sheriff? That's my only concern. Commissioner
Sanders speaking, I agree with you. Chairman Jones speaking, so I think y'all willing to look at it as a one
year, so term change to term one year, okay, basically for me. Commissioner Sanders speaking, I also had
some questions, but I took him up with Mr. Williams, and he went. Chairman Jones speaking, all right.
Do we need to do anything else for this, Michael? Mr. Moron speaking, yeah, I'd like a motion and ask
Commissioner Ward one more question. So, would you want the proper in let's use the term invoicing?
Would you want that, like the invoice logs, or how he does work, turn that in on a monthly basis as part of
the contract language to so we have a clear understanding of what he did for EDC or Team Franklin
versus what he's doing for the grant? Commissioner Ward speaking, I mean, I know what he's going to do
because I know he works hard and he does a great job. But yeah, I think for clarity for accountability, we
need to make sure because, like I said, I don't want anything to come back on us, especially since it's a
grant-funded position, who's to say the state that's funded the grant won't come back and say, "Well, he
did this on grant money, but he was doing work for y'all. I want clarity and, like you said, accountability.
I don't want to get in, you know, in any trouble. Mr. Moron speaking, it's all fair. That's good points. Mr.
Moron speaking, so, Mr. Chairman, yeah, I'm sorry. You asked a question. Yes, a motion with the request
from Commissioner Ward to give the attorney some direction to come back with a draft, you know, and
we'll run it by once he's done with it. I'll run it by Mr. Williams before it comes before the board and the
sheriff, and the sheriff to be agreeing to it.
On a motion by Commissioner Ward, seconded by Commissioner Croom and Commissioner
Sanders to let Attorney Shuler hammer out the agreement, what it would look like. It will then be
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presented to Mr. Williams and Sheriff Smith before it comes back to the Board for our
consideration. Motion carried 5-0.
6) Discussion/Action Item: Volunteer Recognition Program
• Commissioner Ward, at your last meeting, asked the Board to consider honoring outstanding

volunteers at your regular meetings.
• Would the Board do this on a quarterly or monthly basis?
• What will be the nomination process?
• Could we honor more than one outstanding volunteer at a meeting?
• Board discussion and direction.
Mr. Moron speaking, Mr. Chairman, I just need on item six just some direction and how you want me to
create this volunteer recognition program, which I think is excellent. Do you want to do it monthly,
quarterly? How do we so that it's not hurt feelings, and I don't know if I could ever stop that? But how do
we? How is the nomination process? Do you want people to come to any one of you and say, "Hey, I
think you should nominate X, Y, Z based on what they've done? You know, do you want to, I don't like
the whole checkbox well, they have to do this, this, this, and this because how could you set up a
checkbox what Chip did? Commissioner Ward speaking, we don't have to make this complicated. My
only request was we have a lot of volunteers in our community do a lot for our community that don't
really want to take any credit. They constantly go above and beyond. And I've got, I mean, I could make a
list right now. Just we all could. Regular people. I think quarterly is fine. We don't need it monthly. I feel
like yes, we should be able to have multiple people if we want at a quarterly. And I just, you know,
Commissioner Sanders speaking, and if we got somebody, if we got somebody fixing to turn 100 years
old in this county, we need to recognize them. You know what I'm saying? It's just like Mr. Harry Falk.
Last week they did a presentation for Mr. Harry Falk, who's been on the Apalachee Mental Health Board
since 1971. Oh, my goodness! Now that is an accomplishment, and he still lives in the sea. He's 90 years
old. He doesn’t mind telling you how old he is. He's a fine fella, and that's what you look at things.
Somebody that goes over and beyond, and somebody that's just spent the whole life here that has served
as role models for our generations coming up. It's just common sense, basically. Mr. Moron speaking, so
basically, you guys give me people, or if I get someone from email, I bring it to you guys, and we add
them to the list, and we do that one event. Commissioner Ward speaking, I think we also, and again, I'm
one of five. If the other commissioners agree with me, why don't we put something on our website and
say, hey, do you know of someone that goes above and beyond? Throw, you know, give us a name or two
or five, and then we can. I mean, Mr. Moron speaking, that is great. Yep, that'll work. Chairman Jones
speaking, I think that's a good thing.
7) Informational Item: Ribbon Cutting Events
• If your schedule allows, Mr. Solomon and I would like to have a couple of ribbon

cutting ceremonies on August 5th.
• Since your August 5th regular meeting will be in the newly renovated Fort Coombs Armory,
would the Board be willing to schedule a ribbon cutting ceremony at 8:15 a.m. (ET) on August 5th
prior to the start of your regular meeting.
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completed applications for review.
• The next meeting is scheduled for August 11th.

9) Informational Item: ARPC Grant Funding
• At your last meeting, Mrs. Divina Lade of ARPC appeared before you to request Board approval

for a Letter of Request to accompany the Franklin County Adaptation Plan proposal.
• Unfortunately, when Mrs. Lade got back to her office after leaving your meeting, she was
informed that the funding for that project was no longer available.
• Mrs. Lade will appear at a future meeting to discuss other future projects.
10) Informational Item: FAC Innovation and Policy Conference
• Registration for the FAC Innovation and Policy Conference is open.
• Please inform Mrs. Angela Lolley if you are planning on attending.
11) Informational Item: FAC Calendar Contest
• The FAC Calendar Contest is now open. This year’s theme is Spectacular Sunsets.
• Mr. John Solomon will submit pictures on behalf of the Board.
• Commissioner Ward has pictures she would like the Board to consider for submission.

12) Informational Item: Upcoming Meeting Dates
• You have a Public Meeting/Executive Session scheduled this afternoon at 2p.m.
• Budget Workshops are scheduled on July 21st and July 22nd at 9 a.m.
• There is a Public Hearing on MSBUs scheduled on July 22nd at 8 a.m. prior to the Budget

Workshop.
• Weems Board of Directors regular meeting will be on Thursday, July 23rd at 9:00 a.m.
• Until further notice, all meetings scheduled after Friday, July 24th will be at the Fort
Coombs Armory due to the start of the Annex meeting room construction project.
• Your next regular meeting is on Wednesday, August 5th at 9:00 a.m.
• The next Planning and Zoning meeting is on Tuesday August 11th at 5:30 p.m.
• Prior to the next Airport Operations Economic Development Board regular meeting on Tuesday,
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July 28th, there will be a joint meeting of the Economic Development Board, Team Franklin, the
Airport Operations Economic Development Board. After the joint meeting, the AOED will meet
in regular session. Mr. Moron speaking, item seven is informational, but ribbon cutting events. If
this is too much for one day, Mr. Solomon is like, "Oh, don't make them think that I'm the one that
overloaded their day. So, your August 5 meeting is going to be in the armory. That's your first
meeting in the armory and will be the ribbon cutting for the armory. Armory is beautiful, you
guys. They did such a good job. I like to have the ribbon cutting that morning, maybe 8:15 or so,
where all the architects, engineers, everybody was there to get to say a few words. You guys do
also public and take a tour, walk around, and then we start the meeting at nine, and then after the
regular meeting is over that day, we go on down to the Maritime Museum. I'm so glad to see that,
do that ribbon cutting. John has promised his world-famous barbecue down there for lunch for
you guys, and make that an event so there'll be a day. So, I just want to make sure everybody's
schedule is good with that. There were no conflicts, and because in case somebody had an
afternoon doctor's appointment, or you know. Chairman Jones speaking, so what about the
