[{"_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",6160218,"mediaKeyId","5450883-c0e796e4e1e96de58558ca9a62e9326e","parentId",5450883,"title","City manager: wastewater phase 1 live; commission schedules sewer-budget workshop","audioSeconds",424,"startMs",2505000,"endMs",2929000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5450883-c0e796e4e1e96de58558ca9a62e9326e&start=2505&end=2929","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5450883-c0e796e4e1e96de58558ca9a62e9326e/thumbnail_2505000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6160218/High-Springs/Alachua-County/Florida/City-manager-wastewater-phase-1-live-commission-schedules-sewer-budget-workshop","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6160218-369b0c71c5bdbba57b9d089ee0d7034a/orig.mp4?Expires=1776309784&Signature=m~-jDd3uktBWl~4bLJ21M4wN0xmLHQFOnDp8Fikp8Z2iZYxRGMO~QfaIREBiVVSOUYaZ-pHef3emDQMqInIViA9lkrWsUhgPNizE51oRnPKTvirVRLU1oosazfveWsp6Klobk~xP7C2zBrQwlWIY0HTuLeMxZ1u~~Cb8gQyeGATAZQ5659k3w4qC3LsBbvrRbVKzI39OKe4moERIBCpqbRnudlK6iwBwsv8MrBLLVe~U~wocPV57q~xX4K0bmZqVKhnY-rTK0sQWsRL6cZhU0cPrAreogU~BTnKHm4bep1yi6Tur-cr79Y6Xy8kAhHccbPuSfti9XXhNLERQBXE2pA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City Council of High Springs, FL","date","2025-07-22T22:27:58Z","article","City Manager Marshall told the commission that Phase 1 of the city’s wastewater treatment facility expansion is now online and operational. “Everything is running well with it,” Marshall said, adding the system appears to be performing as planned.

Following that update, commissioners scheduled a dedicated sewer budget workshop to work through funding and operational options for the wastewater system. After a scheduling discussion the commission agreed to hold a sewer-budget workshop on Aug. 6, starting at 5:30 p.m., to allow staff to present funding scenarios and give commissioners time for extended discussion.

Marshall also provided several other routine updates: parks-and-rec events coming up and that staff have put the Priest Theater project out to bid for structural stabilization and a new roof; bids are expected to be open about a month, with a bid opening around Aug. 18. Staff said the planned Priest Theater work is limited to shoring up walls and installing a new roof to provide a stable building for future work, not a full interior remodel.

Commissioners asked for a workshop of more than an hour to deliberate the sewer budget; staff confirmed Diane Wilson and other finance staff will attend. The workshop scheduling was coordinated around commissioner availability earlier discussed in the meeting; no formal budget vote occurred at the meeting.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","July 22, 2025 High Springs City Commission Meeting","oneSentenceSummary","City Manager reported the Phase 1 wastewater treatment expansion is operational; commissioners scheduled a sewer budget workshop for Aug. 6 to address funding and operational questions.","taxTitle","High Springs, Alachua County, Florida","taxId",54325,"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},6160223,"Commission and public discuss museum space, possible partnership with former Commissioner Williams’ collection",351,26000,377000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5450883-c0e796e4e1e96de58558ca9a62e9326e&start=26&end=377","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5450883-c0e796e4e1e96de58558ca9a62e9326e/thumbnail_26000.jpg","/articles/6160223/High-Springs/Alachua-County/Florida/Commission-and-public-discuss-museum-space-possible-partnership-with-former-Commissioner-Williams-collection","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6160223-9f36b8a31948ea560b297c29b4b0e556/orig.mp4?Expires=1776309784&Signature=PYdtMLdzOqbWQrmddypghtuWIug1V6BfD5yihMJsYi0x0gK~7lWPoorlC~V3NRUKtC5Tho1ckLH8E9jtKRsSXSc~5p9Js-goPJJ6ljfLUvj6HcCe~ReRtw~kAb6FTklIPhKX~gy1IUIpgZtkDr4eC922eeOiGXyC~8dWQioWJqIJ8OYjnTKQ0WaalvoMJkvzujOnCf0xJGqlg1xX0u15AESzsW4bv-0AM1hH4~j1RUQkKJF0GpKMwd49XyGty8Ugb-QHBsCZqsTgGcdlsP39JKuRkUJ6XO2d8UiJQrZeXVe2oAexKUpTc6m6qf-HiE6bTbUebGAMvFRDR-ZD1vwiOA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Public commenters and commissioners discussed possible ways to expand display space at the High Springs Museum and whether to partner with a collection operated by former Commissioner Williams. The conversation included operational, legal and logistical points: ownership of items, leases for private entities, and physical constraints such as bathrooms and office access.

A commissioner suggested the first step would be to speak with former Commissioner Williams because he operates the museum and some of the collection appears to be his property. “Because that is the museum that he operates and see if he's open to partnering with the High Springs Museum,” the commissioner said. Another speaker said he believed Williams is the “gatekeeper” for the collection and that “about 60% of it is his, but some of them have been donated.”

