[{"_1":2,"_111":-5,"_112":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6671236,"mediaKeyId","2171454-62dfaa841a7211f13bc4152a947a27ea","parentId",2171454,"title","Residents seek clarity on electrical meter rules and permit fees; board to review temporary waivers and state code guidance","audioSeconds",250,"startMs",4457000,"endMs",4207000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2171454-62dfaa841a7211f13bc4152a947a27ea&start=4457&end=4207","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2171454-62dfaa841a7211f13bc4152a947a27ea/thumbnail_4457000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6671236/Taylor-County/Florida/Residents-seek-clarity-on-electrical-meter-rules-and-permit-fees-board-to-review-temporary-waivers-and-state-code-guidance","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6671236-1b6f5dfbe2f32ee0abdab06f429dd449/orig.mp4?Expires=1773726022&Signature=Tpx2r1vxygwNCmOQsmqnwxXr-ZbHEg2qRUIGqKcPYPWyfwbUnYlFYEg31Ko58la~P5Yh5VeGQ9WlwnxP1tGv8wgGl7cfgslhbwuJNU2hrWT65jND~hne25aaGJodjuqsoUd6WTL073WTsmd-Jw8ESom~2vRvlLF3OYA0fi8L6MKnOrNLech0nxWTLnVBQlpAmT5E4CtAKjigDwceU16Op~J6s9jMKmTq5gb3u1oalY4qgZEeeIfBK-CpkGKG1k3bX65iloU2ZNK5HrnJcTMfMiSiTEUuxvHWcBdmjzgqqDb4YINz0UzSsoPbeceFuzw7khVXVQOFpcDgHAiUkTo2xQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Taylor County","date","2025-01-30T05:04:33.127Z","article","Residents from coastal communities and several commissioners used the Jan. 28 meeting to press county staff for clearer, more consistent permitting guidance for electrical meter bases and for relief on permit fees for storm damage work.

A caller identified as Matt Parish and several in‑person speakers said they are still waiting on insurance or repairs and asked the board to extend the county’s temporary permit fee waiver. One caller said he had been cleaning up his property since the storm, that he was not yet ready to rebuild and asked the board to \"consider voting on the permit extension\" because delays in insurance and access have prevented reconstruction.

The transcript contains prolonged public comment from residents who said inspectors had inconsistently approved replacement meter boxes and that some neighbors had power restored with new boxes while others were told to elevate meters or replace 200‑amp services. One resident said he was told by inspectors he would need to spend tens of thousands of dollars to meet elevation requirements while nearby properties apparently received different treatment.

County staff and the board addressed code and practical constraints. Staff said floodplain management staff and the Florida floodplain management office had appeared at recent meetings and provided guidance consistent with the state code; staff told the board that meter bases typically cannot be made waterproof and that elevation requirements stem from damage thresholds (for example, homes more than 50% damaged must meet current code when rebuilt). Staff also said the permit fee extension for new construction had been extended to the end of January and that the board would consider budget implications of a further waiver during an upcoming budget workshop.

Commissioners asked staff to try to obtain a state code official to brief the board and to check whether temporary service options exist that could allow businesses to resume operations while longer‑term compliance is resolved. One commissioner said floodplain management representatives \"gave the same information\" at previous meetings; staff said they would follow up and seek clearer explanations from the state office.

Why it matters: Inconsistent inspections and unclear permit rules can delay business reopening and rebuilding after storms. Commissioners emphasized the need for consistent county practice and for direct answers from the state agency that interprets the Florida building code and floodplain rules.

What staff will do next: Staff said they will raise the code interpretation question with the state floodplain management office, check whether temporary electrical service is feasible, and review the budget implications of any permit fee waiver at the board’s budget workshop. No immediate change to the county’s enforcement policy was made at the meeting.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Taylor County Board of County Commissioners","oneSentenceSummary","Coastal residents told Taylor County commissioners on Jan. 28 that inconsistent inspections of electrical meter bases and a change in free permit timing are delaying business and rebuilding after the storm.","taxTitle","Taylor County, Florida","taxId",28196,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6671239,"Residents and commissioners criticize pace and cleanup of storm debris; county says DOT coordination under way",3939,1679000,5618000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2171454-62dfaa841a7211f13bc4152a947a27ea&start=1679&end=5618","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2171454-62dfaa841a7211f13bc4152a947a27ea/thumbnail_1679000.jpg","/articles/6671239/Taylor-County/Florida/Residents-and-commissioners-criticize-pace-and-cleanup-of-storm-debris-county-says-DOT-coordination-under-way","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6671239-2ea5d5134cc805ec89c84fcbf4db9998/orig.mp4?Expires=1773726022&Signature=iFxi1rlFaFpkPberImBFh0~biGTtDpASnG4BoxxEFQBj-GE~kKmhBmav74vnmzM2Yp3t~x~KoMxzKWR42piCkkKntTU63MaNnts7TIfm~lTb-or28wow-iZpYlHLhun8vNJH2Bw3alRTA~tjnO7c7WdJHHWB03SnUdbRFmqlZpslUnDEiW32XMWln3y66zZcN1zesvZrz3NFgfqQNh1NhdGO1BdyC3IhnUNN0hbpVU6sLBSuSTcpApAxG2LyZxjPgI1lQhrpgX1z2mQDFpJ3PAy207v6XJF2Xy7xJ~2QumeHKh1V2ThDzbxy83-ve2Jvfx~ydmeSqL~OSfYFrpqGmg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Commissioners and members of the public raised concerns at the Jan. 28 Taylor County meeting about the pace and thoroughness of post‑storm debris removal across the county.