contractors and all that good would be under that? Mr. Moron speaking, well, I wanted to talk to
you guys before I talk to them. I want to get ahead of the board on this deal. So yeah, I'm sure
they'll be good for the morning meeting. Commissioner Sanders speaking, I'm good for all of.
Commissioner Ward speaking, I think that's a great idea. I just realized this is our last meeting in
this. Mr. Moron speaking, so this last meeting in this room sometime. Commissioner Sanders
speaking, bring our chairs over. Mr. Moron speaking. no slight. Yeah, I'm bringing the chairs,
podium, microphones. No slight to the contract. They said October things happen. I see us back in
here maybe November. Okay, sometime if everything goes well, it'll be a totally different room on
this end. Back there, the audience part won't be that much different, but it will be different up
here. This is the last meeting in here. Let me say this. So next week we have the budget
workshops in here on the 21st and the 22nd. We have a public hearing at 8 o'clock in here. On the
23rd, the Thursday, I've asked Weems to move their meeting up from the 30th to the 23rd. So it'll
be 21st, 22nd budget workshops. Weems meeting in here, and then this room closes down after
that. That's it for a few months. We'll be over in the armory and the fireplace room. Unless we
have a big public hearing or workshop, then we'll use the big the big room over in the armory.
We'll be there for a while, like I said, for a few months. There is, and I'm getting ahead of myself
because my last item is about meetings. There is speaking of EDC on the 28th at the Armory.
That'll be the first meeting. There's a combined meeting of the airport, EDC, and Team Franklin.
That's going to be in the big room. There's a Mr. Chairman would you drop a few lines as to what
the person meeting? Everybody gets on the same page. Chairman Jones speaking, that's exactly
what we're doing. We're making sure that all these people that are spending their time
volunteering on behalf of the county are hearing what the other groups have going on and are
working on, so we cannot be, we can all be pulled in the same direction. And we can kind of
know, you know what I mean. If something comes to one group that actually should be going to
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another group, they'll have more of a sense of well, this isn't really us. This is maybe the other. So
it's one of those things just to get everybody on the same page. Mr. Moron speaking, and Mr.
Shuler, I'm sorry, Attorney Shuler, I've already run to add that more than one elected official
and/or advisory board member will be attending this meeting, so the public knows. That's been on
the website since last week. So, I just want to make sure I let you know. I can put it I guess at the
courthouse too, in front of the doors and at the armory. I don't think anybody wants me taping
anything to the brand-new armory doors, but you know. So yes, that is the schedule moving
forward, and it will be like that for the next few months. Let you guys know. Commissioner
Amison speaking, Mr. Moron, what time do you say that was on the 28th? Mr. Moron speaking,
did I say nine? Chairman Jones speaking, is it nine or 930? Mr. Moron speaking, the AOED
usually meets at 930. I think they're going with the same time. Then the AOED will have a small
meeting after that is over to just take care of any pending things that the airport manager has to
discuss with the board. But yeah. And I'll say that meeting I cannot promise Zoom because the
company I don't want to call them out like this. The company was going to provide the high fiber
line that said they would install it today sent an email yesterday saying there's a problem. They
have to run a new line, and they don't think they can get it done until that particular week. So
there's no guarantee that I have internet. I just talked to Steve. I'm going to talk to Mike Cates and
see if we could move one of our Starlink accounts that we have at our county buildings. We have
one in Eastpoint as a backup. Move it there temporarily until we get that done. But I, for that
meeting, that combined meeting, I cannot promise that we'll have Zoom to kind of stream that
meeting. Okay, kind of covered more than I kind of wanted to there. Commissioner Ward
speaking, I do believe that we need to address our meeting in September for those of us that might
be attending the FACC Innovation and Policy Conference, so that's just I want to put that bug in
your ear. I know September's somewhat far away, but it really is not in the grand scheme of
things. So that's something we'll have to look at. Mr. Moron speaking, I'll move right along. So let
me see. P and Z was canceled. You all aware of that? Commissioner Ward speaking, why was
PNZ canceled again? Mr. Moron speaking, the two agree, the two applications they had. They she
gave them extra time to turn in some additional information, and they did not meet that deadline.
Commissioner Ward speaking, so there's only two applications for any planning and zoning stuff
coming up. Mr. Moron speaking, yeah, there were only two. Both of them failed to get their
additional information in on time. She gave them a great spirit, and that still didn't work out.
Where are we here? So, nine. So, you all remember Davina was here at the last meeting, talking
about a grant, and she needed a letter of support. By the time she got back to ARPC in
Tallahassee, they informed her that the funding was pulled for that particular one, she felt bad for,
but she said, "But there are, they have they're funding some other projects, so she's going to come
and discuss those with you guys at a future meeting date. Okay, so speaking of FACC
conferences, you know innovation and policy. I'm sure you all got that email. Please contact
Angela ASAP if you're planning on attending to set up the rooms and registration as soon as we
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possibly can because you guys know how that goes, the calendar contest. So, when I got that
email, I forwarded to Mr. Solomon. He usually runs that for the county. If you have any pictures
like the ones Commissioner Ward sent the picture that Commissioner Croom sent. Please send
them to John so he can submit them to FACC for us. Chairman Jones speaking, do you have
anything else for Mr. Moron before we move on? Attorney Shuler speaking, Mr. Moron, did you
want to cover the MSB hardship exemption issue that we discussed with Sandra and Heather
yesterday? Mr. Moron speaking, you can do it now or when it comes up, because I know you had
an item about reminding them of the public hearing on your report. I'll let you go through, and
then we'll discuss that.
10. Michael Shuler – County Attorney
Action Items
1) Tourist Development Tax - Possible Increase of Two Percent from Three Percent to Five Percent
Via Two Referendums:
• Attached are two draft ordinances:
a. The first draft ordinance attached concerns a possible one-percent increase in the tourist
development tax authorized by§ 125.0104(3)(1), Fla. Stat., which is commonly referred to as the 4th
penny. Pages 4-6.
b. The second draft ordinance attached concerns a possible one-percent increase in the tourist
development tax authorized by §125.0104(3)(n), Fla. Stat., which is commonly referred to as the 5th
penny. Pages 7-9.
c. If the 4th penny is approved at referendum, then the tourist development tax will increase from
3-percent to 4-percent on January 1, 2027.
d. If the 5th penny is approved at referendum, then the tourist development will increase from
4-percent to 5-percent on February 1, 2027. The approval of the 4th penny by the voters is a
required condition precedent to the 5th penny.
e. Copies of those two statutory subsections are attached for your convenient review. Pages 10-11.
• §101.161 limits the ballot title to 15 words. It also limits the ballot summary to 75 words. Within
those limits, does the Board have any corrections or additions to either, or both, of the draft ballot
titles and summaries that I have prepared and attached to this report? A copy of §101.161 is also
attached for your convenient review. Pages 12-14.
• Also, §125.0104(6)(b), Fla. Stat., mandates that the referendum language shall be in substantially
the following form; to wit:
" ... (b) The governing board of the county levying the tax shall arrange to place a question on the
ballot at a general election, as defined ins. 97.021, to be held within the county, which question
shall be in substantially the following form:

