Bradford County

The meeting included public comments, approval of consent agenda items (including meeting minutes from January 19, 2023, February 7, 2023, and February 16, 2023, a memorandum of understanding for clerical staff support, and a rural Florida site preparedness grant), consideration of resolutions (designating a private road name and supporting smoke-free outdoors), clerk and sheriff reports, county manager reports (including a letter of intent for a fire station), county attorney reports, and commissioner and chair comments. Specific action items involved resolutions regarding road naming and smoke-free outdoor spaces.

The meeting included a public hearing and adoption of an ordinance revising Bradford County purchasing procedures. Public comments were received regarding the County's contract with OEC. The Consent Agenda, including an inventory surplus list and a master worksite agreement, was approved. A presentation on tobacco retail licensing was given by the Tobacco Free Partnership and Bradford High School students. Funding requests were approved for the Bradford County Fair Association and the North Florida Regional Chamber of Commerce to advertise their respective events. Funding was also approved for billboard advertising for the City of Starke. Payment of bills was approved. An award recommendation for environmental assessment services at Keystone Airport was approved. Sheriff's reports included updates on community events and a year in review. Discussion and approval of funding for electrical work for modular units at Sheriff's stations took place. A resolution approving the 2020 Bradford County Comprehensive Emergency Management Plan was adopted. Reports were given by the County Manager and Clerk. The closure of the local hospital and its impact on the community was discussed, along with the need to complete modular buildings at Sheriff's stations and the potential sale of e-cigarettes.

The Board of County Commissioners meeting included clerk reports, sheriff reports (covering an annual Smart Cop invoice and funding requests for surveillance equipment and courthouse security upgrades), county manager reports (discussing Florida Power & Light franchise fees), county attorney reports, commissioner comments, and chair comments. Consent agenda items included approval of regular meeting minutes from April 4, 2023, ratification of payment registers, and referral of delinquent EMS accounts for collection.

The Board of County Commissioners meeting addressed several key issues. A public hearing was held for the first reading of an ordinance relating to the provision and funding of fire rescue services, including the imposition of special assessments. Discussions included the participation of various municipalities in the fire assessment, the proposed fee schedule, and the methodology for calculating assessments. An update on the Community Paramedicine Program was presented, covering financial updates, program statistics, and opioid abatement measures. Fire rescue statistics for June were reviewed. The board also considered the pros and cons of implementing an employee evaluation system, received reports from the County Clerk and Sheriff, and discussed the County Manager's reports, including Roadway Management Technologies (RMT) and public works updates. Finally, the board approved an agreement with the State Division of Emergency Management for mutual aid.

The workshop addressed key budgetary items across various county departments. Discussions included terminating an agreement with the City of Starke for police and fire dispatch services due to the city police department's dissolution. Departmental budget presentations covered Veterans Affairs, Agriculture (including new agent positions and building renovations), Senior Center, Community Development, Solid Waste/Mosquito Control (addressing tipping fees and equipment replacement), Planning and Zoning, Library services, and Maintenance and Roads (including road paving projects, equipment purchases, and staffing). The Fire Rescue budget presentation highlighted new fire engines and living quarters funded by grants and state appropriations. Concerns were raised regarding resource allocation in public works and the need for future budget workshops to address county-wide spending priorities.