Citrus County Board reinstates fines for detention facility amid leadership changes

The Citrus County Board of County Commissioners convened on December 10, 2024, to address various agenda items, including financial reports, the reinstatement of fines, and updates to the Land Development Code.

The meeting began with a clarification regarding the term "bimonthly," which now has two definitions due to language misunderstandings. The board confirmed that "bimonthly" refers to events occurring every other month, while "semi-monthly" indicates occurrences twice a month. Additionally, the board will receive financial and marketing reports via email during off months.

Commissioner Kennard initiated a motion to approve additional Tourist Development Council (TDC) items, which was seconded by Commissioner Finnegan. The motion passed unanimously. Following this, the board approved several other agenda items, including E39, which was noted as an update rather than a motion.

A significant discussion arose regarding the reinstatement of fines for the Citrus County Detention Facility. Commissioner Finnegan expressed the need to reinstate fines at the full allowable amount after a nine-month grace period, emphasizing the importance of accountability for the facility's operations. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Barrick and passed with no public opposition.

Public comments were invited, with Jason Snow, the warden of the Citrus County Detention Facility, addressing the board. He acknowledged the challenges faced and expressed optimism about future improvements, highlighting the importance of staffing and operational changes. The board thanked him for his service and wished him well in his future endeavors.

The meeting proceeded to discuss updates to the Land Development Code, specifically concerning the State Road 44 interchange management area. The board reviewed a proposed ordinance aimed at amending the land development regulations to facilitate commercial development in the area. Clark Stilwell, representing the State Road 44 Land Trust, and Gaston Halliburton from the Citrus County Builders Association both voiced their support for the proposed changes, noting the extensive consultations and workshops that had taken place.

Commissioner Barrick raised a question about the inclusion of electric vehicle (EV) charging stations in the development code, highlighting the need for modern infrastructure. The board acknowledged the absence of such requirements and agreed to consider incorporating them in future updates.

The meeting concluded with a unanimous vote to approve the ordinance related to the Land Development Code updates, marking a significant step in the county's development planning efforts. The board's next steps will involve further discussions on infrastructure improvements and continued oversight of the detention facility's operations.