[{"_1":2,"_123":-5,"_124":-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",[32,75,87,99,111],{"_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",6179543,"mediaKeyId","5126554-898aeab7ce8d6b81494bd3b0a1eb3256","parentId",5126554,"title","Meridian asks Bradford County for Baker Act matching funds; board requests quarterly reports","audioSeconds",885,"startMs",2385000,"endMs",3270000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5126554-898aeab7ce8d6b81494bd3b0a1eb3256&start=2385&end=3270","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5126554-898aeab7ce8d6b81494bd3b0a1eb3256/thumbnail_2385000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6179543/Bradford-County/Florida/Meridian-asks-Bradford-County-for-Baker-Act-matching-funds-board-requests-quarterly-reports","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6179543-6a081ce185ecd316892cfefce085ec7d/orig.mp4?Expires=1771213811&Signature=FQmb9sGj2E6xFM2qwVLJK9j40GrajNF3Qi5R0sa~X5OK-jHw65SMqi21cVlqsE9VTuvLgltdelDyD4JFInjUgj-SrY-HdpDHvY7mbxfAvPLzPNBAIDe-EDgDE5JxPAL3KE~mUdHOmoJBd~D~UbTaI09uB7AL-ZYzTn-q-Qagk6uC~GWCNfuzEHcWixux0-1RVsTgXZsUvZGARJ6dqoaCYzuvEO7dJApsyyJW3WXLf~tM~bgdmO4roYGngpEbctATZAk4McFoVC903ozEa50w3a0PBkTIWNmifW-gzuBCubPmoXg-sJMzyyfbnNAWzAaFzArlW7AcD5PGJrHrcNQMiQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Bradford County, FL","date","2025-07-02T04:50:40Z","article","Meridian, a nonprofit behavioral‑health provider serving North Central Florida, asked Bradford County commissioners on July 1 to provide a local Baker Act match of $83,018.25 for fiscal year 2025–26 — the same local match the agency requested in the prior year.

Ashley Brooks, chief operating officer at Meridian (speaking on behalf of CEO Lauren Cohen), presented program data showing services provided to county residents year‑to‑date: 738 Bradford County residents received a total of 4,543 telehealth services through May 27, and the agency reported a payer mix in which roughly 82% of clients in the county are at or below poverty guidelines. Brooks said Meridian's agency‑wide local match obligation is $2,346,000 and that Bradford County\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000's share for the Baker Act match is $83,018.25 for FY26, per state statute language cited by the presenter.

Brooks said the county‑funded clinician position that began with county support last year (funded in part by a county allocation of $87,000) is now incorporated into Meridian\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000 its budget moving forward; the agency thanked the board for that initial support.

Board members asked for more frequent updates on Meridian's local outcomes than an annual presentation. Ashley Brooks agreed to provide quarterly summary reports to the county; the board directed staff to add those reports to the consent agenda so commissioners receive them without requiring an in‑person presentation.

Taper: Meridian will return materials and quarterly summaries by email and consent‑agenda submission; the board will consider the formal appropriation for the Baker Act match during the budget hearings if the board chooses to fund the request.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Bradford County Commissioners Meeting 7-1-25 @ 9:30AM","oneSentenceSummary","Meridian, a nonprofit behavioral‑health provider serving North Central Florida, asked Bradford County commissioners on July 1 to provide a local Baker Act match of $83,018.25 for fiscal year 2025–26.","taxTitle","Bradford County, Florida","taxId",27811,"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},6179548,"County attorney flags procurement problems with proposed energy‑conservation deal; board pauses vendor piggyback plan",648,4282000,4930000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5126554-898aeab7ce8d6b81494bd3b0a1eb3256&start=4282&end=4930","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5126554-898aeab7ce8d6b81494bd3b0a1eb3256/thumbnail_4282000.jpg","/articles/6179548/Bradford-County/Florida/County-attorney-flags-procurement-problems-with-proposed-energyconservation-deal-board-pauses-vendor-piggyback-plan","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6179548-6e7f6d45b0da59683ef76116666f295c/orig.mp4?Expires=1771213812&Signature=Lu-AR8TZX79aaeg89-joHTegyO0FArOwIYsmvRo9yI~6EwKRRlfERK8t3RZ~Lg5oKA0bJCdI36o1qM9oCt9a~ZHEwdpfjjj5eVRaJk-3wDR1obINpnc1OeRbKw5H~jqnzLUxMnoRzg0vj~UeX7Sx4X2eBQYxBi4BE9ISnvENmNQ81wcdpFpT5L2iJdTFdZYSQg1ps7vHaU9g~uXo0XllCSG0ygHzi7JH~7v02rZXAnTpsm4X322DVMMUBNK5l-DBQANsKzFxUC2chHOjMl173ktFoSQ9M7NfTbz4gMxEKahl0M4IkzbR4Rn1EOe2nbQ6oYsxr0NqY10R56-AlNj8CA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Bradford County commissioners on July 1 discussed a proposed countywide energy‑conservation program that had been presented as a collaborative or \"piggyback\" procurement with an outside vendor. The county attorney advised that the way the deal was presented did not meet Florida procurement comparability requirements and recommended the board proceed by issuing a formal request for proposals (RFP) if the county seeks to competitively procure the work.

