One of a notable topics discussed was a proposal to cap outside inmate medical costs at 110% of Medicare rates, a measure successfully implemented by St. Lucie County. Chief Jenkins from Pasco Corrections highlighted that the county currently allocates $2.25 million for off-site inmate medical care, and adopting a similar cap could result in substantial taxpayer savings. The discussion explored the possibility of starting with a local bill as a strategic step, with the potential to expand it statewide if successful. Concerns were raised about potential opposition from hospital associations, with discussions also touching on the bill’s applicability to hospitals in neighboring counties, such as Hillsborough.

In addition to inmate medical care, the council focused on financial challenges faced by the 911 call center. A representative noted that the center’s reliance on general tax revenue had increased significantly, rising from 32% in fiscal year 2019 to an estimated 77% for the upcoming budget year. The decline in revenue from landline taxes prompted a recommendation to raise the 911 fee from 40 cents to 50 cents per line. The proposal aimed to address the operational cost increases and ensure the call center’s financial sustainability. Further discussions suggested possibly higher fees to achieve break-even status.

Pedestrian safety also emerged as a topic of discussion. The council considered legislative amendments to Florida’s crosswalk laws, focusing on enhancing pedestrian safety in high-traffic areas. A proposed change to section 316.130 of Florida law sought to mandate vehicles to stop at crosswalks, aligning with laws in other states like Georgia. Some commissioners voiced concerns about the feasibility of managing such legislative changes independently, emphasizing the need for broader support from the Florida Association of Counties. The potential for increased rear-end collisions due to sudden stops at crosswalks was also debated.

The council then addressed challenges related to the “live local” initiative, which had previously imposed restrictions on new commercial and industrial zoning. Participants expressed frustration over the initiative’s impact, with some advocating for changes to land use regulations. A notable sentiment was that Pasco County had proactively deterred applications under the initiative by threatening legal action, setting it apart from other jurisdictions. Continued advocacy was deemed necessary to influence legislative reform, with suggestions to limit the scope of the initiative to redevelopment sites and provide credits for multifamily zoning.

Emergency services funding was another key area of focus, particularly the need for a new Public Safety Operations Center. The proposed center would consolidate emergency communications, fire rescue administration, and transportation management into a single facility, replacing one of the oldest emergency operations centers in the state. The estimated cost for the project was approximately $145 million, with a federal grant of $3 million already secured. Discussions highlighted the urgency of the project in light of recent weather events, emphasizing the need for a facility capable of withstanding significant storms.

Fire rescue initiatives were also discussed, with the fire chief outlining the prioritization of a high-water rescue vehicle and other equipment to enhance rescue capabilities. The total budget request for these initiatives was around $11 million, with state funding identified as a potential source for support. The necessity of local matches to secure state support was emphasized, alongside the importance of coordination with the sheriff’s office to avoid redundancy in vehicle requests.

The meeting also covered stormwater management projects, with a focus on mitigating flooding in vulnerable areas. Three key projects were discussed: Beaking Square, Double Hammock North, and the Sea Pines project. Each project aimed to address flooding and water quality issues, with funding requests totaling several million dollars. The need for cooperative funding from the Southwest Florida Water Management District and other sources was acknowledged as essential for moving these projects forward.