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_FOR the Tourist Development Tax
_AGAINST the Tourist Development Tax"
Does the Board have any corrections or additions to the ballot question that I have drafted in either
or both draft ordinances?
• On Wednesday, July 8, 2026, the Tourist Development Council met and recommended that the
County Commission place both ordinances on the ballot for the general election in November 2026.
If approved by a majority of the electors voting in the general election, the ordinances will go into
effect. The ordinance imposing the 5th penny cannot go into effect unless the voters first approve
the 4th penny.
• §125.0104(4)(a), Fla. Stat. provides that:"...The effective date of the levy and imposition of the
tax is the first day of the second month following approval of the ordinance by referendum or the
first day of any subsequent month specified in the ordinance. A certified copy of the ordinance shall
be furnished by the county to the Department of Revenue within 10 days after approval of such
ordinance. The governing authority of any county levying such tax shall notify the department,
within 10 days after approval of the ordinance by referendum, of the time period during which the
tax will be levied."
o Accordingly, if approved, the 4th penny would go into effect on January 1, 2027, and the 5th
penny would go into effect on February 1, 2027.
Board Action Requested:
• Board discussion and guidance on the ordinances ballot title.
• Board discussion and guidance on the ordinances ballot summary.
• Board discussion and guidance on the ordinances' "FOR" or "AGAINST" ballot question.
• Board direction whether to schedule a public hearing on the ordinances.
• Board authorization to notify the DOR as required by §125.0104(4)(a), Fla. Stat.
• Other action as determined by the Board.
Attorney Shuler speaking, Commissioners, I submitted my report, but also sent you last night an updated
ordinance regarding the fourth and fifth penny under the TDT, the Tourist Development Tax issue. Just as
background, originally when I had presented this to you based on the statutory language that the fifth
penny can only be imposed after the fourth penny has been past tense imposed. But since that time, Mr.
John Solomon, the TDC contacted me over the weekend, told me that there was a fourth and fifth penny
issue on the referendum for Washington County. So, Monday and yesterday, I've been in contact with Mr.
Matthew Fuquay, who is the Washington County Attorney. As I understand, he represents a few local
county governments as well as some school boards. I've known Matt for a long time, and he, during that
discussion gave me the magic language, which was Department of Revenue has blessed or words to that
effect, combining the two pennies, fourth and fifth, into one ordinance and one referendum question. So,
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or I'm concerned that was good enough for me, so I have redrafted their ordinance. I did not realize when
I was making the edits for Franklin County that Matt was going to want to see what I had prepared for
y'all, so I did not prepare a red line. So poor Matt is going to have to figure out either how to through the
software take my draft and his original and compare them, and have the computer create a red line. But in
any event, I wanted to present this option to the board either two referendums or one referendum. So, I
know that issue has been discussed, and I think that is a board decision to make on policy. I can see, you
know, probably arguments on both sides, but I will leave. I mean, that's clearly a board policy where they
have two referendum questions or one referendum question. So, I have redrafted the ordinance so that you
can only have one referendum question. I have revised the ballot title, the ballot summary, and the ballot
question, which appears on page four of the new draft. Apparently, I, from talking with another
commissioner, I left the board with the impression that y'all had no discretion to change any of the
language. That was not my intention. The only language we can't change is the statutory language, which
is at the bottom of page four, where it says, if you check this box, you're for the additional 2% tourist
development tax, and if you check the other box, you're against the additional 2% tourist development
tax. Oh, that can't be changed because that is statutory language. There are word limitations on the
summary and the ballot title, but subject to those word limitations, for example. 15-word limit for the title
and 75-word limit for the summary, and then as I framed the or actually reframed in the draft the ballot
question, the board has the discretion if you want to make additions or corrections to either the ballot title,
ballot summary, or the ballot question. Other than for and against, the board does have that discretion.
What I'm looking for today is some guidance from the board as to when you want to schedule the public
hearing. I've looked at the calendar. You have the option of either authorizing a public hearing to consider
whichever pathway you take, two referendum questions or one referendum question, either for the august
5 meeting or your third meeting in August, because the Supervisor for Elections has said whatever the
ballot question is, one or two, she needs that information by September 1. There are also in the draft
ordinance some requirements. For example, there are notices to the Department of Revenue that are
required under the state law, which is 10 days after you adopt an ordinance that needs to be that ordinance
as adopted needs to be sent to the Department of Revenue as well as the Department of State. Then there
are some newspaper advertising requirements required for the referendum. Basically, a notice of the
referendum advertised in the local newspaper in the third week and the first week before the week of the
general election on November 3, 2026, I have outlined in the draft some historical information that lays
out how we got to the three pennies and then the fifth and excuse me the fourth and the fifth penny, the
duration of the ordinance. I have not put a time limit on the fourth and fifth penny. I know that, in for
example, Gulf County. I think they enacted their fifth penny for a five-year period, but I don't see any
such statutory requirements. So that's board discretion. If you wanted to allow it to be a tax that remains
in existence, a tourist development tax in existence until you adopt another ordinance, or if the board
wanted to place a time limit on it, so you wanted to go back to the ballot at some point in time, the draft
ordinance that I submitted last night that combines the fourth and fifth into one ordinance contains the
language calling for the referendum, giving the notice for the referendum. We've gone over the ballot title
summary and language, and then just some miscellaneous information at the end of the ordinance, that
really does not, I mean, it's things that you put in boilerplate that you put in a lot of ordinances, such as
the effective date and things of this nature. This ordinance would be different because even though you
adopt the ordinance with the levy and the imposition of the tax in advance of the vote, the ordinance does
not go into a force and effect unless and until it is approved at the referendum. So, it is not in force and
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effect at the time of the adoption. So, does the board have any questions for me before you begin your
deliberation? Chairman Jones speaking, I don't have any questions, but I do have something I need to
share with the board. So last time we had this discussion, this board had some input that they wanted the
TDC board to weigh in on it. So, we did call a special meeting of the TDC board, and we discussed it here
last week, last Wednesday, and they were unanimously in support of this going on the ballot. We did not
have any dissenting votes from the TDC board of the fifth penny being on the ballot. So, I just want to
make sure you're aware of that. I didn't think about it. We had a chart that we had at that meeting. I should
have given to you to give to the commissioners ahead of time, but it shows what capital improvements
we've done with those dollars, most especially just in the last couple of years after we got the statute
changed, but it's around $13 million worth of improvements that is not coming from appropriation, that is
not coming from our ad valorem taxes, it is coming from those who are visiting here. It's coming from
that taxation that they pay for staying here in a lodging facility of whatever type it is, so we've been able
to turn that those dollars around and make $13 million so far worth of impact for our residents that they
can enjoy every day of the year, not just the week they're here. So, I wanted to make sure, Mr. Moron, if
you would, we do need to send that to the board after the meeting, please. I'm sorry, I did not remember.
And if you would, can you also attach it to this meeting agenda afterwards so the public can view it,
please? And with that, I'll turn to the rest of you. Do you have any questions or thoughts? Commissioner
Ward speaking, Mr. Chairman on one of these ordinances, you said there's verbiage we can change and
verbiage we can't. In the paper version that you gave us on page four, it states. Attorney Shuler speaking,
this is the one sent last night, Commissioner? Commissioner Ward speaking, yes. So, it says, shall
Franklin County be approved to levy and collect an additional 2% under the Florida statute from all
tourists as defined in order to provide additional revenue to promote tourism and for tourism related
purposes in Franklin County. Well, and this is nothing against anybody at all, but I do know that some of
our community don't like tourists. They don't like people coming and visiting. So, I feel like if that
verbiage is on there, then it might want them to vote against versus for. Again, just my opinion. But if I
read that and I'm the one complaining about all the tourists in town, then I'm going to be of course against
it. So that was my only concern with that particular verbiage. If that, but that's again, I'm one of five. I
don't know what y'all think about that. Commissioner Sanders speaking, and the thing about it is, Mister
Chairman, if you don't mind, the thing about it is, I mean, we the commission just you know agreed to put
it on the ballot, and it's there to people where they want to do. Commissioner Ward speaking, and you
know, that's why I brought that up because some people might vote against it based on being against
tourism. Commissioner Sanders speaking, some people are. I mean, that's human nature. And so, I mean,
is it this basically what you put on there in 2021? Did you put the same? Is it about the same language
that was used in 2021? Attorney Shuler speaking, Commissioner, the 2021 third penny ordinance was
adopted by the extraordinary vote of the board and did not require a referendum. The only referendum
that we've had thus far was in 2004 on the initial two pennies, so the 2% or two penny ordinance, which
was 2004-45, that went to referendum, and I honestly have not compared the language from that
referendum to the language that's in this. Commissioner Sanders speaking, always for or against, yeah.
Attorney Shuler speaking, yes, it's always for or against. Chairman Jones speaking, well, I will say just to
make sure everybody's aware. Statutorily, the TDC, any TDC in the state of Florida, does have to perform
both of those duties. They do have to perform those duties. They do have to, a certain amount has to be
used to promote tourism, and those dollars have to be used for tourism-related purposes. So even with the
statute changed, like say for instance, we did some additions to different stuff recently with the statute
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change. We still had to get a study done to make sure it was tourism related before we could do that. So,
it's I get what you're saying, but it is what it is. The TDC, all TDCs in the state of Florida had to perform
both of those duties. So, I think it's just a clarification of what the money is actually going to go forward,
but I get what you're saying. I do. They're going to vote for her against the reason we're putting out to the
people. Commissioner Croom speaking, Mr. Chair, on that because I had that note on mine as well,
saying verbiage she over the item concerned about additional revenue, revenue, and tourism. Is there any
way, if we stay within our word limit, 75 words, that we can put in quotations of what it actually is-boat
ramps or your parks, public safety, infrastructure-so they actually know? Attorney Shuler speaking,
Commissioner I looked at that pretty extensively yesterday. The issue that I find is when you look at 120
5.0104 subsection five that enumerates the different uses of the tourist development tax. It's pages of
single space line items of different things that the taxes can be used for, and I would hesitate to give a
partial list as opposed to a complete list. And there's just no way to get the entire statute on the ballot
language. So, what I did, the word purposes come straight from that subsection five, which is I'm
paraphrasing now. I don't have it here in front of me, but it essentially says the TDT tax can be used for
the following purposes, and then it goes through line by line, column by column, page by page for the
various TDT taxes that are available. And I just there's no way that that I can summarize that. I've thought
about the word infrastructure as being more general, but I can't find that in the statute. I would rather stick
to and would recommend that you stick just to the statutory language. And frankly, I know when, and I'm
not probably shouldn't project my own personal experiences when I'm looking at different referendums
and ballot questions, but when you look at some of these constitutional amendments and they're that long,
if it's that complicated, the answer is no. Commissioner Croom speaking, well, I do know if we the more
information. Attorney Shuler speaking, oh, I hear exactly. Commissioner Croom speaking, the more
information that you put out, the better in favor, you know. And you talked about statute, you know. We
got from all tourists, but I remember reading something on there, and the terminology or the verbiage that
was used was on rental of transient accommodations. You know, that's what one of them said when I was
reading through it. Attorney Shuler speaking, do you have some specific language? Commissioner Croom
speaking, no, but I was just I was just pointing that out. Attorney Shuler speaking, yeah, I mean, I hear
what you're saying, but when it says tourists, as defined in the statute, that was, I guess, my way of
dealing with it, and that frankly is language out of the Washington County ordinance that I did not change
because it seems to me that it was you know it was informing the voters that you're voting on a tourist
development tax for tourists, i.e. you don't have to pay it unless you rent a short term transient rental
within your own community or some or somewhere else, obviously. But again, I'm wide open to board
suggestion as to in any changes that y'all propose to any of the language other than the statutorily
mandated for and against that we can't change, and then we do have the word limitations: 15 words for
the ballot and 75 words for the summary. Chairman Jones speaking, so just don't use the word A and D.
Figure out a way to get around those nine plans. So, what do you? What action do you need from us on
this, right? Attorney Shuler speaking, if the board has no additions or corrections, the ballot title, the
ballot summary, and the ballot language, or the ordinance as it's been drafted, combining the fourth and
fifth penny together, just an authorization for me to schedule a public hearing and tell me about your
preference for the first or second meeting in August. Chairman Jones speaking, we just said we already
have something going on in the first meeting in August. We're doing a ribbon cutting, right? Yeah, two
and a public hearing on the MSBU. Yeah, certainly the second. Is that going too late? Attorney Shuler
speaking, the Supervisor of Elections, as I recall, last week said as long as she had the ballot language by
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September 1, she was fine, and that actually would give you all more time to think about it. And then, if
you have any further guidance at the next meeting, you can give me that guidance. Chairman Jones
speaking, all right. So, can I get a motion to reflect taking this to a public hearing? On a motion by
Commissioner Ward, second by Commissioner Sanders to schedule a public hearing on the Tourist
Development Tax ordinance. Motion carried 5-0. Attorney Shuler speaking, and that is for the version
that I sent out last night with the fourth and fifth penny combined, correct, commissioners? that's what I
understand. Chairman Jones speaking, yes. Attorney Shuler speaking, okay. Thank you very much.
Chairman Jones speaking, before we go to the public hearing, let's take a five-minute recess because it's
kind of about time to start that.
2) Draft Moratorium Ordinance for Data Centers and Large Load Customer Facilities and

