The council began with a detailed storm update, informing the public about the expected impact of an approaching weather system. The storm, currently at 65 mph, is projected to develop into a Category 1 hurricane before making landfall on the Louisiana coast. Escambia County is expected to experience outer bands of the hurricane, leading to heavy rain, localized flooding, rip currents, coastal flooding, and wind gusts of up to 25 mph. Emergency Management has coordinated with local schools to ensure that after-school programs are canceled for safety, while additional emergency units will be on standby.

Furthermore, the council conducted the first of two required public hearings to adopt the fiscal year 2024-2025 budget. The tentative millage rates were approved, with the countywide millage rate set at 6.61165, the library Municipal Services Taxing Unit (MSTU) at 0.3590, and the sheriff’s law enforcement MSTU at 0.6850. These rates represent a 6.23% increase above the rollback rate. The council also tentatively approved the overall budget of $748,599,680.

In addition to the budget, the council adopted the fiscal year 2024-2025 non-ad valorem special assessments roll, which includes street lighting, pond maintenance, driveway improvements, and roadway improvements. This was followed by the approval of the BCC employee pay scale for the upcoming fiscal year as prepared by the Human Resources Department.