The meeting’s primary focus was the establishment of the millage rate within the county’s budget for the fiscal year 2024-2025. Julian, a representative, outlined the budget, highlighting increases for constitutional officers, a 3% Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) for Board of County Commission employees, and a 20% increase in health insurance contributions. The overall countywide budget was set at $280 million, with millage rates unchanged from the previous year.

Commissioner Wilkinson raised concerns about employee compensation, advocating for a larger increase given the significant health insurance cost hike. He questioned whether a 4% salary increase could be implemented without major budget amendments. Julian confirmed that a minor budget amendment could accommodate this.

Mr. Turner appreciated the efforts toward employee compensation but emphasized the county’s substantial investment in health insurance, which absorbed significant costs, approximately $1.8 million. Mr. Adams argued that county employees’ pay should reflect market realities.

It was noted that a 4% raise for employees would require only a fraction of the budget holdback, leaving a substantial balance for future needs. Mr. Adams emphasized that employees’ wages should at least keep pace with inflation.

A motion to provide a 4% raise for county employees was made and seconded, prompting additional discussion. Commissioners reflected on the history of budget discussions and the need for continual dialogue about employee compensation.

The debate then shifted to tax rates, with one council member expressing reluctance to raise taxes, highlighting the current rate being 11% higher than the rollback rate. Public comments included a plea from resident Nancy Taylor, who opposed tax increases and urged the council to consider alternative revenue sources, such as increasing sales tax. Taylor pointed out property tax increases over recent years and questioned the county’s budget management.

Following public comments, the council passed a resolution adopting the final millage rate for the fiscal year, set at 8.8441 mills, the same as the previous year but higher than the rollback rate. Subsequent discussions addressed the approval of the fiscal year 2024-2025 budget and a capital improvement plan, with concerns about committing future commissioners to expenditures without their input.

The meeting also focused on emergency preparedness due to the impending Tropical Storm Helen. The council declared a local state of emergency, aligning with Executive Order 24-29 issued by the governor of Florida. Preparations included opening a special needs shelter and potential decisions regarding general population shelters. The school district’s decision to close schools on Thursday was discussed to facilitate sheltering operations.

Representatives emphasized the importance of clear communication with citizens during the emergency. The emergency operations center (EOC) would activate to level two by noon, transitioning to full activation by the evening. The council underscored the need for community members to heed weather warnings and prepare adequately for the storm.

The meeting also addressed a lease agreement involving the Putnam County Port Authority and National Industrial Services (NIS). The lease was approved without opposition, and the chairman thanked NIS representatives for their diligence.

A presentation segment led by Ms. Lorie Parker from Human Resources announced Martha Bennett as the Employee of the Month for September. Ms. Parker humorously dubbed her “Queen for the day,” presenting her with a check and a crown. Ms. Stella Brown, the library director, praised Martha as a valuable asset to the library system.

The council then reviewed a rezoning application from Georgia Pacific Paca LLC, seeking to rezone approximately 16.5 acres from Agriculture to Industrial Heavy. The Planning Commission had recommended approval, and the discussion included a review of the parcel’s characteristics and compliance with regulations. The rezoning application was scheduled for a second reading on October 8th.

The meeting also included discussions on private road maintenance, with residents expressing concerns about the condition of private roads and the associated challenges. Commissioners emphasized the legal limitations imposed on the county regarding work on private roads unless certain conditions are met.

Public comments included concerns about a culvert on CR Road affecting access for elderly residents, with Commissioner Amzac confirming it was a Class Three Private Road, highlighting the limited county responsibility for repairs on private roads.