advertisement for Public Hearing on July 1, 2026:
• A draft moratorium ordinance for Data Centers and Large Load Customer Facilities is attached for
the Board's consideration. Pages 15-20.
• A copy of the advertisement for the public hearing is attached. Pages 21-22.
• I have scheduled the public hearing for July 15, 2026, at 11:00.
Board Action Requested:
• Public hearing on the ordinance.
• Other action as determined by the Board.
Information Items/Possible Discussion Items
3) Public Meeting and Executive Session-The Landing at SGI. LLC v. Franklin County, case
number 2025-56-CA:
• The agenda and advertisement are attached. Pages 23-26.
• I have scheduled this for 2 P.M. (ET)
4) MSBU Fire and Rescue Ordinance Public Hearing July 22, 2026:

• I have attached the published advertisement for the MSBU ordinance public hearing.
Pages 27-28.
• I have scheduled the public hearing for July 22, 2026, at 8 A.M. (ET).
• The early start time is because you have the budget public hearing starting at 9 A.M. and there is
no meaningful way to predict when that public hearing will conclude. I am told that there are
statutory deadlines that have to be met and there was insufficient time to schedule this public
hearing for July 15, 2026, and it could not wait until your next meeting on August 5, 2026.

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11. Public Hearings
These are time certain agenda items that cannot be heard prior to the scheduled time.
a. 11:00 a.m. (ET) -- Large-Scale Data Centers Moratorium
AN ORDINANCE OF THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OF FRANKLIN
COUNTY, FLORIDA, ESTABLISHING A TEMPORARY MORATORIUM ON THE
ACCEPTANCE, PROCESSING, REVIEW, AND ISSUANCE OF DEVELOPMENT
APPLICATIONS, DEVELOPMENT ORDERS, DEVELOPMENT PERMITS, BUILDING
PERMITS, AND OTHER COUNTY APPROVALS FOR LARGE-SCALE DATA CENTERS
AND LARGE LOAD CUSTOMER FACILITIES WITHIN THE UNINCORPORATED
AREA OF FRANKLIN COUNTY; PROVIDING FINDINGS; PROVIDING DEFINITIONS;
PROVIDING FOR APPLICABILITY; PROVIDING FOR EXCEPTIONS; PROVIDING FOR
VESTED RIGHTS AND HARDSHIP RELIEF; DIRECTING THE COUNTY STAFF TO
REVIEW AND PREPARE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN AND LAND DEVELOPMENT
CODE AMENDMENTS; PROVIDING THAT THE ORDINANCE DOES NOT
REGULATE MATTERS WITHIN THE JURISDICTION OF THE FLORIDA PUBLIC
SERVICE COMISSION; PROVIDING FOR SERVERABILITY; PROVIDING FOR
CONFLICTS; PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
Chairman Jones speaking, Franklin County Board of County Commissioners now back in session. At this
time, we'll move into our scheduled public hearing about a data center moratorium. Attorney Shuler we'll
turn over to you. Attorney Shuler speaking, yes, sir. This is a public hearing, as the chairman has said. I
will read the caption of the ordinance, and then unless the board has any specific questions for me, I will
not necessarily go through all the details. Details in the ordinance. I think the caption provides a good
summary. An ordinance of the Board of County Commissioners of Franklin County, Florida, establishing
a temporary moratorium on the acceptance, processing, review, and issuance of development applications,
development orders, development permits, building permits, and other county approvals for large-scale
data centers and large-load customer facilities within the unincorporated area of Franklin County,
providing findings, providing definitions, providing for applicability, providing for exceptions, providing
for vested rights and hardship relief, directing county staff to review and prepare comprehensive plan and
Land Development Code amendments, providing that the ordinance does not regulate matters within the
jurisdiction of the Florida Public Service Commission, providing for severability, providing for conflicts,
and providing for an effective date. And then, of course, the purpose of the moratorium, as was just
mentioned in the caption, is to give county staff time to prepare proposed permanent regulations to the
board, either to can range from banning data centers to regulating data centers, and then present that to the
board for your guidance and direction to schedule a final public hearing on whatever final regulation is
developed during this moratorium. Chairman Jones speaking, all right, Commissioners, do you have any
questions for Attorney Shuler? Commissioner Sanders speaking, I don't have any questions. I just got a
statement. As you all know, we considered this as a ban, and I still want a ban, but we have to go through
this procedure of a county ordinance to do a moratorium on it until we can get the ban language up right,
Mr. Shuler? Attorney Shuler speaking, if that is the ultimate will of the board is a ban as opposed to
regulation, then absolutely commissioner. It just gives you an opportunity to develop whatever the
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proposal is going to come from staff based on your guidance. Commissioner Croom speaking, kind of
echo what Commissioner Sanders saying. You know, I've said this several times. Want to make sure we're
doing things the right way, so we don't have to backtrack anything. It's just part of the process, you know.
Attorney Shuler, with this ordinance that you that we have before us, next question I ask will be out to
public comment. But with this particular ordinance, do you believe this ordinance is written in a way to
limit the county's exposure to a Bert Harris claim? Attorney Shuler speaking, I think it would have that
effect, Commissioner. I don't think that Bert Harris claim was necessarily part of my thinking. It was
simply the board's direction to have a moratorium in place while development regulations were prepared
and presented to you for consideration, but in this case, Burt Harris means someone has a reasonable
expectation of development of their property, and then the county takes some action to take away that
reasonable investment-backed expectation, and we don't have any development regulations for or against
data centers at this point. So, I think we're, I don't think we're in any greater or lesser risk of a Bert Harris
case by adopting the moratorium. Does that answer your question, sir? Commissioner Croom speaking,
pretty much. Chairman Jones speaking, so today we would be adopting this moratorium and then giving
ourselves the time to develop the ordinance or what are we going to have to do the permanent ban?
Correct. Attorney Shuler speaking, yes. So, the moratorium authority of this board is rock solid in the
case law. The moratorium itself is reasonable in duration of time and scope and purpose. It does not have
the de facto effect of accomplishing a permanent ban through a moratorium. You know, for example, it's
a moratorium with no expiration date, an evergreen moratorium. It is not that. It's for a one-year period. I
have not found or seen or recalled any court case that has said that a one-year moratorium is
unreasonable. So, the moratorium itself, I have very high confidence, would not itself result in any type of
a Bert Harris claim. Chairman Jones speaking, that's the reason we're here. Commissioner Ward speaking,
Chairman, I, first of all, echo Commissioner Sanders and Commissioner Croom. You know, I'm
obviously working this towards a permanent ban. In my opinion, it's what I want. But the question is, in
terms of the Bert Harris. Person ask has basically have the land right, and then be told that you know it's
not we can't do what we want to with the land that we bought or purchased. So that was my thing on that.
But I guess the question is within that year, this is to give that staff the time to look at and to formulate a
ban so that we can, before that year comes up, have another public hearing to ban them outright, or have
an ordinance to ban them outright. Attorney Shuler speaking, if that is the ultimate will of the board, yes,
ma'am. If I can go back and address the issue about the Bert Harris, 90% of Franklin County is owned by
the federal and state government. So that means there's only 10% of the land left in the county for
potential development. And by my estimation, about half of that 10% that's remaining is privately owned,
agriculturally zoned property. Agriculturally zoned property. We don't have any local zoning category
that would allow them to develop a data center on that residential or that agriculturally zoned wildland
property, and then the remainder is either industrial, residential, or commercial. Even if you could, one
were to argue that we have industrial lands that would allow for a data center. My understanding, from
everything I've read preparing this moratorium, we don't have sufficient size of industrial land that would
be available for a data center. So I just, all those facts, as I understand them, I think tend to say that there
that don't think that there's a Bert Harris claim out there, and I don't think that the moratorium itself would
result in a Bert Harris claim because I think the case law is rock solid that you have the authority for the
temporary moratorium to develop regulations, and frankly, I, based on what I can recall of your
comprehensive plan and your future land use map, the county owns the largest acreage of industrial or
potential industrial land out at the airport. You would be in control of what you do with that property.
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Chairman Jones speaking, any other questions for Attorney Shuler? Commissioner Croom speaking, yes,
one more. But you understand why we ask about Bert Harris Act, correct? Attorney Shuler speaking, I do.
Yes, sir. Commissioner Croom speaking, okay. So, in reference to our permit regulation. What is our plan
if the permit regulation is not ready before the moratorium expires? Hopefully, it's ready. Do we have
one, or are we working? Attorney Shuler speaking, that is, I have not prepared anything. That is
something I'm anticipating, and as the ordinance, it directs your planning staff to work on drafting
regulations and bringing them back to you for consideration. And you don't have to wait the entire year. I
mean, if it, you know, takes whatever shorter period of time to develop a proposed set of regulations, I
mean, you could have this done three or four months. Just, I mean, and even that's because we only meet
twice a month, and we have a weekly newspaper. So we've had moratoriums before where the final
regulation, and I'm actually thinking of the moratorium and then the ultimate regulation regulating the use
of pole barn kits as residential properties. That only took a few months, probably three or four months to
do, so this may not last one year. I don't know. I mean, that's a scheduling issue for your planning staff.
But you have up to a year, and if for whatever reason you approach that year, I think you even have the
authority to extend that. I mean, you couldn't wait a year and do nothing and then extend it, but that. But
as long as we're working through that process during the year, if you need more time, then you need more
time to gather information. You could extend the moratorium for a shorter period of time. Chairman Jones
speaking, does that address your question, Commissioner? Commissioner Croom speaking, yes.
Chairman Jones speaking, any other questions for Attorney Shuler? Alright, is it appropriate now for me
to call for public comment? Attorney Shuler speaking, yes, sir. Chairman Jones speaking, so I would call
for public comment. Yes, please come forward. You do not have to have a speaker card filled out.
Ms. Mary Helms speaking, thank you, all of you, for your hard work and your dedication to this county. It
is amazing when I saw when I listened to was it the June 3 video. The meeting. It was over four hours.
You guys are rock stars, and here you are again today. Anyway, I think it's just really important to know
how much we all appreciate your hard work and dedication to the citizens of this county. I really want to
thank Miss Robinson for her highly informed summary on that video of what AI data centers are and what
it would mean to our county, she did an excellent, excellent summary. I'd also like to especially thank
Commissioners Ward and Sanders for their strong dedication and determination of a full ban of a data
center in Franklin County. That was very apparent, both in that June 3 meeting and again today, and I
really appreciate that. I suggest we move forward now with a full ban on AI data centers and skip the one
year moratorium. I know that that I understand Attorney Shuler's reasoning for that Recommendation, but
we have a recently passed Jackson County ordinance banning data centers. I have a copy for all of you
right here. It is they've shared that document with us. The homework's done. It crosses all the eyes and
dots all the Ts. I'm excited to share this with you. With this, these two documents because it's not just the