\"Our county looks like a dump,\" Commissioner Pat Peter said, describing calls from constituents who report crews have not finished some roads and that debris is being left scattered. Commissioner Peter asked county staff why some roads have been partially cleared but not completed.

County staff and commissioners described a large removal effort: staff reported that, as of Jan. 21, crews had removed about 660,000 cubic yards from rights‑of‑way and recorded roughly 16,415 loads over 98 days of operations. Staff said some piles contain household garbage, tires and other items ineligible for federal or state debris removal programs; those items require separate handling.

\"We can go and inspect it, and finished. And then that way, if somebody else throws out, I hope they don't keep doing this,\" a commissioner said, urging road‑by‑road inspection and sign‑off when a segment is complete. Staff said they are waiting on FDOT to provide a map of locations of ineligible debris so county crews can remove those items and then request DOT to come back and finish eligible debris removal where appropriate.

Contractor performance was also raised. Commissioners acknowledged the contractor had removed large volumes but pressed for faster completion and clearer routing so county crews can follow and clear remaining non‑eligible piles. Staff said monitors and contractor rules — including separation of limb/wood piles from household trash and tires — govern what crews may collect on each pass, which can leave mixed piles until they are sorted.

Why it matters: Slow or incomplete debris removal affects road safety, property access and the county’s appearance, and can impede recovery for residents attempting to rebuild. Commissioners asked for more frequent and detailed updates so they can respond to constituent complaints.

What staff will do next: Staff said they will request and share FDOT maps of ineligible debris locations, continue to mark completed road segments, and coordinate with the contractor to improve route transparency. No formal disciplinary action against the debris contractor was taken at the meeting.

Direct quote: \"As of January 21st, they had removed 660,000 total cubic yards from the right of way. 16,415 total loads, 98 days operational,\" a staff member reported during the meeting.","Taylor County commissioners and residents raised repeated complaints at the Jan. 28 meeting about uneven debris removal, household trash left behind and uncompleted road segments; county staff said crews have removed large volumes but are still coordinating with FDOT on ineligible debris and mapping to finish roads.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6671244,"Commissioner presses staff over delays in $3.1 million storm recovery SHIP program",573,314000,887000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2171454-62dfaa841a7211f13bc4152a947a27ea&start=314&end=887","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2171454-62dfaa841a7211f13bc4152a947a27ea/thumbnail_314000.jpg","/articles/6671244/Taylor-County/Florida/Commissioner-presses-staff-over-delays-in-31-million-storm-recovery-SHIP-program","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6671244-e8d423cc16570f4798de4d37c4197104/orig.mp4?Expires=1773726022&Signature=CdcSNrHEEYW0o2EOg5oajlvdeAw-4WMY2Maj~9ddTBTh0ZWoEaTqgsxd4cdXBFhVB-Kyv1JwGgFG-NhskruRgnTNuh4xPfTvy6j5rkN7zB39Rs7EMz6QEE7WpMRWtkK7riTDw6Bd9oy~KlI0tKWCzoHUfcsccyZK~DaKda3Kt3NKq78UY2DBDVQlU4G2rLyyAOPhmqDpaVGXNCZKy2dG01Hd6O8oQNUBbI8Hc5tHbeNsTnduc6BbIZd2jea-KIdaABu3U37warXyjtFPT~Gv1EfQgOLwYwvsYXlYisnDszW2ruX1mZaN3ONM9UGCI~h1MeQRwIJJRpg4HHDUtQSTNw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Commissioner Bighle criticized county staff and the contractor managing SHIP disaster‑recovery funds at the Taylor County Board of County Commissioners meeting on Jan. 28, 2025, saying residents remain without assistance months after funding was awarded.

\"How many projects have been completed from the $3,100,000 that we have received for disaster recovery from Hurricane Adelia?\" Commissioner Bighle asked. County staff answered, \"None. None have been started,\" and explained applications remain in verification.

Bighle said residents had been repeatedly asked to resubmit the same documents and asked why the contractor had not produced results. She asked whether the county could terminate the consultant for poor performance. Melody, a county project staffer, said staff speak with applicants daily and that she had recently provided a list of roughly 10 applicants who are near qualification. Melody and other staff said the consultant will meet with applicants on Thursday and that staff are monitoring progress.

County staff told commissioners the consultant is receiving a 10% fee on the $3,100,000 allocation; that equals \"over $300,000,\" a commissioner noted. Staff said they had discussed adding an addendum to the contractor's contract and that switching contractors could add delay because a new vendor would need to assemble records and resume verification work.

Commissioner Bighle asked to be copied on correspondence and requested an updated spreadsheet tracking applicants. Melody said she would email an updated spreadsheet first thing the next morning and copy LaWanda.

