A significant portion of the council’s discussion centered on the need for improved facilities for the fire and police departments. The council proposed allocating $1.8 million as matching funds to secure grants for the construction of new buildings. Deliberations included revisiting previous plans for combined facilities and considering various potential locations. Concerns were raised about the proximity to railroad tracks and the anticipation of future traffic complications. The council also explored the necessity for two fire stations and discussed funding mechanisms, such as a referendum or a special assessment, and sought expert consultation on facility design.

The council engaged in a comprehensive debate about the renovation of a historical building, weighing the preservation of its historical integrity against the need for functionality. The conversation extended to the allocation of funds for a new fire station, expressing concerns regarding the current station’s adequacy. The need for a thorough inventory of the city’s assets was emphasized, including the condition of the Hall of Brotherhood and other city buildings.

Beautification efforts were also a prominent topic, with council members emphasizing the need for colorful and inviting entry points to the city. The utilization of wildflowers and trees in median spaces was considered for both aesthetic and maintenance purposes. The idea of collaborating with local funeral homes to plant memorial trees was proposed. Furthermore, the council underscored the necessity of competitive salaries and additional staff in the parks department to maintain the city’s visual appeal. Specific projects discussed included improvements to Florence Park, such as the installation of shade structures, trash receptacles, and a single-stall unisex bathroom facility.

Infrastructure development discussions encompassed a variety of projects, including the retrofitting of a building to add an ADA-accessible bathroom and the installation of pickleball courts. Discussions extended to street resurfacing, sidewalk additions, and improved lighting near the bo count building. The council contemplated the use of existing structures to create pavilions and deliberated on the installation of surveillance systems in public areas to deter vandalism and protect public assets.

The potential sale of the Old City Hall and the use of proceeds were deliberated, with ideas including improving access to the current facility and renovating the red brick building for potential use as new council chambers. The council also discussed the purchase of state land for development and the necessity of sewer line replacements and other infrastructure repairs in the downtown area.

The council addressed the allocation of funds toward the CRA, Main Street, and non-profit organizations. The long-term funding of Main Street was scrutinized, as the council weighed the benefits of downtown revitalization against the sustainability of continued financial assistance. The challenges of supporting various non-profits were highlighted, with some advocating for a reduction in such funding.

Additionally, the council considered the review of salaries for city council members and the mayor, including the potential provision of health care benefits. The upcoming employee and citizen surveys were mentioned.

Public engagement during the meeting included a citizen’s call for a dog park and improved ground lighting around Lake DeFuniak for safety. Another citizen advocated for annexation efforts, citing the benefits of emergency services, and requested sewage services for a group of houses in need. Collaboration with state representatives and the prison system to meet community needs was also urged.