Jackson County full ordinance to ban data centers. They've also included a county business impact
assessment. There is nothing in the Jackson County ordinance. I'm not an attorney, but I do read a lot of
legal documents. There doesn't seem to be anything in Jackson County, the Jackson County ordinance to
ban data centers that cannot be applied in full to the Franklin County ban ordinance based on Florida
statute 163326. I'd like to take a second and ask, what is the purpose of these data centers? And suddenly,
why do we need so many, and why is it such a rush? Well, it's helpful AI free AI that we're all able to get
via Grok and spell check. That's all very helpful to us, but that's not the purpose of these AI data centers.
These are high-capacity data centers that are you that have large data storage, large data storage, and the
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mining of cryptocurrencies are the primary reasons for these data centers. I'm not going to dive into
crypto mining, but I'm going to tell you something that we all can relate to: is our own cellular phone use
is a great example. We know that images, photographs, and especially videos use vast amounts of data
and require huge amounts of space. Most of our cell phone data is used for our videos, our images, and
our photographs. At last count, I believe I'm correct in saying that Franklin County has 17 data capture
flock cameras in the county. Contrary to some belief, this data does not get deleted after 30 days and does
not stay in Franklin County. The collected data gets stored in large, high-capacity data centers, wherever
they are found, in whatever county or country, and this data can be, is, and is shared, sold, and completely
controlled by others. Well, I believe we must move forward with a total ban on data centers in Franklin
County, based on these documents that I have for you all in this file folder, we must also eliminate one of
the greatest needs for these centers: the unwarranted, unlawful surveillance of sovereign and free people.
Thank you for your time and attention. Mr. Ron Carlin speaking, Saint George Islands. I agree with the
moratorium. I agree with what Ms. Helm said as well. My only concern about a full-out ban is a long time
ago computers filled a room this size. Now they're this size. If in the future data centers shrink way down,
I don't know. There should be some option that maybe we could rethink it at that point. Chairman Jones
speaking, okay. Thank you. Anyone else?
Ms. Julie Boisseau from Carrabelle, and I basically want to say ditto to Mary Helm's presentation. I am
completely opposed to AI data centers, and I would love to see a ban happen in Franklin County because I
do not believe they belong here. I want to also thank Miss Bree Robinson. I sent her an email thanking her
after the June 3rd meeting for her strong opposition to data centers, and I also want to thank
Commissioner Ward and Commissioner Sanders for their adamant support on a ban against data centers. I
am against data centers because of the unsurpassed level of surveillance they will enable, continuing to
erode our 4th, 5th, and 14th Amendment rights. Please bear with me as I give you some additional
information on data centers. Question: Who owns them? There are two types of owners. The first are
hyperscalers like Amazon Web Services, Meta, Microsoft, Google, and Oracle. The second type are real
estate and infrastructure giants that lease out these huge facilities to hyperscalers and other enterprises.
Question: How did our personal data get captured. Data comes from our smartphones, apps, computers,
cameras like Flock, sensors, social media, cloud services, travels, and travels over the internet, satellite,
and cable. Data centers act as giant digital repositories that store and processes our location history,
browsing and app usage, social media activity, purchase records, photos, videos, health, fitness data,
vehicle movements via flock or cars connected to the internet. Because so much personal data flows into a
relatively small number of companies, just Google, Meta, Amazon, it becomes much easier to access at
scale. Question: How does the surveillance happen? The government gets access to this massive amount
of data through warrants, subpoenas, or national security requests. Section 702 FISA data brokers sell
information commercially, creating a loophole where agencies can buy data without warrants, bypassing
our rights to privacy. AI makes analysis easy. Customer governments can search for patterns, predict
behavior, or track individuals without traditional investigation. Corporations are constantly surveilling
you. They build detailed profiles for advertising and AI improvement. These profiles can be shared with
or accessed by governments. Foreign governments and rogue actors can and will hack data centers or the
broker systems. They can buy data through front companies. They use AI to analyze stolen or purchased
American data for espionage to influence operations or target dissidents, weak privacy laws make all of
this much worse. The U.S. offers weak protections compared to Europe's GDPR, and that stands for
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General Data Protection Regulation, which is considered one of the strongest data protection laws in the
world. The U.S. has no comprehensive federal data ownership law. Third-party doctrine still allows broad
access to data we share with companies. It says that if we voluntarily share information with a third party,
such as a bank, a phone company, an internet provider, we have no reasonable expectation of privacy in
that information. Enablement of surveillance happens in the real world via flock cameras, which allow for
easy vehicle tracking. Smartphones and apps feed constant location and behavioral data into cloud data
centers. AI tools turn raw data into predictive profiles: who you associate with, your political views, your
health risk, etc. The result is that a surveillance capability that was once extremely expensive and limited
to powerful spy agents. Is now commercially available and scalable. Why does this threaten normal
citizens like us? Knowing you could be watched and profiled reduces free speech, association, and
willingness to criticize powerful entities like our own or foreign governments. There's an abuse potential
by corrupt officials or overzealous agencies. Foreign adversarial governments can target Americans using
commercial commercially available data. There is a loss of anonymity. Everyday activities become
permanently recorded and searchable. I've just read something about them putting cameras on garbage
trucks so that they can go through their neighborhood and see if you got code violations or just monitor
what you're doing every day. The bottom line is that AI data centers provide the storage and computing
power. Weak privacy laws provide the legal permission. Together, they turn personal data into a
surveillance resource that is too easy for the powerful entities to exploit. This this is why many people
across the country are concerned about new data centers. They add more infrastructure to this system
while offering limited local benefits. Please, commissioners, do the right thing for Franklin County and
ban these data centers outright. I do not believe we need a moratorium. I've read the Jackson ordinance
that Mary talked about today, and I'm not a lawyer either. But it looks like there's everything in there that
you need to protect the county from any type of future litigation on these data centers. Thank you very
much for your attention. Appreciate it.
Chairman Jones speaking, thank you. Anyone else? I'll say it again, so I make sure you heard me. Anyone
else wanted to speak? Please state your name for the record.
Mr. Al Stone speaking, I would just say this: if we were all for data centers and y'all all voted
unanimously, it's in my personal opinion of what my little experience is with our county, we don't have a
place to put a data center. They don't have a place to have it. And if we were all say, okay, we're going to
donate our land, put it, we don't have the power. There are things that have to happen. So I would
encourage you to let Mr. Shuler write and like the young man said back here, don't handcuff the address.
Don't handcuff us in the future, but protect us. But there's other things that protect us, like we only have a
limited amount of land and the amount of power. I think those restrictions protect us as well. So, and I
just say that because some things happen other places. We don't need to get real excited about here. We're
protected by y'all. We're protected by the law, and but we're restricted. Those kind of things can't happen
in our community. We don't have enough power, much less we don't have enough property. Thank y'all
for what you do.
Chairman Jones speaking, anyone else? This is a public hearing. Yes, please come to state your name for
the record.
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Ms. Breck Woodkey speaking, I'm a mobile massage therapist here in Carrabelle. I love this community
very much. It's very special to me. I have a massage client down south in Tampa Bay that works for a data
center. He told me just this past weekend he wouldn't want to live within 30 miles of one. It's absolutely
the sound, let alone the side effects to the community and the people that might be nearby or the farm and
animals that are local to that. And I think that just as keeping our citizens safe, we should definitely think
about de-flocking this whole situation here. It's unnecessary. I just think it puts more people at risk than it
does to help anybody. Our officers are out here on the streets all day, every day. There's a plethora of
them, and they can obviously handle Franklin County, so I think that we should just take in consideration
what we're doing for our locals, and our children that are coming up, or the future generation that's going
to be around. Thank you.
Chairman Jones speaking, thank you. Anyone else? This is a public hearing. Anyone else? All right, Mr.
Moron, can you check on Zoom to see if you have any raised hands? Attorney Shuler speaking, if the
board's decision ultimately is an outright ban of data centers in the county, and in order to address the
concern of don't handcuff future developments or words that affect, if this board or some future board
were to decide to overturn the ban because there's been some technical logical change that justifies it, then
you're not tying the hands of a future board. The future board could take a different action, or this board,
if technology should advance in that that far. So this is like any other ordinance; they are not written in
stone and permanent. They are living documents that can be changed according to the facts and the
circumstances and the science and things of that nature and the policy decisions of the board. Chairman
Jones speaking, okay. Mr. Moron speaking, I'm going to check now, and also additionally, Ms. Bree
Robinson has a few words for you after we get through public comment. Anyone attending via Zoom, I
see the attendee list in front of me. If you would like to comment on this, please indicate by using your
smart device and raising your hand. Once again, anyone would like to comment attending via Zoom,
please indicate by raising your hand. No hands raised, Mr. Chairman. Chairman Jones speaking, all right,
Miss Bree, did you have something you wanted to weigh in on now, or you want to talk after we're going
back to Attorney Shuler? Ms. Robinson speaking, good morning. I could give my comments now, or I
could wait. I will take your lead on that. Chairman Jones speaking, no, go ahead. You're good. Ms.
Robinson speaking, okay. So just as a few follow-up comments to some questions that were asked, what
if permanent regulations are not in place by one year from now? My understanding as staff is that the
moratorium is just to get us to clear language for a ban. That was staff's recommendation from the get-go,
and I believe all of the board members are on the same page with that. So, if we do enter into this
moratorium, I want to make it clear: any research that staff does, meaning myself, is going to be working
towards an actual ban, not necessarily forming regulation to potentially allow them, just based on the
current state of everything right now. I also want to say I agree with Attorney Shuler. Even if we go into a
ban right now, bans can be removed if technology changes in the future. So a ban is still a
recommendation from staff moving forward. I also want to point out. I know Franklin County, we went
for the one-year moratorium. I believe it was Leon County just went forward with an 18-month
moratorium. So if there's any interest in changing the time limit, I do think that is still an option. I also
just want to throw some comments out. I know that Attorney Shuler mentioned that our code doesn't
