The installation of a Peace Pole, proposed by the Tarpon Springs Rotary Club, was a focal point of the meeting. Robin Sanger and Susan Carlson presented the proposal, explaining the Peace Pole as a symbol with the message “May peace prevail on earth.” The initiative seeks to enhance community unity and hope, with the location identified near the dog park overlooking the Anclote River. The Rotary Club, alongside Peace for Tarpon, has allocated initial funding, and further beautification efforts are planned in collaboration with the Tarpon Springs Garden Club. The board unanimously approved the proposal after Commissioner Banther confirmed the location and maintenance responsibilities with Sanger.

An extensive audit of the Public Works Sanitation Division revealed several areas needing improvement. Internal Auditor Billy Pulos presented seven findings and three observations, highlighting issues such as outdated data collection methods, lack of comprehensive policies, and increases in yard waste disposal costs due to a new vendor contract. The report noted a decline in yard waste facility usage, attributed to the higher costs. Additionally, it was discovered that the disposal contract had not undergone necessary legal review. Concerns were raised about the limited payment options at the facility, with recommendations to introduce credit card payments to improve revenue and reduce the risk of cash handling discrepancies. The audit stressed the importance of implementing better controls over voided transactions to prevent potential fraud. Despite these issues, the division was commended for its proactive disaster recovery efforts, including a standby contract for rapid debris removal.

The board also deliberated on the security services contract, with a proposal to internally hire Tom, the current security guard, until his retirement. This arrangement was seen as cost-effective and beneficial for continuity, with unanimous board support for the motion to hire him permanently.

Additionally, the meeting addressed changes in attorney services, following the resignation of the current firm. A proposal was made to shift regular meeting dates to the second and fourth Tuesdays of each month, effective March, to align with the new attorney’s schedule. Public comments were invited, and the change was largely supported, with considerations for maintaining traditional ceremonial dates. The discussion included potential conflicts with an additional meeting on April 1st, leading to a motion that accommodated the swearing-in ceremony while adjusting other meeting dates.

The commissioners also approved resolutions related to extending emergency declarations due to recent hurricanes. Resolutions 2025-18 and 2025-19, which ratified executive orders for the local state of emergency, passed unanimously. Further resolutions addressed the reappointment of temporary staff, support for a grant application for traffic signal cabinet elevation, and extending the deadline for connecting to the public sewer system, all of which received board approval without opposition.