John Decker, who spoke during public comment, described practical steps museum volunteers had taken to manage limited wall space, saying displays had been put on wheels and rolled into a hallway when the museum is open. He suggested those portable displays could help integrate additional items if hallway space were made part of the public exhibit.

City staff and a commissioner said the Plan Board discussed the matter the previous night and that staff would obtain the leases for the two entities in question to determine whether the city or private parties had guaranteed use of specific space. Commissioners and attendees also raised construction and accessibility concerns — including that a bathroom wall could not be blocked off — and noted that robotics and other programs occupy adjacent storage space.

There was no formal action recorded; commissioners described the conversation as a starting point and staff said they would gather lease documents and follow up.","Commissioners and public speakers discussed using a hallway and adjacent rooms to expand museum displays, raised lease and ownership questions about a collection operated by former Commissioner Williams, and noted the plan board is obtaining leases to clarify space commitments.",{"_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},6160228,"Commission approves renewed SRO contract with First Christian Academy; agreement includes 4% increase",249,1249000,1498000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5450883-c0e796e4e1e96de58558ca9a62e9326e&start=1249&end=1498","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5450883-c0e796e4e1e96de58558ca9a62e9326e/thumbnail_1249000.jpg","/articles/6160228/High-Springs/Alachua-County/Florida/Commission-approves-renewed-SRO-contract-with-First-Christian-Academy-agreement-includes-4-increase","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6160228-f9430c2f440e2d767e4c20ce5a0b361e/orig.mp4?Expires=1776309784&Signature=Tu-jKCb~qNyPYrO80ninKCh22fCkwVI-BYtAMgKwryTxoNoHxnYSIHoBAov1U-FKMjg6q3cCTK2SsVJp0z--15MHCnnG0r9sHwRbyv5JVAZACLX-QN-pHBz~m5fkgMLhyVD-xCQxVCiHAmxd0ds4ZZkqF5XjvoMHQqNtHlX3uA7ITZTeXjiJOlPq9u0jBNj9RSijGkH1lNZbTBDAzoDWtYRn3LstFbLSO9hCV5VxvWtd45NmErDdgHH6oO1x2tb0O5H0MdYeqnbjPXG4nVw5mVdfbGP74vHb61FX67omD6OBv3~S2z4-l-nnrqPCtUa9-rNoZuK9awZzYJ32nFXJYg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The City Commission approved an annual contract between the High Springs Police Department and First Christian Academy to provide a school resource officer.

Antoine Shepherd, the city’s police chief, said the contract includes a 4% increase from the prior year. Shepherd described the school’s payment as covering roughly 65% of the total cost when factoring that the officer is only assigned to the school for the school year and the city covers calls and coverage during school breaks. “It goes to cover a array of things, the mostly the salary and the benefits of it,” Shepherd said.

Commissioners expressed support for continued officer presence in schools. A motion to approve the agreement was made and seconded; the commission voted and the motion passed.

Shepherd and commissioners noted that SRO placement reduces response burdens on patrol when school incidents occur and provides continuity and familiarity for students and staff. No changes to the contract term beyond the annual renewal and the 4% increase were recorded in the meeting minutes.","The commission approved the annual contract to provide a school resource officer to First Christian Academy; police chief said the school funds roughly 65% of the cost and the contract includes a 4% price increase.",{"_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},6160233,"High Springs discussion on city attorney services: commissioners weigh RFP against internal coverage",318,1387000,1705000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5450883-c0e796e4e1e96de58558ca9a62e9326e&start=1387&end=1705","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5450883-c0e796e4e1e96de58558ca9a62e9326e/thumbnail_1387000.jpg","/articles/6160233/High-Springs/Alachua-County/Florida/High-Springs-discussion-on-city-attorney-services-commissioners-weigh-RFP-against-internal-coverage","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6160233-d8ef4ec00b4aa0415dc7e58147c140f5/orig.mp4?Expires=1776309784&Signature=LyF7ygJWXCvdmapF2uyYZZkEsVq605B9CjBoxbgh6ij5UIoO3zOpDWsbuBwvrbmPoxrZxM9MssMApdFCkzb0hJPkUa9f8WHzPDh2OtCf56-TykuquWaZ1pujhV7Qo-9escOVRb~fKdse9b1Qa9SEcgNXDhHFuqiWnxQVuvK48UFJDR89Gx410TJ3jIo7EngKxytqaf88Ug24qcvxvG1skJhDkXQyGKKxaY-pDGiXkb1~Jcq4mXgO0XK7~fqAOyDYW9St92C1CkKMifCvPcxpoOQqsPFOQLtniFF~FTexw8RoR1oXWTDtvP2~VTbUpXH8~0K5HirruuJixzYLxtSm-A__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The City Commission discussed re-evaluating city attorney services and whether to issue a request for proposals (RFP) as the current contract approaches renewal. Danielle (last name not provided), appearing as the city attorney representative from Fulton Walker and associated firms, told commissioners the firm had proposed Kirsten Beaulieu to provide coverage for meetings the primary attorney could not attend.