County Manager raised the proposal and asked for guidance after a prior presentation from an energy‑services vendor. The County Attorney told commissioners that piggybacking is permissible only when the prior contract was competitively awarded under substantially similar procurement rules and that the vendor offer as presented did not meet that standard. The attorney recommended caution and said the transparent approach was a formal RFP to ensure compliance with county purchasing policy.

Why it matters: the project as described would have targeted energy savings and long‑term operating cost reductions (for example, at the jail, which the county noted has high electricity costs). Commissioners and staff discussed exploring a smaller, targeted solar or roof‑contour solution for the jail to reduce a large portion of annual electrical consumption without entering into a countywide agreement under the vendor’s presented terms.

Key points: the board did not vote to award a contract. Instead members agreed not to move forward with the proposed piggyback and asked staff to pursue alternatives, including an RFP or smaller pilot projects. County staff and commissioners stressed a need to follow state and county procurement rules and to prioritize projects that can demonstrably reduce operating costs.

Taper: The board asked staff to return with draft procurement language if the county wants to proceed with an open competitive process and to explore targeted pilot projects (for example, jail roof‑mounted or contour solar) that could deliver near‑term savings.","Bradford County commissioners on July 1 paused a proposed countywide energy‑conservation contract after the county attorney said the vendor\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000proposal did not meet Florida procurement comparability rules and recommended a formal RFP.",{"_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},6179538,"Local nonprofits ask commissioners for small grants to support childcare, senior services and after‑school programs",1339,992000,2331000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5126554-898aeab7ce8d6b81494bd3b0a1eb3256&start=992&end=2331","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5126554-898aeab7ce8d6b81494bd3b0a1eb3256/thumbnail_992000.jpg","/articles/6179538/Bradford-County/Florida/Local-nonprofits-ask-commissioners-for-small-grants-to-support-childcare-senior-services-and-afterschool-programs","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6179538-ae630e6d952fad037c36aaac277d5726/orig.mp4?Expires=1771213812&Signature=ClXCiW5OrGFlmRs1cAhfF5cHEjR1vQ-lOhCKgjgPiYbS9qUYWJaIer6PmMhdA4tGAR~jCGvdLjONhbkO0Tf1RUCFpXFIeBwhIR6-OLBhAuIOOklKHfKuexC3DQOWtJ2pOPb6ltNMF1WymT0yI6JW41PHfCnz4thBIfS5P4qRLFjMQXCp8M8XlSs36i9gUA8VWnVbO-29D7CCTqGNZ~fFnZdGP~ozJQ3t63fSqb3sPl~~36Q8ddObtWlkfzNBhwrFjrF0UXcBUzMcXIk0x4XiKoHBxRaXEtj90CT~2HHRw~eB01q131JZ-1jYvznKoDc6XrzRJvEodnm7wC8a3OUMxA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Several local nonprofits asked Bradford County commissioners on July 1 for targeted funding to support childcare, senior services and youth programs.

Britney Stangler, assistant vice president of programs at Principal Children Services, requested $3,750 in the county\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000budget for fiscal year 2025–26 to meet a required 6% community match for the state\u0000Division of Early Learning school‑readiness program. Stangler said the $3,750 local match would draw about $58,750 in federal funds and, when the state match is applied, produce an estimated $62,500 total in care funding — enough to cover an annual childcare slot for roughly 13 children last year. She told commissioners the funds are used directly for childcare costs and that families must reside in Bradford County and meet income eligibility thresholds.