really acknowledge data centers right now. I just want to point out I do think our code leaves us
vulnerable. Our industrial zone, it could potentially be allowed there, and then also our C2 and C4 zones
do specifically mention storage facilities, but they don't specify what type of storage. So if you really
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wanted to, you could look at our code right now and see C2 and C4 zones do allow for storage, and I don't
want to scare anybody, but there are horror stories coming out of other communities of commercial
properties being bought up and conglomerated into one to meet a goal. So I do think we are smart to
move forward now, so we're not left in a vulnerable state. That's all I really have. I agree with Attorney
Shuler moving forward, our current moratorium ordinance is modeled after Jackson County's moratorium,
and as we all know, they did move forward with a full ban before they enacted that ordinance. So either
way, the board wants to go. I'm in favor of, that's it. Chairman Jones speaking, well, I will say, Miss Bree,
I like what you bring up. So another thing we're trying to accomplish in this moratorium, I want to make
sure everybody understands this. Some of the biggest reasons we're having a moratorium conversation
versus an outright ban is we need to make changes to our comp plan and our zoning code potentially. So
Jackson County is in the same desires. So you know what I mean. I get that. Maybe that document will
help speed things up, which is fine. We've already talked about that here this morning. But we do need to
make all those changes. So whatever action we're taking is a solid action. Let me say it that way. I agree
with that. Commissioner Ward speaking, and Mr. Chairman, that was my question to Bree. Thanks for
bringing that up. I know a lot of people are ban, ban, ban. This board, I'm one of five, but I think we're all
in agreement. We want to ban. We want to do it the right way. There's processes in place. This time will
give Bree the time to do what she needs to do. Because if they come, if we say moratorium to move the
ban and we don't change our comp plan, then guess what? They can come in and do it, but based on what
our comp plan says, and I don't know if anybody's read what is 100 and something pages of our comp
plan. I have. I know Bree has. It's very vague, and I want to make sure that we are going about it in the
right way to permanently ban them. But we need to take the steps first, so please be understanding of that.
And it's not for just now, as we mentioned, it's for future boards. Yes, things may change, as Mr.
Chairman stated, but still, right now, I want to make sure we follow the processes appropriately to protect
us and future boards and our county. That's all. That's why, and that was one of the questions too. I had
was what Miss Helm says. You know, why can't we just skip? Why can't we just skip the moratorium and
just go to ban? This is why. So, thank you. Commissioner Sanders speaking, I've got something, Bree. I'm
going to just come out and ask you. Since you're going to be the one, because it says county staff to
review and prepare a comprehensive plan land development code amendment. How long do you think it'll
take you to get that done so we can go ahead and get in here and get this ban in here? Do you have an
idea? Ms. Robinson speaking, so I do not. Our comp plan updates would take at minimum 18 months. I
know we do have some funding coming down the pipeline for that. That is a very large job that the county
is going to have to outsource. It's huge time commitment, and unfortunately, we only have one planner.
It's me. So we'll be looking at the regulations to form ban language. That's definitely going to be a
combination of efforts between myself and Attorney Shuler. That's all I really have to say at this point.
Commissioner Ward speaking, Mr. Chairman and with that, and bear with me, folks. Should we do
instead of a year, 18 months? That way, we're not coming back here in another year. In case you need the
extra six months to do what you need to do to make sure this ban is. I know you said we can come before
that. Is that something we can? Attorney Shuler speaking, Commissioner, I wouldn't recommend going
above the maximum that's been advertised. I think you can go below. And again, it's a heavy lift to extend
the moratorium. I honestly, I'm not anticipating it because I think this is going to move pretty rapidly.
Commissioner Ward speaking, that's all. That was my question. Chairman Jones speaking, I do have a
question, Miss Bree. You bring it up with the discussion we're having. So yes, we're going to do a comp
plan amendment, but we don't have to amend the complete comp plan to address this issue, do we? Ms.
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Bree speaking, I don't believe so. No, we're definitely going to have to amend our zoning code and just
input it. But I think that could be fairly quick. Chairman Jones speaking, we just amend the part of the
code that would affect these possibilities, and then continue to work on the full compound amendment.
Miss Bree speaking, exactly. Commissioner Ward speaking, with all the preemptive things that the state's
doing, you don't think that's going to be an issue, do you? Ms. Robinson speaking, I don't think so. We're
not alone in this. Sorry, I don't know if the audio went out for a second, but we're definitely not alone in
this. There are other counties all over Florida taking the same steps, so I don't foresee any issues.
Commissioner Sanders speaking, Mr. Shuler, so this tells us that in the meantime, when the time that we
let's say we put this moratorium in effect, and the time that we can get the actual ban in effect, so this
gives us the ability to say any, I mean to say no to anything that comes up looking like or smells like a
data center? Because I know how they are; they'll try to slip it in. That's one of the things about where I
saw the large scale, the large load. I want the small, medium, and large. You know. Chairman Jones
speaking, small is a different story, Commissioner. We need to confess that. Commissioner Sanders
speaking, I know. Chairman Jones speaking, small can be as much as your cell phone. Commissioner
Sanders speaking, yeah, that's what I'm saying. So, I mean, I'm good with the language in here, but what
I'm wanting is clarity in my mind that if somebody goes in there to Bree with a thing that says, "Well,
we're going to set this. We want to do this on the let's say Apalachicola River. It doesn’t matter
Apalachicola River, Crooked River. It doesn’t matter where it's at. Is she going to have the ability to say
no? The board is not looking at issues like that right at this time. Attorney Shuler speaking, the long and
the short story to answer that question is yes. This ordinance, as drafted, if approved by the board, will
give your staff the authority to not receive, process, or issue permits for large scale data centers or large
load centers. Commissioner Sanders speaking, that's all I want to know because if anybody comes in here,
they're going to be set told no, and it's not going to be no Bert Harris Act in effect, you know.
Commissioner Ward speaking, and Mr. Chairman, I have full confidence. And Bree, I think Bree can
sniff, smell, and think, and look, and know that people what their plan and attention is. So I don't have
any issue. I don't have any problem with that. Commissioner Sanders speaking, well, I'm glad that she
brought the issue. I mean, we were going to bring it up that day, but she brought it up, and it was so much
better coming from her. Commissioner Ward speaking, well, that's why she's doing what she does.
Chairman Jones speaking, any additional questions for Attorney Shuler? We are past the public comment
period. There is nobody online that wants to comment. Commissioners, y'all have any more questions for
Attorney Shuler, or discussion matters, or are you ready to vote? Well, I'm here in the middle. I can't
make a motion.
On a motion by Commissioner Amison, seconded by Commissioner Croom, Commissioner Sanders
and Commissioner Ward to approve this moratorium as it has been published and discussed here
today. Motion carried 5-0. The public hearing was concluded at this time.
Attorney Shuler speaking, Mr. Chairman, I have two informational items. Just one is a reminder for the
board at 2 p.m. today. We will have a public hearing or public meeting. Excuse me, I keep saying hearing.
Sorry about that, Mike. Public meeting of the board at 2 p.m. for an advertised executive session in the
lawsuit, The Landings of Saint George Island LLC versus Franklin County in case number 2025-56-CA,
you'll close that public portion of the meeting, go into executive session, and then reopen in your public
session.
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Chairman Jones speaking, let's take a five-minute recess. Chairman Jones speaking, reconvening the
meeting. Attorney Shuler let's go back to your report. Yes, sir. Wanted to make sure everybody was here,
and that's the only reason I didn't. Attorney Shuler speaking, I went over the informational item about the
public meeting and executive session today at 2p.m. Already, the final information item, which I do think
we need to have discussion on, is regarding the MSBU Fire and Rescue Ordinance. That public hearing,
as Mike has said, will be June, excuse me, July 22 at 8 a.m. I apologize for the early morning, but there
was insufficient time to get an add into the paper for today's meeting, and they said they could not wait,
and because of statutory deadlines, they could not wait until your next meeting on August 5. During a
phone call, this is the discussion item during the phone call that Mike and I had with the consultant
Sandra Newbar and the outside attorney consultant Heather and Sanosi yesterday one of the issues
discussed was a potential hardship exemption for the MSBU special assessment for fire and rescue
services and what Mike you're since you're familiar with ship and it's different I'll turn to you for that but
we need we need from you guidance to give to the consultant and the attorney as to the hardship
exception and what level was 30% or 50% so I'll turn that over to Mike. Mr. Moron speaking, yeah so you
know one of the things I know I've heard in discussing this you guys you know we talked about this one
on one. Is there was an expectation that we could treat each fire district differently as it for collections and
the purposes. That is not the case. It is a uniform collection for the entire county. So I explained that
yesterday, and one of the things they came up with is a hardship. So we could create a hardship that
would allow, and I do have a question that could would allow someone based on however you set up the
rules. They will set up something you guys can tweak. Allow someone not to have to pay. You can go
from beyond what they're paying now to anything at all. You know now what they sent me was which I
was shocked when they used this. If the document I handed to you, that's how ship your Franklin County
ship program. That's how it determines you know what category someone falls in. You know I've talked
to you guys before about income limits: very low, low, and the moderate. So basically, the very bottom is
Franklin County. 50% is what we consider very low. So, if you have two people in your household and all
you're making is 32,950, you actually are considered very low and are actually more, more. What do I
say? It puts you in a higher bracket for this to get more additional ship funds. The 80% is the low, and
moderate is 120% you know of the of the of the median income that's right off there to the side of 82
three. So what they're asking for is as they try to create this policy for hardships. Which one would you
guys want to go with-the very low or the low? The low will probably allow more people to qualify. Either
the 50% or the 80% The higher you go; more people will qualify for the hardship. That will be your call.
Chairman Jones speaking, my whole problem is this whole thing is skewed anyway. Our median income
is not $82,500, and it's well. Mr. Moron speaking, I can't see us having us higher than Desoto and Dixie,
but that's an argument for a whole different. Chairman Jones speaking, so the federal government hadn't
done a study again yet, but the last time they did one. Franklin County was number six nationally on
disparate income. Our top 1% averaged more than 1.7 million a year, and the other 99 averaged 25,000. It
is not 85,000 is an invalid number. That comes from census data. That last time we were doing a census,
people were fighting. Well, we're going to need to do census because it's just going to give the ability to
waste more of our money. Well, this is one of the outcomes of not doing the census, right? This is one of
the outcomes. We're stuck with a number that's not a true number.

