[{"_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",6585620,"mediaKeyId","5606778-4819ede971857a367e8696e80950900c","parentId",5606778,"title","Taylor County debates options, risks for Georgia Pacific mill assets and wastewater system","audioSeconds",1130,"startMs",1497000,"endMs",2627000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5606778-4819ede971857a367e8696e80950900c&start=1497&end=2627","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5606778-4819ede971857a367e8696e80950900c/thumbnail_1497000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6585620/Taylor-County/Florida/Taylor-County-debates-options-risks-for-Georgia-Pacific-mill-assets-and-wastewater-system","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6585620-d5ac8a3f66b4736128b20e7ee719742d/orig.mp4?Expires=1775249098&Signature=fe0C8y4Kf~n6JfQ8ogqulAvUeZk5OVyqVBcGwhgF89B4K3VgWPsqb26xy4q~L3c1T8m8dgBYIuqCRaH3kvxTXHz-Tqpa9jN8bHTUrozH71Fp4f6D5tsActGi8jjusw628Cr2AaPaAJN-Pcpxg~xgIiTXepqn17x51H9pgMyhdaKy245xWAqvshahypW2Ap31oMI4wnlgBFsVSwJNm20KMqPK5-z-12NG51NYrtWkLApK2wzNEgdlgHqFPh44eWszhABDio8jtCXzYAfaZ7K3aFBJHdrFtERYnnOPv~BSWflajf4svCddouuYniCILDFQf0TAi-s-W6ZFoX8qATaYew__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Taylor County","date","2025-08-20T14:45:17.08Z","article","Taylor County commissioners devoted an extended portion of their Aug. 19 meeting to discussion of the closed Georgia Pacific (GP) pulp mill site, focusing on the mill’s wastewater treatment system, pipeline easements and related water infrastructure.

Board members and economic-development officials discussed whether the county should pursue confidential talks with GP and the site’s other stakeholders, seek state bridge-loan funds and authorize legal and technical due diligence. No formal acquisition or eminent-domain action was taken; several commissioners urged caution, citing potential environmental liability and the large costs of modifying and operating an industrial-scale wastewater treatment plant.

Speakers representing the county’s economic development interests outlined the scope of GP’s wastewater treatment system and the long-term obligations that would come with ownership. The facility described in the meeting record includes large primary and secondary treatment basins, a 46 million‑gallon influent surge basin, a 32 million‑gallon aeration basin, a 39 million‑gallon tertiary basin and roughly 107 acres of legacy solids storage. Staff and TCDA representatives said the plant was designed for pulp-mill operations and would be “the wrong size” for city or county ownership without substantial—and costly—modification.

Environmental concerns were central to the discussion. County representatives said historical process operations produced “legacy solids” stored in site basins and that testing had shown elevated dioxin levels in some wastes, a condition that the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the Florida Department of Environmental Protection have flagged in permitting and remediation conversations. Speakers warned that legacy solids and long-term groundwater monitoring obligations would create ongoing costs the county would inherit if it took ownership of the assets.

Several commissioners and attendees urged the county to continue talking with GP under a nondisclosure agreement so the parties could explore options and feasibility without prejudicing future negotiations. A county official asked the board for authorization to have the county administrator and county attorney pursue an NDA and to conduct confidential due diligence on water and wastewater infrastructure; the transcript records the request but does not show a formal vote on that specific authorization during the Aug. 19 meeting.

Commissioners also debated the prospect of applying for a low-interest emergency bridge loan to accelerate city or county wastewater upgrades that would improve the county’s attractiveness to industry. Some commissioners cautioned against pursuing eminent domain or buying the plant outright, citing litigation risk, the potential need to separate utility assets, and estimates that conversion or modification could cost tens of millions of dollars. One speaker referenced an outside estimate that modifying the GP plant to a different industrial standard could cost more than $33 million.