Swanee Berg (Economic Council) described senior services and asked for $6,463 to support meal delivery, homemaking and respite care programs; the Economic Council said it delivered 7,412 meals year‑to‑date and provided 1,216 hours of respite for family caregivers. Berg and county commissioners also discussed regional transit connections to Gainesville and opportunities to coordinate transportation.

Glenda Bruce, vice president of the Concerned Citizens of Bradford County (speaking for Alicia McMillan, who was absent), requested $15,000 to fund after‑school and summer programming, including reading and math labs and meals for participating children. Bruce described roughly 45 students served through recent summer‑camp activities and noted annual facility insurance costs of approximately $9,000 as a major operating expense for her organization.

Board response was primarily supportive and inquisitive: commissioners asked clarifying questions about eligibility, administrative overhead and leverage from federal and state matches. No formal appropriations were made at the workshop; staff indicated that outside‑organization line items are being reviewed in the FY26 budget process and that the board would consider requests during formal budget hearings.

Taper: The organizations were invited to submit any follow‑up materials requested by staff; county staff will include the requests in the budget package for commissioner consideration during the August tentative‑budget hearing.","Several local nonprofits asked Bradford County commissioners on July 1 for targeted funding to support childcare, senior services and youth programs.",{"_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},6179552,"Commissioners direct staff to budget $135,000 for recreation and discuss fairgrounds manager role",684,8393000,9077000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5126554-898aeab7ce8d6b81494bd3b0a1eb3256&start=8393&end=9077","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5126554-898aeab7ce8d6b81494bd3b0a1eb3256/thumbnail_8393000.jpg","/articles/6179552/Bradford-County/Florida/Commissioners-direct-staff-to-budget-135000-for-recreation-and-discuss-fairgrounds-manager-role","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6179552-948c6c8965fdb36d4fabd26658d37ca2/orig.mp4?Expires=1771213812&Signature=OunaDS4uMIVjNq4jg7KnEdHsEkbatY1xkvL7B-Cl5Zdm6-jwvC3wX-8Rh27OFqlQcf6dPq6VHtI8Rz3m~AOVhcMsj2rROdfUVVerER89qxF45GmI2kiJy6Ftnql0KfBE4FbvrDFJMFH0roX~k4Xi8tPbXhBCfsx9kMwISh~BE558CG1MXsz5yGiko9WQnFFDOa7lDD5NnDqC00H0ZqvAFck6iOU2~qtCHk~vn1k7C7U4MecI6k9oBIhGLxjhjAININ4Y5KVxEc0LMUU~DOfgId2whmjVEAh3Ll57BAtvRZ0oi1~IlwmSB2-rjjnQ-fJ9kQHx~D7guZYSypwsNeHJ5A__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Bradford County commissioners reached a consensus during the July 1 budget workshop to include $135,000 in next year’s budget to help launch a county-run recreation program and to reallocate an existing $15,000 outside‑organizations line item to the new effort.

The county purchased the fairgrounds earlier in the fiscal year; commissioners and county staff said the property will require short‑term operating funds for insurance, utilities and personnel while a volunteer and events program is developed. Amanda, county staff, told the board the county has already added property insurance for the fair buildings to the county policy and estimated liability and other operating costs at approximately $20,000 annually.

Why it matters: commissioners said the recreation effort is intended to become self‑sustaining and that the requested funds would provide two years of startup support while organizers seek events, vendors and community contributions. Commissioners expressed a preference for hiring a fair/recreation manager as an independent contractor (Form 1099) rather than a county employee to limit long‑term county payroll commitments during the startup period.

Key points and direction: the board asked the fair’s executive group to return with a recruitment plan, job description and measurable revenue targets. Commissioners and fair representatives signaled agreement on a manager salary range of $75,000–$90,000 (discussion noted this would be negotiated and tied to performance metrics). The board also directed staff to include a placeholder for the manager and the $135,000 start‑up allocation in the tentative FY2025–26 budget so it can be formally considered at the August tentative‑budget hearing.

