One of notable topics discussed during the meeting was the allocation of funds for community partners. Charles Bear, the newly appointed CEO of Keep Pensacola Beautiful, presented a case for increased funding. He highlighted the organization’s success in litter collection and community engagement, reporting that they had collected approximately 59,000 pounds of roadside litter in the current fiscal year, almost double the previous year’s total of 31,000 pounds. Bear’s presentation underscored the proactive measures taken by the organization, such as educational programs and the adopt-a-spot initiative, to reduce littering and engage the community.

Bear requested increased funding to expand their efforts, stating, “we’re trying to expand what we do and we’re just asking for a little bit more this year than what we asked for last year.” His request received considerable support from several commissioners, who acknowledged the growing issue of trash accumulation in neighborhoods and the positive impact of the organization’s work. One commissioner pointed out the numerous complaints received about garbage in the right-of-way and supported Bear’s request, emphasizing that the initiative is reimbursable. Another commissioner noted the potential benefits of allowing Keep Pensacola Beautiful to handle litter collection, which could free up county resources for other essential tasks.

The council moved to adopt an allocation for Community Partners, which included a modification to increase funding for Keep Pensacola Beautiful. The motion garnered widespread support.

The meeting also addressed the broader issue of maintaining service quality in low-income areas. One council member emphasized the need for equitable service across the county, particularly in comparison to the services provided on the beach. The sentiment was echoed by other council members, who discussed the role of community organizations in improving local parks and cleaning efforts. This discussion led to a motion to adopt an allocation for Community Partners, including increased funding for Keep Pensacola Beautiful, which received strong support from the council.

The council also tackled the adoption of the final millage resolution for the fiscal year 2024-2025, which included a countywide millage rate of 6.6165 and additional rates for library and sheriff’s services. The motion passed unanimously, and the board subsequently adopted a supplemental budget amendment resolution, which adjusted the tentative budget for fiscal year 2024-2025, detailing increases across various funds, including the general fund and community redevelopment fund. This motion also passed without opposition.

Another notable topic during the meeting was the recommendation for a 3% pay increase for county employees, effective from September 28, 2024. The discussion around this pay increase prompted a debate about the disparity in pay among employees within the county. One commissioner expressed concern that while a 3% increase may be beneficial, it may not adequately address the needs of lower-earning employees who often struggle to make ends meet. The commissioner highlighted the importance of equitable pay, noting that some employees, like those in custodial positions, rely on assistance programs despite their roles in maintaining county facilities. This concern was shared among other council members, who acknowledged the need for a more detailed review of pay structures and the potential for deeper conversations about ensuring livable wages for all county employees.

The council recognized that they had implemented consecutive pay increases since their tenure began, with one member noting that this could be a record. They discussed the necessity of reviewing job classifications and pay levels to ensure fair compensation for all roles, particularly those that are crucial but often underappreciated. One commissioner reiterated the importance of addressing pay disparities and ensuring that employees who contribute to the county are compensated fairly. They requested that the Human Resources department conduct a review and analysis of pay grades to better align wages with the cost of living and the expectations of those positions.