The effluent line, a componet of DeFuniak Springs’ infrastructure, was a central topic. Initially, the city sought $3 million for its replacement, but the allocation was reduced to $1 million due to budgetary constraints. Despite this setback, the urgency of the $11 million project was underscored by its historical issues and its importance to the city’s wastewater management. The council decided to resubmit the project for fiscal year 2026 funding, encouraged by the possibility of preference for projects previously recognized. The project had previously received $300,000 from the water management district, with hopes for further funding from the Florida legislature. The council emphasized the critical nature of the project over other priorities, such as the airport runway extension, due to past compliance issues.

A related infrastructure discussion focused on the city’s SCADA system, which is essential for monitoring the wastewater treatment system. The need for upgrades was highlighted, with the council considering whether to utilize a master services contract or pursue competitive bidding. The discussion revealed a preference for issuing an Invitation to Bid (ITB) to explore potential customization options and ensure a competitive process. This decision aimed to address inadequacies in the current system, which was not designed to handle the city’s growing service demands.

In governance matters, the council addressed the appointment of Amanda Beerbomb to the CRA board, raising concerns about public perception and potential conflicts of interest. Beerbomb’s relationship with a council member and her past involvement with Main Street were discussed, though her term limits on the Main Street board had ended, allowing her appointment to proceed legally. The council acknowledged the importance of maintaining public trust and transparency in appointments, despite no legal impediments under Florida’s anti-nepotism law.

Further conversation included exploring the potential appointment of a deputy city manager to support City Manager Kobe Townsend, who acknowledged the increasing demands of his role. The council discussed the possibility of reintroducing this position, emphasizing the need for careful consideration of the budget and the division of responsibilities within city management. The idea of discontinuing the project manager position and reallocating duties suggested a move towards a more streamlined approach to city operations. The council agreed to revisit this topic in future budget workshops to ensure fiscal responsibility.

Library repairs also featured prominently in the meeting, with the council reviewing bids for work on the historic building. A motion to award the contract to Diversified General Contractors was approved, with $250,000 allocated from reserves following a check from the Florida Municipal Insurance Trust. The council recognized the potential for change orders due to the building’s age and stressed the importance of using appropriate materials to maintain its historic designation.

Shiitakwa Hall’s deteriorating condition was another issue, with discussions on the need for immediate repairs. The council considered legal action against the previous contractor, Victor Bowman, for defects in work conducted between 2017 and 2019, particularly concerning the building’s windows. Council members emphasized the urgency of addressing these issues to access future grant funding for further renovations.

The meeting concluded with discussions on the city’s hiring processes, including the approach to appointing a new city manager. The council weighed the implications of promoting the interim city manager, who had served for two years, and the potential community response to such a decision. The need for a systematic approach to memorializing individuals who contributed to the community was also raised.