Taper: Several commissioners stressed the allocation is conditional: if future revenue streams or state/federal appropriations change, the board said it would revisit the commitment. The board asked staff and the fair executive committee to return with a clearer financial picture and a timeline for moving the fairgrounds toward self‑sufficiency.","After purchasing the county fairgrounds earlier this year, Bradford County commissioners gave staff a consensus to include $135,000 in the FY2025–26 budget for a county recreation/fair program, reallocate an existing $15,000 outside‑organizations line item, and to seek a fair manager on a 1099 basis with a target salary range of $75,000–$90,000.",{"_33":112,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":113,"_41":114,"_43":115,"_45":116,"_47":117,"_49":118,"_51":119,"_53":120,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":121,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":122,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6179555,"Bradford County budget shows shrinking reserves; commissioners adopt fire-assessment resolution",5647,879000,6526000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5126554-898aeab7ce8d6b81494bd3b0a1eb3256&start=879&end=6526","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5126554-898aeab7ce8d6b81494bd3b0a1eb3256/thumbnail_879000.jpg","/articles/6179555/Bradford-County/Florida/Bradford-County-budget-shows-shrinking-reserves-commissioners-adopt-fire-assessment-resolution","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6179555-02ffca508c087e185b986b59ac734bb5/orig.mp4?Expires=1771213812&Signature=efpXka2RHtP1kKRTrd5XXOquANTdbyvzhhpVDhrXO5vuIluICYkmALNUqmbHkw44L556QNh871DpTJ2RQO5RHBiiYZP~onsoh2ejV2aamopO8hHL6HvhxbE0ECC1iX026oB4heTi9hn0Q7Zm0db96gY46guKbAF3KDxjsMgYDO1KwOSssWQ1-SZPG0vYyW3PJwILiDqkcP3R8GV7DlcdPhijv4MlkY5JR6wsPOpzDjV5PbwBQlQK1KOebLnQ2wvt4h3FO1wu8B3PemisRQql4ZIj20Py67hCRhnMJ6Nuo02vk1WwB5KILaUWuO2UaGEUmylezmA8hyg8XTZdkMPsQA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Bradford County Board of County Commissioners voted 5-0 on July 1 to adopt a resolution establishing a Bradford County Fire Protection Municipal Service Benefit Unit and beginning the assessment process for fiscal year 2025–26.

The action came as county finance staff presented a working budget summary that projects shrinking general-fund reserves and flags several recurring cost pressures. Dana, finance staff, told commissioners the budget uses available fund balances to help balance next year’s spending but cautioned, “These fund balances are estimates and could be affected by any large, last‑minute purchases between now and the end of the current fiscal year.”

Why it matters: the board’s reserves were shown at roughly $9.4 million, but county staff said the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) benchmark of two months of operating revenue equals about $7 million for Bradford County. After that recommended emergency fund is set aside, staff estimates about $2.4 million would remain for contingencies — a marked decline from the current-year level.

Key facts: Dana presented a consolidated working budget that lists expenditures at about $86,914,000, including regular expenditures ($31,759,000), grant expenditures ($13,405,000), transfers out ($29,911,000) and reserves ($11,838,000). The draft includes a 3% cost‑of‑living adjustment, current retirement rates and a 12.7% assumed increase in AdMed renewal rates.

Board discussion focused on whether a fire assessment could offset reserve declines. County staff projected that a fire assessment set at 50% would raise roughly $1.6 million. Commissioners and staff repeatedly noted that even with that revenue the general-fund reserve trend would still be downward because of planned capital expenses and other recurring costs. Commissioner Dahlgren and Commissioner Dunbar joined the motion to approve the consent agenda earlier in the meeting; the fire-resolution motion was made by Commissioner Dolphrey and seconded by Commissioner Thompson and carried 5–0.

Staff repeatedly warned that if the assessment or other anticipated revenues do not materialize, the board will have to consider expenditure cuts or other options. Dana said staff expects to update the available fund-balance estimates again after third-quarter reports are compiled and before the tentative budget is presented.

Taper: County staff asked commissioners to keep near-term obligations — including an expected half‑million contribution to solid waste next year and state matching requirements for certain programs — in mind while finalizing the budget. The board set the tentative budget schedule and asked staff to return with updated quarter‑end numbers and any other required adjustments before tentative adoption in August.","At its July 1 meeting the Bradford County Board of County Commissioners adopted a resolution to create a fire protection Municipal Service Benefit Unit and move forward with a fire-assessment process while staff warned that general fund reserves are declining and further cuts may be needed if the assessment or state revenue proposals fail.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Meridian asks Bradford County for Baker Act matching funds; board requests quarterly reports

County attorney flags procurement problems with proposed energy‑conservation deal; board pauses vendor piggyback plan

Local nonprofits ask commissioners for small grants to support childcare, senior services and after‑school programs

Commissioners direct staff to budget $135,000 for recreation and discuss fairgrounds manager role

Bradford County budget shows shrinking reserves; commissioners adopt fire-assessment resolution