A substantial portion of the meeting was devoted to the management of the senior center, currently overseen by the Council on Aging (COA). Discussions centered on whether the city should take over management or continue with the current model, with some advocating for direct city oversight to better control costs and align services with local needs.

The proposal for the city to manage the senior center as a department was met with mixed reactions. Some council members expressed skepticism about merging COA’s care-focused services with the senior center’s recreational mission, arguing for the importance of maintaining the center’s independence-centric model. Concerns were raised about the potential loss of the center’s unique recreational focus if merged with COA’s existing services, which primarily target low-income older adults. The debate further explored financial discrepancies, such as stagnant membership dues, contrasted with rising city and county contributions.

In contrast to the senior center discussions, the council also grappled with extensive plans for the DeFuniak Springs Airport. The potential elimination of the north-south runway in favor of developing ground leases for hangars was a focal point. This proposal aimed to boost revenue by capitalizing on the airport’s capacity for economic development through infrastructure enhancements. While some council members supported the transition, citing operational simplifications and revenue potential, others expressed concerns about historical significance and operational utility, especially during adverse weather conditions.

The council deliberated on the procedural steps necessary to advance airport development, including authorization for existing hangar construction and engaging economic advisors for ground lease analysis.

Financial implications of the airport’s expansion were also discussed, focusing on securing funding through grants and appropriations to support ongoing projects, such as runway and terminal expansions. The council emphasized the importance of maintaining momentum, particularly concerning environmental assessments and compliance with FAA requirements, to avoid delays in the airport’s development.