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Mr. Moron speaking, and it affects everything. I think even Mr. Chairman, correct me if I'm wrong,
Aaron Kutu. I believe in the CDBG housing, they actually use the same chart to determine who can get
city, and that's how. And that's why, if I go too far down the road, me back in. That's why I know you've
been working and trying to separate, get two separate zip codes. Yes, one for Saint George Island, one for
East Point, because East Point is negatively affected by the St. George Island. Chairman Jones speaking
right now they are grouped together. Yes, there, there. Since I've been on this board, there have been at
least six grant opportunities we wanted to pursue that we were told we could not qualify for because the
two were added together. Attorney Shuler speaking, Mr. Chairman didn't they also say that with the
hardship that the county would be the one paying those applications? Make sure that's what I heard
yesterday. Mr. Moron speaking, that's what I heard, and that we need to clarify. Attorney Shuler speaking,
doesn't necessarily mean that there would not be a collection. It's just that people would qualify under the
hardship. The county would pay that on their behalf. That was the conversation I remember here.
Chairman Jones speaking, I don't know that we can do that. We can't do that. We couldn't just give them
an exemption outright and just agree that they get less MSBU funds. Mr. Moron speaking, yeah, I don't
think, that's a lot. Attorney Shuler speaking, the email that I'm looking at. There are two forms. The that
I'm Mike. I'm not sure what documents that you gave to them. We need to forward them also the full
email that has the other documents because there's the. In addition, this is what was sent first, and then
there were some follow-up documents that were sent subsequent to the phone call. One of the forms was
attached. It says it's an application for 100% exemption from the fire assessment, and then the second
option is an application for partial exemption from the fire assessment, with the property owner still being
required to pay the $50 they are currently paying, which I'm assuming that there could be hardship
applications in the other two fire districts that are at 95 and for residential instead of 50. Commissioner
Amison speaking, so what, just to clear that for me, they would still pay what they're paying currently,
and we would absorb the difference? Attorney Shuler speaking, under the partial? Yes, it says they would
still be responsible for the 50% But then, if they qualified under the partial hardship exemption, my
understanding from the conversation is it's not that the county MSBU would not be collected on that
property; it's just that the county would be paying it. It's basically the same thing that's going on for some
of the other exempt properties, churches, and things of that nature. The county will end up paying that
same thing for agricultural properties, and I think the number that was mentioned during the individual
phone conferences is expected the counties. I think they call it counties buy down for those other
classifications is like $4,000, $3,500, something like that. Chairman Jones speaking, do we currently pay
those? Attorney Shuler speaking, not, no, I don't think so. This is under the new paradigm with the new
ordinance. Chairman Jones speaking, maybe or maybe not. Attorney Shuler speaking, well, we can talk
specifics after the meeting, Mr. Chairman, without getting bogged down. Yeah, you know what I mean.
Chairman Jones speaking, I do. I do know what you mean, I'm not trying to boggle. But every bit of this
is against what the board asked them to do, and I'll leave it at that. Commissioner Ward speaking, Mr.
Chairman, I agree with you on the numbers and nothing against anybody. I was I was amazed at the
drastic jump from $50 to $135 or was it $137 for residential. Attorney Shuler speaking, different rates for
nonresidential and agricultural. Commissioner Ward speaking, it was really big jump and for a lot of our
community citizens they can't afford that. I know there's ways to discuss that, but I just, I think if, and
again, my grandparents are dead, but if my elderly grandparent got that tax bill and saw that jump, I mean
that's not that's a, I know it's needed don't get me wrong, but I want to do it the right way, where we're
not burdening our citizens because of this increase, because it's a big jump, big jump. It'd be one thing if it
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was $50 to $75, but we're talking $100 at least, minimum. So that was my concern with it. Commissioner
Amison speaking, Mr. Chairman, I have a question for either Mr. Moron or Attorney Shuler. It was, I
think, Mr. Moron mentioned to me that they didn't get all the information that they needed. Was it
submitted? What information did they not get from what department? Attorney Shuler speaking, Mr.
Amison, I don't have the specific answer to that because I was not involved in in the data collection in the
sense of receiving it and analyzing. I did get copies of things that were also provided to the consultant, but
I did not actually do the study, so I don't know specifically what data was and was not needed or
received? I just know the conclusion from the consultant is that the result of their rate study, based on the
information they had, was a countywide uniform assessment, and at the rate of $137 for residential. I'm
sorry, I don't remember the exact amount for the square footage for the commercial, and then the amount
for the wildlands, which were non ag classified wildlands. It was $13 up to 160 acres and six cents an acre
above 160 acres. I know that the commercial square footage is somewhere around the low 20 cents per
square foot. Then the slideshow that they provided probably shows a comparison between what you were
collecting and the new collections. In fact, I know it does. But the total estimated increase, if the board
were to agree to everything in the rate study, it is essentially a little more than double the amount from
last year to be collected this year. Commissioner Amison speaking, I guess what I'm getting at is I'm the
way I kind of took it was that possibly not all the financials were submitted. Is it, could that potentially
be? I'd like to have the answer to that question. To be honest with you, to make sure from Eastpoint Fire
Department was everything submitted? Attorney Shuler speaking, I will arrange another phone
conference with Sandra and yourself and any other commissioner that wants to. Commissioner speaking,
I know they mentioned about they couldn't get the amount of runs that they needed that as part of the
form. They did say that yesterday, but I'm sure financial information was also the part of that information
that's needed to make. Commissioner Amison speaking, that's what frustrates me. I mean, why don't they
have this information? Why can't the fire departments get the information in? They're the ones that's
wanting a rate increase, and if it's justified, I'm all for it. But why can't you turn the information in? You
know, that's just there's no excuse for that. Period. And I don't care if it's Lanark, sanctuary, whatever.
Apalachicola, there's no excuse for that. Period. Commissioner Sanders speaking, are we going to discuss
this a little bit? Mr. Moron speaking, you need to now, Commissioner Sanders, because the next step from
here is that 8 o'clock in the morning public hearing. Commissioner Sanders speaking, okay, let's do it
because I tell you what I got. I got some problems with it. First of all, they do a 15% increase on the
initial part. That takes it from the 50 to the 137. That's a heck of a jump. Okay, and then back it up, back it
up. Okay, you get a 15% jump on it this year, and then for the next four years, it's going to be a 5%
increase. You're talking about within a five-year period of time a 35% increase, and they have not had
nothing other than Alligator Point and Saint George Island. Those departments did in 2013. That is a big
jump for our people to have to pay. Yeah, understand. It is, and if they didn't get the information, I don't
know what caused them not to get the information because I knew time and time again Michael Shuler
was saying, "Get your information in. Get your information in. So, if they didn't get the information, is it
their fault or the fire department's fault? I don't know, but I know one thing: I won't sit here and vote for a
35% increase in one year or two years or whatever. It needs to be more. If we don't understand it, how's
the people going to understand it? You know, because I mean, you go 15% and I asked the question,
"Why'd you go 15%? Well, that's what we figured. I said, "Well, is that basically across the state? That's
what you're looking at. You know, so I'm telling you, I got a lot of questions about this. Commissioner
Amison speaking, see, Mr. Chairman, that's what leads me to think that not all the financials are
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submitted because I'm sure this firm is basing the 15 on the data that they're looking at that was supposed
to be submitted. Now I want to know what fire departments didn't submit what, and I guess we're going to
have to talk with them. Attorney Shuler speaking, I'll arrange a phone conference, commissioner, between
myself, Mike, you, and the consultant, and any other commissioner that also wants to have those
individual phones. Chairman Jones speaking, probably is what I see coming, but anyway, I could be
wrong. Commissioner Amison speaking, but you do understand what I'm getting at. That's where they're
coming up with their percentage because they have to get to this point here, and if they got what they're
showing on collections, I guess, you know, so it's going to be a bigger percentage now. If there was
bigger collections being reported, so to speak, and that's the way my and I may be wrong, but I'd like to
see that because obviously you'd have a lower percentage to get to where you need to get at. So, and I
think we was talking about that from the very beginning that each fire department needed to be very
transparent and submit this stuff. And I know some don't like to do it because they have huge fundraisers
and stuff like that and everything, and they're scared that's going to punish them. But if we go county
wide, it's going to punish everybody. Chairman Jones speaking, it is. Commissioner Amison speaking, so
we need to make sure that that these fire departments are doing what they're supposed to be doing. If they
want the rate increase, they need to be transparent. Let us see what's going on, and that's just my whole
mind. Commissioner Sanders speaking, and let it be apparent. I am not against fire department getting
their money. Okay, I am not against that, but I am against a 35% increase. I can tell you because you're
talking about, what was the number? And I can't remember in the millions or whatever. How much
money this MSBU regulates how much money it makes, wasn't it? Chairman Jones speaking, $700,000, I
think, isn't it? Attorney Shuler speaking, you mean the current MSBU versus the proposed new rate? I
don't recall. I could give generalized numbers, but roughly it was around the current MSBU assessment
structure. I believe is roughly around 550, and the proposed new structure would double that from last
year to this year. If the board were to adopt the rate structure as shown in the rate study in full, and not
exercise your discretion to reduce that amount to some other lower amount. Commissioner Sanders
speaking, again, Michael, can you find out how much money we paid this company to do this? Chairman
Jones speaking, we'll have we'll have these meetings. Apparently, we'll have the public hearing. We'll see
how the board feels about it. I will be prepared at the public hearing to discuss options, though. I can say
that. Commissioner Sanders speaking, I just had to bring that out because to me that was a lot right there15% increase, and then 5% every year for a total of four years active in one initial year. So that would
make it a 35% increase. Chairman Jones speaking, so part, I think, what they were trying to do,
Commissioner, as we have it up this MSBU in whole long since we initially done it. Attorney Shuler
speaking, a couple of decades. Chairman Jones speaking, I think they're trying to address that, but not do
it all at one time. Kind of similar to the way the county did with the paper. Yes, sir. We didn't want to go
up on the millage rate and affect all of our residents to implement it in one year. So we did it over a fouryear time period. You know, that's somewhat you're looking at. Commissioner Sanders speaking, this
year is going to be different because we're going into this budget cycle, not knowing what's going to
happen with the vote in November, not knowing what is going to be taken away from the funding
mechanism in the county as far as this, so we've got to be very mindful what assessments and fees we
have got because we don't want to put nothing on it that we may not be able to put on it anyway. Yeah,