Why it matters: SHIP (State Housing Initiatives Partnership) disaster‑recovery dollars are intended to help households repair or rebuild after storms. Commissioners said they expected quicker progress for residents who remain in unsafe housing conditions.

What staff said they would do: Staff committed to provide an updated applicant spreadsheet the following week and to report back on the consultant's site visits and next steps. No formal action to terminate the consultant was taken at the meeting; commissioners said they would weigh whether to replace the contractor if sufficient progress is not shown.

Direct quotes from the meeting appear in the record, including Commissioner Bighle’s repeated concern that \"we don't even have the first project started\" and staff acknowledgement that applicants are still undergoing verification.","At the Jan. 28 Taylor County meeting Commissioner Bighle sharply questioned staff and the contracted consultant about why no housing recovery projects have started from $3.1 million in SHIP funds for Hurricane Adelia; staff said verification is ongoing and promised an updated applicant spreadsheet next week.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6671248,"Taylor County commissioners approve airport grant, park budget amendment and hire; consent agenda passes",333,2093000,2426000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2171454-62dfaa841a7211f13bc4152a947a27ea&start=2093&end=2426","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2171454-62dfaa841a7211f13bc4152a947a27ea/thumbnail_2093000.jpg","/articles/6671248/Taylor-County/Florida/Taylor-County-commissioners-approve-airport-grant-park-budget-amendment-and-hire-consent-agenda-passes","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6671248-6ed395655b77822559a285611741acd7/orig.mp4?Expires=1773726022&Signature=Pryv6iO2E5f59uaeMdoFSjJI-MqHcW5XNvrDUjUX-gLIS-qF0WI-~NRAm~5TSQR5EkeY6zOTXIVsMFKvgbvL05tRxX572w5NHPUnkjTsUQZlx7m-97wPhnQAq1QTNmVo7guIGBXJjLIi14JbVaVgCgYXwit~RbGgLs9o-mdfqgyQfUEgg65kWH9hL4I22VV1dpzEER~SIhd96kUXcj9hfn9uX6YryAUl43f1~4rgPOWQKniLskTpt6Kv8dZ~4CONkbl4EU57xxLtJNWoQsVAaALjorjavEReofLdriS2vyS90RA6BqBifZQJVHMvzl0h46RpMlT6TFDX1ml36s2JIA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Taylor County commissioners approved several items at their Tuesday, Jan. 28, 2025 meeting, including a state grant for airport hangars, an increase to a park rehabilitation grant budget and the hire of a building official. The board voted to approve the consent agenda before taking up individual items.

The board approved a Florida Department of Transportation grant and associated resolution for financial project number 446364‑1‑94‑25 to support design and construction of hangar buildings at Perry Foley Airport. Commissioner Tom Long moved the resolution; the motion was seconded and the board voted in favor.

Separately, commissioners approved a budget amendment to increase the grant budget for rehabilitation and reconstruction work at Hodges Park. County staff said the board was being asked to increase the project budget by $726,504 so the county could proceed with design‑build contracting and to add resiliency measures; staff said the additional funds come from a RESTORE Act grant and that no county general funds were required.

The board also approved hiring George Terry McKeever as the county building official. County Administrator Alanda Pemberton told commissioners McKeever was the top candidate, was eligible for a provisional license and had scheduled a mid‑February appointment with the licensing body. The candidate negotiated a starting salary above the typical midpoint and has indicated he will waive county health insurance; the board approved the hire and the negotiated salary with conditions captured in the hiring paperwork.

The board approved the consent agenda, which included an item referencing a response to the Florida Housing Finance Corporation SHIP monitoring review prepared by Accenture.

No roll‑call vote tallies naming every commissioner were recorded in the meeting transcript for these items; minutes show motions, seconds and unanimous “aye” responses on the floor.

Votes at a glance

- FDOT hangar grant (FP# 446364‑1‑94‑25): Motion moved by Tom Long; second not specified on transcript; outcome: approved.
- Hodges Park budget amendment (increase by $726,504 from RESTORE Act funds for design‑build and resiliency): Motion and second recorded; outcome: approved.
- Hire of building official (George Terry McKeever): Motion moved and seconded; outcome: approved. Candidate eligible for provisional license, scheduled mid‑February; salary negotiated above midpoint; candidate waives county health insurance per offer letter.
- Consent agenda (includes SHIP monitoring response prepared by Accenture): Approved.

Board members and staff present recorded items and asked questions during the votes; the transcript includes short exchanges but no roll‑call vote list for each motion.","At its Jan. 28 meeting the Taylor County Board of County Commissioners approved a consent agenda, a Florida Department of Transportation grant for Perry Foley Airport hangar construction, a budget amendment for Hodges Park, and the hire of a full‑time building official.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Residents seek clarity on electrical meter rules and permit fees; board to review temporary waivers and state code guidance

Residents and commissioners criticize pace and cleanup of storm debris; county says DOT coordination under way

Commissioner presses staff over delays in $3.1 million storm recovery SHIP program

Taylor County commissioners approve airport grant, park budget amendment and hire; consent agenda passes