Budget Director Roshonda Bradley presented the tentative budget, emphasizing its fiscally conservative approach despite high inflation and unfunded mandates. The proposed budget maintains the countywide millage rate for the 13th consecutive year and avoids new tax or fee increases, with a focus on fiscal stability. Significant investments include $11 million for the sheriff’s department, $4.2 million for infrastructure projects, and increased starting pay for deputies. Rising property values, projected to increase by 10%, are expected to generate $18 million in additional property tax revenue, nearly $11 million of which is allocated to the sheriff’s department.

A major point of concern raised during the meeting related to the budget’s implications for volunteer firefighter departments, which have faced recruitment and retention challenges. The County Administrator confirmed that approximately $115,000 is allocated to volunteer fire departments, with specific guidelines for fund distribution to support operational costs and recruitment efforts.

The council conducted a series of votes on the budget and millage rates. Commissioner Nick Maddox recused himself from votes related to the Big Bend Homeless Coalition due to a conflict of interest. Despite his recusal, motions to adopt the tentative budget and include funding for the coalition passed with majority votes.

Another discussion focused on the non-ad valorem assessment role related to local hospital funding, aimed at drawing down an estimated $49 million in federal and local funds to support local hospitals, with no county funding required. The county anticipates collecting approximately $26 million from local hospitals as a non-federal share to meet established deadlines.

The meeting also addressed the addition of a new membership category to the Leon County Affordable Housing Advisory Committee. This category would include individuals who have received rental assistance, benefited from an affordable housing program, or experienced eviction in the last ten months. The motion to adopt an ordinance reflecting this new membership category passed unanimously.

A substantial portion of the meeting was dedicated to discussing homelessness, particularly concerning the services provided by the Carney Center. One council member suggested raising the nightly charge for non-residents from $10 to deter non-residents from utilizing local resources. Another member expressed discomfort with directing the Carney Center to increase fees, highlighting potential negative outcomes, such as individuals remaining unhoused if they cannot afford the increased costs.

The council proposed a future agenda item to analyze the issue further, focusing on whether other localities are systematically sending their homeless citizens to Leon County. The need for a balanced approach to addressing homelessness was emphasized. The council agreed to revisit the issue with updated data and potential solutions at a future meeting.

Concerns regarding utility agreements affecting residents in unincorporated areas were also discussed. Commissioner Caban highlighted the financial implications for residents in the south side of Leon County, noting that the county is investing approximately $100 million in infrastructure for sewer systems in areas such as Lake Mson and Woodville. The existing agreements allow the city to charge a 50% surcharge on unincorporated customers, raising concerns about the financial burden on residents who currently rely on septic tanks and do not have regular sewage bills.

The council acknowledged the need to negotiate more favorable terms for residents as the expiration of current agreements approaches. Discussions included the potential impact of a legislative bill that could affect fees charged to unincorporated residents and the need for equitable access to utilities and infrastructure.

The Leon County Council’s meeting also featured several proclamations, including recognizing September as National Suicide Prevention Month and acknowledging the contributions of local health care providers and community leaders. The council celebrated the achievements of the 2024 Neighborhoods of the Year and honored individual contributions to community safety and improvement.