Calhoun County

The board addressed several administrative and infrastructure matters. Key actions included tabling a subdivision proposal, awarding construction and demolition bids, and approving engineering services for road construction. A contract change order for road paving projects was authorized, and the IDA Board provided updates on park development. The board also reviewed communication line item expenses, discussed deeds for property, and considered amendments to the personnel sick leave policy. Additionally, the board resolved issues regarding water drainage on specific roads and established a new policy requiring board approval for employees taking county vehicles home.

The board discussed and took action on several administrative and financial items. Key actions included clarifying the extension date for the Conditional Use Permit for Innovative Solar, approving an Interlocal Agreement for Medical Examiner Services, and authorizing the 2019 Community Planning Technical Assistance Grant Agreement and the 2019-2020 Small County Solid Waste Grant Application. The board also approved a contract with Lewis Walker Roofing for fire department repairs, a change order decrease and final payment for the CIGP Alliance Road project, and the adoption of Resolution 2019-37 regarding the abandonment of NW North Avenue. Additional discussions covered inmate work crew agreements, the status of housing assessments, potential staffing for the State Housing Initiative Program, and traffic complaints regarding Roy Golden Road.

Key discussions included the receipt and tabling of bids for the demolition portion of the Calhoun County Hazard Mitigation CDBG Program, with Skinner Grain & Fertilizer Co. noted as the apparent low bidder; these bids were ultimately tabled until a subsequent Special Meeting. The Board extended the Declaration of Emergency for seven days following the January 16, 1997 tornado, though it was noted that criteria for a Presidential Declaration were not met. The Board also addressed the delegation of authority for the Calhoun County Public Health Unit. In personnel matters related to a worker's compensation claim, the Board determined that the County's carrier's requirement for the claimant to resign to settle the case would be officially contested by notifying the carrier. County Attorney Matthew Fuqua reported on an overbid from a tax sale, which was tabled for the next meeting. Bids for surplus voting houses were thrown out due to procedural errors and will be readvertised. Discussion occurred regarding a drainage problem on Chipola Road, and a vendor addressed an outstanding bill related to temporary housing for flood victims. Finally, a motion carried that the Calhoun County Road Department shall only place dirt on County right-of-ways.

Discussions included a report from the Division of Forestry detailing activities for the past fiscal year. The board accepted a bid of $300.00 for an addressograph machine. The Chamber of Commerce requested additional funding beyond the budgeted $3,000.00, leading to a tentative agreement to fund the Chamber at $10,000.00 for fiscal year 1986-87, with monthly reporting required. The board discussed the Corps of Engineers' 25-year plan for the Apalachicola River and adopted a resolution opposing it. Appointments were made to the Calhoun County Library Advisory Board. The board authorized the county attorney to research the contract with Santa Fe Hospital regarding subleasing or termination, following concerns about the hospital potentially returning the facility to the county. A special session was held to discuss the monitoring report from the Department of Community Affairs (DCA) regarding the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG), specifically addressing concerns such as the deferred payment loan structure, personnel policies, segregation of duties, and purchasing/procurement policies.

The primary focus of the special meeting was the 2014-2015 proposed budget, where the Chairman presented suggested reductions and increases necessary to balance the budget at 9.90 mills, totaling $488,479 in reductions needed. Key discussion points included the staged replacement of the HVAC system, paying off outstanding debt with Centennial Bank by structuring an advance from the General Fund, and allocating $200,000 to Reserve for Contingencies. Other budgetary discussions involved the funding for Keep Calhoun County Beautiful, potential reductions in roadside spraying chemicals due to existing inventory, and considerations for filling vacancies in the Road Department, including the possibility of hiring through Workforce Development. The Board unanimously approved line item changes within the Waste Management Grant Fund and General Fund's Emergency Management department. Furthermore, the Personnel Policy regarding sick leave donation was revised to eliminate the 80-hour balance requirement for donors. The Board also accepted a $39,152 Florida Department of Law Enforcement Justice Assistance Grant for the Sheriff. Finally, the expenditure for work performed on J W Alexander Road, which occurred without prior Board approval, was questioned, leading to a directive for the Clerk's Office to investigate available grant reimbursement funds related to lime rock expenses.