Karen Callahan

The joint workshop between the Flaggler County Board of County Commissioners and the City of Palm Coast City Council focused on discussions regarding potential alternative animal shelter facilities and the financial feasibility of countywide animal control services. The task force presented findings on several potential sites, including the constricted Flaggler Humane Society property, the city-owned Palm Coast Strategic Employment Zone (Track 17), a city-owned public works parcel, and an undeveloped parcel in the industrial park constrained by a wellhead. Three construction scenarios were evaluated: newly constructed Putnam County facilities, brick and mortar, and pre-fabricated modular buildings, with Option 4 (a hybrid model using Putnam County's main building features and modular units) being recommended as the development plan. Key considerations included site size, expansion potential, proximity to residents, and operational efficiency, noting that Putnam County suggested increasing their initial budget for improvements. The task force recommended that the shelter be operated by a 501c3 nonprofit, with the city and county developing agreements for capital costs and operational shortfalls.

This document, the 2025 AHAC Report of Recommendations, summarizes the Affordable Housing Advisory Committee's review of eleven state-encouraged affordable housing incentive strategies for Flagler County and the City of Palm Coast. The report provides recommendations focusing on formalizing policies for ongoing review of housing-cost impacts, managing public lands for affordable housing, supporting Community Land Trusts, implementing inclusionary zoning, expanding local incentives, developing Accessory Dwelling Unit ordinances, and establishing a local Affordable Housing Trust Fund. These recommendations aim to enhance affordable housing policy, reduce development barriers, and ensure long-term affordability in the region.

The workshop focused extensively on a discussion regarding the county's health insurance plan, specifically comparing the merits of self-funding versus fully insured options. Key topics covered included the components of self-funded plans (Administrative Services Only or ASO, and stop-loss/reinsurance coverage), the differences in risk assumption, administrative costs, and access to claims data between the two structures. Specific details on stop-loss, including specific deductible ($200,000), aggregate coverage, and laser provisions, were reviewed. Advantages such as fixed cost stability and customization of plan design were weighed against disadvantages like claims fluctuation and asset exposure. The presenter also contrasted the estimated annual cost for a fully insured plan ($12,644,355) versus the actual expenses incurred under the current self-funded arrangement for the 2425 plan year ($9,117,796). The discussion also touched upon the ability to carve out ancillary services like pharmacy benefit management, noting the current arrangement utilizes Optum for maximum rebates.

The meeting agenda included administrative items such as roll call and additions or corrections to the agenda. Key committee business and discussion items scheduled for this session are the election of the Chair and Vice Chair, a review of the regular meeting schedule, and an annual strategic planning session focused on goals and approach. The meeting also reserved time for public comment.

The Local Mitigation Strategy Annex for Flagler County serves as a comprehensive roadmap for long-term disaster risk reduction. Approved in 2026 as a five-year update, it details a thorough assessment of natural, technological, and human-caused hazards, including tropical cyclones, coastal erosion, flooding, and wildfires. The plan outlines goals, objectives, and specific strategies to minimize potential impacts, emphasizing community engagement, federal compliance, and continuous adaptation to evolving risks.