Board members asked staff to continue outreach: to meet with GP executives (who had agreed to come to the county for discussions), to pursue feasibility analysis and to explore available bridge‑loan and grant funding. The county’s economic development authority advised that while the pipeline and treatment system might be useful to future large industry on a remediated brownfield site, the board should recognize the environmental liabilities, operational complexity and likely long-term monitoring and maintenance costs before accepting ownership or control of GP assets.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Taylor County Board of Count Commissioners","oneSentenceSummary","Taylor County commissioners on Aug. 19 discussed whether to pursue confidential talks, technical due diligence and possible loan funding tied to the closed Georgia Pacific mill’s wastewater system and pipeline — but did not approve acquisition or eminent‑domain action.","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},6585617,"Taylor County approves Survival Flight to provide EMS service; $1.05 million annual price, funding split to be finalized",1269,5191000,6460000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5606778-4819ede971857a367e8696e80950900c&start=5191&end=6460","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5606778-4819ede971857a367e8696e80950900c/thumbnail_5191000.jpg","/articles/6585617/Taylor-County/Florida/Taylor-County-approves-Survival-Flight-to-provide-EMS-service-105-million-annual-price-funding-split-to-be-finalized","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6585617-58f80f428d9c781e064ddef84158329f/orig.mp4?Expires=1775249098&Signature=UdpFJJgUBHJOQ1XfQT~r4ieUj5FBOg5Cc7RzLVlc3eRDYOVDRn4SMg3ck9IFVVa~nqXfr9g~VF~RsQCGiTs6C1cSYtvhTHEIpwFCcmUU6YZY3RPV1B-7UV9a5NwQ-rG8sDZqvo3XS5twA4cAUU1gETJfPOr8jHqsg-K85ikODCP-t3yU7HJQGtZDOtBNjoFGBEcXEe9eG3H8ou5IjiMKOvxEt2NbLi3l0rfsfhpsCnWMsdTUyorEJwWdfnv3HvMwCa3KPjo7plo59wISJ1naBLmai0K9SLfezG374VcM~C9id391xBWVTiunmGCK-ZmRQEQkvpVcamsJomXiRjl9XQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Taylor County commissioners voted Aug. 19 to accept the selection committee recommendation to contract with Survival Flight for county EMS services, with the agreement to be brought back to the board for final contract approval.

The bid from Survival Flight carries an annual cost to the county of $1,050,000. Staff said the amount is partially funded under current budget plans; the remaining balance — estimated at roughly $200,000–$300,000 — would be covered from one‑cent sales tax revenues in the next fiscal year unless the board decides a different split in its budget process. Commissioners discussed a likely 50/50 split between the general fund and 1¢ sales tax and agreed the final funding arrangement would be formalized during budget adoption.

Survival Flight’s proposal calls for three ALS ambulances to cover county needs: one within the city, one in the county and one in Steinhatchee. The company will inherit many of the existing EMS personnel and must meet performance metrics included in the county’s request for proposals. The contract will include reporting and minimum-performance requirements: if the contractor fails to meet a 90% minimum standard for three consecutive months, penalties escalate (Staff said the fine doubles under the current draft), and the county can request contract review. The company also agreed to place a full‑time local supervisor in or near Taylor County, operating from a quick‑response vehicle rather than riding on an ambulance.

Charles Barnard, regional director for Survival Flight, testified about the company’s coverage footprint and vehicle plans; he said the firm would provide brand‑new ambulances with up‑to‑date medical equipment and a replacement plan that would cycle vehicles out of service around 200,000 miles. Representatives said the vendor will submit full vehicle and apparatus specifications with the contract documents.

The board authorized staff to finalize and return a draft contract for approval. Commissioners discussed interlocal mutual‑aid language and asked staff to tighten provisions that prevent routine out‑of‑county transfers that leave the county short on local coverage except during declared mutual‑aid events.","Taylor County commissioners voted Aug. 19 to accept a recommendation to contract with Survival Flight for emergency medical services, tentatively priced at $1,050,000 per year; the county will finalize the contract and a funding split with the budget process.",{"_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},6585619,"Taylor County awards Fire Station 2 construction contract; board covers $18,820 overage from MST reserves",213,4604000,4817000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5606778-4819ede971857a367e8696e80950900c&start=4604&end=4817","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5606778-4819ede971857a367e8696e80950900c/thumbnail_4604000.jpg","/articles/6585619/Taylor-County/Florida/Taylor-County-awards-Fire-Station-2-construction-contract-board-covers-18820-overage-from-MST-reserves","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6585619-4a8f3e4b8b90084a251d002d8ade3e80/orig.mp4?Expires=1775249098&Signature=g6BpYMcwCoDZFSj90-Xmr3kHJKjycPlVYzw72weAHGuQwfF3ziHia9dNDwhCLiCd4EL4Acl94c8EgTdP8cnWN5wcX19dNfKX~dVFBmf0~pYlP2m0ue9QcbVXMDZlk8ghrusTuc3QdUN1kQbQPqAZqTOVq3d~6HH2AnWqQIm~crkUe5uL4GyocvRhyN~ktvk5wuQIK5rvVhQR2qcC0Dxz4XwncOoLyXdJsJd3VEu~xHPDY8yFDguOJXvW0iUW0RwmTKyek6jcAjJzf59WAmOMAb3eHhKVObMJ6LV52GbluwL1QtrAiWlPh6StjPZ3ECn~saU7K4Ik1OYPMmnG65dAaQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Taylor County commissioners voted Aug. 19 to award the construction contract for Fire Station 2 to Grama Construction and to fund the $18,820 overrun from MST reserves.