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Chairman Jones speaking, there's language involved. Mr. Moron speaking, the problem is, too,
Commission. This is the first time we're dealing with this in a uniform way across the county, so we can
lower the maximum. But then, does that hurt Saint George Island and Alligator Point? I mean, do they
need do they need more? Let's say you lower it to 100, you know. But does that hurt them? Is that saying,
okay? You know, that's the problem. To me, that's one of the bigger problems I'm seeing. Commissioner
Ward speaking, everybody's different too, Mr. Chairman. Mr. Moron speaking, such diversity. I mean the
island's different than everywhere else. I mean, too bad we can't use TDC funds for it. Attorney Shuler
speaking, Mr. Chairman, just to make clear, and I know y'all know this because we already talked about
this is more for the public necessarily than the board. But the July 22 meeting is for the adoption of the
ordinance, which creates the new fire and rescue MSBU structure in what's called the initial rate
assessment. I know from our discussions with the consultant and outside counsel, the recommendation,
much like you do with budget, your initial is at the maximum, and then when you come in in September
and adopt your final rate resolution, then you can go lower. But if you start out lower now at the July 22
meeting and you get to September, you don't have any ability to go above. So the recommendation would
be to adopt the initial rate assessment based on what the study provides, which is 137 for residential,
whatever shown per square foot for commercial or non-residential category, and then for the undeveloped
wildlands, which are not ag exempt properties, and then when you get to the September final adoption
resolution, that's when the board would make whatever final decision you're going to make, either the
same or some lower amount. But that that's the recommendation coming from the study and the outside
consultant. Mr. Moron speaking, Mr. Chairman I have Erin. She could be driving or walking to lunch, but
I got to have her on her cell phone that she could unmute to answer a couple of your questions. One, the
collections she thinks it's about $549,705, and the other question was how much we pay the consultant.
Mrs. Griffith speaking, I'm sorry, commissioners. I was just passively listening at this point. So, what is
the question? Chairman Jones speaking, how much did we pay this consultant for this study? Mrs.
Griffith speaking, you actually paid, I believe it was $18,000.00 in four quarterly installments, and we
have not processed the final installment at this point. Chairman Jones speaking, okay. Mr. Moron
speaking, Erin $549,705. That's what we're currently collecting countywide for MSBU? Mrs. Griffith
speaking, that is correct. That is the total assessments for all districts, and I can actually break that down
for you all. So for right now, you know, the Apalachicola and Carrabelle fire departments MSBU is only
collected for, on parcels that are actually outside of the city limit. But they are serviced by those fire
departments. So for Apalachicola, the total assessment value that we had budgeted, which granted you
know collections will be somewhat less because of the discount that's given to property taxes when you
pay early, the budgeted Apalachicola total assessment was $38,505. East Point's total assessment was
$84,143. Saint George Island's assessment was $210,140. Carrabelle was $38,662. Dog Island was
$8,950. Alligator Point $101,355, and Lanark/Saint James $67,950, and that totals the $549,705. Mr.
Moron speaking, I got another question, Mr. Chairman, for her. So, Erin, if we create a hardship like
policy, in my understanding, we'll have to confirm later on today or tomorrow that if we create a hardship,
and let's say someone and we do partial, someone is paying $50 now and it goes up to $100, but we say,
okay, you have a hardship, continue paying your $50. We thought we heard yesterday in our discussion
that the county would have to pay the other $50. Not that it's just forgiven and not collected. If we have to
do that, where would that money come from? Mrs. Griffith speaking, that's a good question. Mr. Moron
speaking, Good. I like when I stump you. That's a good thing for me. So yeah, don't happen too often. So
yeah. Chairman Jones speaking, all right. So, anything else that you need from this? I started. Attorney
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Shuler speaking that concludes my report. All right, everyone. I'm going to mute you. There's nothing
else.
Chairman Jones speaking there is something for you Attorney Shuler before we finish, and I don't know
where it's going to go, but we and it can be offline. But we might need to have a conversation. We
currently have a property owner in East Point that's in the middle of a replacement of his home, and the
property has been cleared. Now he's been told the home's a month away from being there, and he's
completely displaced. So, it can be offline, but we need to have that conversation. Attorney Shuler
speaking, yes, so that that's news to me. I know, Chairman Jones speaking, I know, but he's now without a
home for a month, and it's in a county program. So yeah, we need to have that discussion. Attorney Shuler
speaking, yes, as soon as we finish the meeting, we can have that conversation.
Commissioner Ward speaking, Mr. Chairman, I got something for Attorney Shuler, and just bear with me
here, okay? So, so we have a property owner in East Point that is burning a vast amount of land. I won't
say the name, but people probably know what I'm talking about with an accelerant, and it's causing issues
with people with breathing issues. I don't know if people had any issues with driving with the smoke. I
know I'm not. I'm not against people burning yard debris. Please do not take this like that. But when we
have these big projects of multiple acres of land, they're burning piles and piles of debris, or I won't say
debris, trees, limbs, things like that. I feel like we need to have something in place to allow for certain
things, but not make like. And I know we have to go with FDACS, the Department of Ag and DEP have
regulations on wildfire burning or burning or whatever. My concern is using an accelerant to burn. I think
is what is the issue, and then of course burning within close proximity to businesses, bless you, and
homes. It's one thing to burn yard debris from an acre property, but when you're burning 55 acre, 55 acres
of debris, or 60 acres, or whatever, I feel like that we might need. And again, I'm one of five, and this is
the only time we can talk and discuss this. But I wanted to get y'all's input, and if y'all say no, Jessica,
that's the dumbest thing I ever I you ever said. Then I'll go with my tail touch in between my legs and go
home. But I think that it's something in the future. If which again, this is a rarity. I know this might not
ever happen again. But my point is, I feel like it's one thing for someone to burn, but it's another whole
issue to burn. Multiple acreages and use an accelerant that's causing issues to our public. That's all I'm
saying. Chairman Jones speaking, I would say in response to that, I did talk to Miss Maria myself to see if
the county had any way to address that. We don't currently have anything that would address burning like
that. She suggests I follow up with the Division of Forestry because they, that particular property owner,
from talking to them, Division of Forestry comes and issues a permit every day for them, so there's
somebody on site from the Division of Forestry every day, and the Division of Forestry allows an
accelerant to be used, so that's you know what I mean. I did chase that down, tried to get valid answers to
it of why it was being allowed, what we could do. We don't currently have a mechanism in place to
address it, and we could try to change an ordinance or something, but it's already happening. So, but I did
chase that down. Commissioner Ward speaking, yeah, and I and I know, but I just like I said, I feel like
that maybe we, I don't know how the rest of the board feels about it, but maybe, and again, I know that
they allow FDACS and forestry, and then DEP allows it. But I did some research, and they say that the
counties can make their own ordinance based on stuff. So I don't-I don't know how the rest of the board
feels done.
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Chairman Jones speaking it would be for the future, though. Commissioner Ward speaking, I understand,
but I just again things come up that shape the way we plan for the future, and I just think that that's
something that we might could address. Chairman Jones speaking, I agree with that, I do. Attorney
Shuler speaking, well, since you asked my opinion, I think one issue the board should consider is whether
you want to begin to regulate a, in this case, a subject matter that's already being regulated and controlled
by, in this case, forestry, as opposed to maybe carve out an ordinance that would deal with areas that
might not be covered by what forestry regulates for wildfires and control burning and burning windrowsnot wildfire burning, but control burns and the burning of windrows from timbering operations-so that we
don't end up creating multiple layers for our citizens to go through first forestry and then go aha, you have
another process to regulation to go through to get a permit from the county. Just something for your
consideration. There, there is a provision in Chapter 125. Although we've, I've never really had to spend
much time looking at it, but I believe there's a provision in Chapter 125, which is the one of the
provisions that governs the authority of a local county commission government for regulating pollutants
and air control. So I would definitely need to spend some more time looking at that. But I would like first
some guidance from the board. You know, do we steer clear of subject matters which are regulated by
forestry, and just let them handle that, and then focus on areas that might be exempt from forestry
regulations, or how the board wants to proceed. Commissioner Ward speaking, well, for one thing, Mr.
Chairman, we obviously established that this is this area, I think any area is under the jurisdiction of
forestry. Correct? If there's a big a big burn. Attorney Shuler speaking, I think it depends on the to use
your analogy, are you burning yard trash? You know, your leaves in your yard, or you are clearing
property. So yes, what I'm suggesting for the board to consider is if FDACS already regulates it, do we
want to get into the business of regulation? But again, I haven't researched FDACS. I don't know.
Sometimes these state regulations they assume the field, and we're not allowed to regulate it. But even if
we were, does the board want to? So that that's all I'm suggesting. I will definitely look at it and get back
to you. Commissioner Ward speaking, that's what I was going to suggest. If you could just look into that,
because I've done some research as well, and they say that the county can make an ordinance no matter
what FDACS or the DEP state in terms of except I term I search the term ignition source because you
can't ignition source accelerant it's all different you got kerosene you got diesel you got to me it's all bad
but I feel like that we need to maybe look at that so do your research and if you could come back to at the
next meeting with some information so that we can make an informed decision. Attorney Shuler
speaking, yes, ma'am. Commissioner Ward speaking, that okay? Attorney Shuler speaking, yes, ma'am.
Commissioner Sanders speaking, I've got something. I'm getting emails and phone calls from out there
around St. James Bay, around Crooked River Road that goes through there. Duval Road, but anyway, and
McIntyre, we're having a lot of sinkholes happen on the edge of that road going in there. I know it too. I'm
going to have to call Howard after the meeting and see if he's went in there and took care of it. I don't
know why that's the case, but there's a there's Kookaburra is one of the roads, and then Laughing Gull is
getting where it meets the Crooked River Road. It's meeting that and causing. Commissioner Ward
speaking, they didn't bury any debris, did they? Commissioner Sanders speaking, I don't think so. The
road, some of the roads were already in there, so I'll go by. But I just wanted to make the board aware in
case someone contacted y'all, you know, isn’t taking care of it.
Chairman Jones speaking, all right. Anything else for Attorney Shuler?
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12. Commission Comments
Chairman Jones speaking, all right, we are up to Commissioner comments. Commissioner Ward speaking,
Mr. Chairman, I have one, and it'll be brief. I did reach out to Mr. Webb with FDOT, and particularly asked
him directly about, for one, the project has started the resurfacing project. I think we talked about last
meeting, but I have issue with what they've left at the East Point post office and the grocery store. They
basically ripped up the sidewalk and it's just left in a pile with the barricades there. It's interfering with
ingress and egress to our post office and people that utilize the grocery store. So I want to ask him for an
update on that. In addition to the where the red light, the temporary red light is there in East Point, what the
what the update with that is because they have not been working on that. They're supposed to have
engineers looking into the problem they ran into. They're looking at trying to come up with a plan to fix it.
Have not heard anything on that, nor has work been done. And then my third was Jefferson Street and 98,
where they did tear up the sidewalk and they finished because I complained about that before. But they've
left a mess of a pile of dirt slash tree roots with busted up concrete, and so he just responded to me and said
that he would get an update on that and get back with me. I CC Michael, so Michael, if you get an update,
will you please forward it to the rest of the commissioners because I'm about I'm about sick in this FT
leaving messes and we are getting the calls and the and the complaints or seeing it on the side of the road.
It's just not. I told him I said it's an eyesore. You know you got these nice pretty sidewalks that y'all put in,
and then you got a big pile of debris that was left over. Anyway, that's all I have on that one. Chairman
Jones speaking, well, also in the East Post Office, that's it’s designed to be a one-way in, one-way out. So,
then you got people coming in both do both ways on one side and the signs still there. It says one way.
Commissioner Ward speaking, and not only that, but it’s also a small parking lot anyway. So, it's already
congested as it is. Chairman Jones speaking, no, that's good. Thank you for that, Commissioner.
Commissioner Ward speaking, you're welcome. Chairman Jones speaking, anyone else, for Commissioner,
comments? I think we're commented out. Mr. Moron speaking, Mr. Chairman, one thing you have a
meeting. The chairman has a meeting scheduled this afternoon with Community Action Agency, the
executive director, to talk about the Head Start program, where we are with that. We will report back to you.
13. Adjournment
There being no further business before the Board, the meeting was adjourned.

Attest:

________________________________________
Ricky Jones – Chairman

____________________________________________
Michele Maxwell – Clerk of Courts
The audio is available upon request. Please e-mail [email protected], call 850-653-8861 to speak with the Administrative Assistant, or
submit a request in writing to obtain audio of this meeting.

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