Several commissioners expressed frustrations with past coverage from a different attorney and said the firm had had ample grace; others praised Danielle’s recent performance and urged caution before launching a full RFP. Danielle said the city’s existing contract names Scott Walker as the firm’s primary contact and that the firm could provide Kirsten as a “floater” to cover one meeting a month and other scheduling gaps.

Commissioners raised process questions: whether the commission or the firm is the charter officer contact, how termination or changes would work, and whether the city would need an outside attorney to review an RFP package given potential conflicts of interest. Danielle noted a Florida Bar rule requires notice and client options if an attorney leaves a firm; she said the rule typically gives clients time to decide whether to follow an attorney who departs.

No RFP motion was adopted. Several commissioners agreed to allow Kirsten Beaulieu to cover the one monthly meeting the current primary attorney cannot attend so the commission can evaluate her performance before pursuing an RFP. Commissioners also asked staff to return with contract details and confirmation of termination provisions and timelines in the existing agreement.","Commissioners discussed whether to issue an RFP for city attorney services or to assign additional coverage from the current firm; staff proposed bringing associate attorney Kirsten Beaulieu in for meetings the current primary attorney cannot attend.",{"_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},6160238,"High Springs commission tentatively sets 6.99 maximum millage rate, keeps budget based on 6.74",162,1186000,1348000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5450883-c0e796e4e1e96de58558ca9a62e9326e&start=1186&end=1348","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5450883-c0e796e4e1e96de58558ca9a62e9326e/thumbnail_1186000.jpg","/articles/6160238/High-Springs/Alachua-County/Florida/High-Springs-commission-tentatively-sets-699-maximum-millage-rate-keeps-budget-based-on-674","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6160238-02072f3ec6da369f80fedd4b1265a2c9/orig.mp4?Expires=1776309784&Signature=mZaK83QEnBo4vo1~HxE5ilWIMojiUJ1bfypDp-g-TQaJDkjgGX0Tsb~wG26cZyGWf-Esqj-r-3fuMP~raDLLTVzqFBlpxCKlGyE5viesN0JbEOgWpdxgr2OrbZ7QcITlQo4GNTBmDipCIdYRhV39O2QG1GjgFl~5FxS1TMwj7xFTy-41KhxORHX2og7a~b788sp8-9vjiH2uSGFzUqjvqtl9ROydlkxc87uHLf1n6gI17NX2uxuo5-ZxpBF5ZyoPyu2H4mOGI~JDq4c6NDktWJo6ivwt2WbQMF2p6eCTjQqKmwVq1iK3ARyPxoa0kMgZe~H5EkfTVMYzOJmNJvK-8A__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The City Commission of High Springs tentatively proposed a maximum millage rate of 6.99 mills for fiscal year 2025–26 during its meeting, a move commissioners said preserves flexibility while the city’s adopted budget remains based on the current 6.74 mills. Diane Wilson, the city’s finance director, presented the calculation and said the action sets a ceiling, not a final tax increase.

Wilson said the rollback rate — the millage that would produce the same tax revenue as the prior year given new property valuations — is 6.3438 mills and that the proposed 6.99 mills is about 10.19% above that figure. “We are not in any way building that into the budget,” Wilson said, adding that the city is presenting 6.99 only so the commission retains the option to increase the millage later if unforeseen needs arise.

The finance presentation explained why the city lists a maximum millage higher than the working budget: property values used to compute tax revenue are finalized in July, and the maximum preserves room to respond to mid-year needs without repeating the entire notice process. Wilson gave the commission two tentative public hearing dates for the millage and the budget: Sept. 9 and Sept. 22, with tentative adoption at the first hearing and final approval at the second.

Commissioners debated whether listing a higher maximum could be confusing to residents. Commissioner Howell said she preferred the maximum read 6.74 to avoid misinterpretation; other commissioners, citing potential emergencies or unexpected capital needs, said keeping a buffer was prudent. Wilson estimated that the revenue difference between 6.74 and 6.99 would be roughly $145,000 if the city elected to levy the higher rate.

A motion to tentatively propose a maximum millage rate of 6.99 mills was made, seconded and approved in roll-call fashion. Commissioners recorded “yes” votes during the roll call.

The commission and staff emphasized that the budget as prepared will be based on the current 6.74 mills and that any increase later in the fiscal year would require subsequent formal action and legal advertising. The commission set the advertised tentative maximum to preserve budgeting flexibility while leaving the working assumptions unchanged.","The City Commission voted to tentatively propose a maximum millage rate of 6.99 mills for fiscal year 2025–26 while staff said the adopted budget will be based on the current 6.74 mills; two public hearings are set for September.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

City manager: wastewater phase 1 live; commission schedules sewer-budget workshop

Commission and public discuss museum space, possible partnership with former Commissioner Williams’ collection

Commission approves renewed SRO contract with First Christian Academy; agreement includes 4% increase

High Springs discussion on city attorney services: commissioners weigh RFP against internal coverage

High Springs commission tentatively sets 6.99 maximum millage rate, keeps budget based on 6.74