Staff reported the selection committee had initially identified Grama Construction as the lowest bidder but that the proposal exceeded the budget by about $125,858. County representatives and the contractor performed value‑engineering exercises, identifying \"must-haves,\" \"nice-to-haves\" and items that could be removed or changed to lower cost. The revised guaranteed maximum price was presented as $1,298,820 — $18,820 over the project budget.

Commissioners approved using MST reserves to cover the $18,820 overage and awarded the contract to Grama Construction. The board asked staff to return the final contract documents to the next meeting for signatures.

A roll-call vote was recorded in favor of the award. Commissioners registered as voting \"yes\": Commissioner Figle, Commissioner Newman, Commissioner Nims, Commissioner Moody and Commissioner English. Contract execution and notice to proceed will follow the county’s standard contracting process.","After value engineering reduced the lowest bid, the commission awarded the Fire Station 2 construction contract to Grama Construction and authorized $18,820 from MST reserves to cover the remaining overrun.",{"_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},6585621,"Taylor County approves up to $5.76 million for Elevate Florida housing aid",471,1004000,1475000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5606778-4819ede971857a367e8696e80950900c&start=1004&end=1475","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5606778-4819ede971857a367e8696e80950900c/thumbnail_1004000.jpg","/articles/6585621/Taylor-County/Florida/Taylor-County-approves-up-to-576-million-for-Elevate-Florida-housing-aid","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6585621-f8fbac656c9ab5b2cefbeb71c3f8301d/orig.mp4?Expires=1775249098&Signature=VMGnpcsc9lEOYsJmixed5YSJ4M2XdBEyT4u48uTtNKa3MpTGxlhx1h18b2Z5KAmBIYfbJiQosCR5I~ImtA3nxbj3tSv2iklN5~hkBiNfCedkulhCddFFpGnuKKo8hhXkZ2w8nIEIgqF8QhVKQqeYLk5MdyyEAY~-KWUZEegg93bLZ9Lic1vyoDyljEZdybadMml0lEqBLQ0VwlaA3UYp269XuF4xDfwYfMRH6oPxZGL8brDK5TR89HAMS7-ySN7sGQyIksS9kj4rAfs3ePWgmEoRHFNFC~VXNlfpTb0crjOwuAWPCdk07wjvbPMXaeGcGZEu-3QkpeHeSwc7maOZ9Q__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Taylor County commissioners on Aug. 19 approved using the remaining local Hazard Mitigation Grant Program funds to support Elevate Florida, a recovery program for coastal homeowners.

The board voted to allocate approximately $5,756,000 from the county’s available HMGP pool to Elevate Florida, staff told commissioners. The money is intended to help eligible Taylor County beachfront homeowners with elevation and other eligible mitigation measures. Commissioner Nederman moved for approval; Commissioner Moody seconded. The motion passed with the board recorded as “all in favor.”

County staff described the background and limits of the program. Under the rules discussed at the meeting, Elevate Florida funds cannot be used to fully reconstruct homes that were completely destroyed in V zones (high-velocity coastal areas). For partially damaged homes (less than 50% damaged), elevation work is an eligible expense under the program. Staff said the homeowner must provide a 25% share of the total cost and must maintain NFIP (National Flood Insurance Program) coverage on the structure to remain eligible.

Staff told the board that from the earlier allocation round, 21 projects received funding, eight projects were placed on a wait list, and roughly 40 applications remained unfunded. The presenter estimated a remaining local allocation of about $5,756,000 after subtracting already approved projects and a modest contingency cushion to cover later cost escalations.

Commissioners and staff discussed eligibility edge cases — for example, properties partly crossing FEMA flood-zone lines and properties listed as second homes or homesteads. Staff said property owners should still apply because the program uses a scoring system and some applicants may qualify despite local circumstances.

The board asked staff to return with a final accounting of the exact amount available after pending obligations are settled. Commissioners directed staff to proceed with the allocation to Elevate Florida so the funds can be administered to qualifying residents when final project lists are available.

The allocation is entirely grant-funded; no local general-fund appropriation was identified beyond the board’s authorization to spend the county’s HMGP allocation.","The Taylor County Commission voted to allocate the remaining local share of hazard mitigation funds — about $5.76 million — to Elevate Florida to help eligible beachfront homeowners with elevation and other flood mitigation measures.",{"_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},6585614,"Taylor County will seek up to $300,000 for feasibility study of commercial seafood offloading in Steinhatchee",366,3028000,3394000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5606778-4819ede971857a367e8696e80950900c&start=3028&end=3394","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5606778-4819ede971857a367e8696e80950900c/thumbnail_3028000.jpg","/articles/6585614/Taylor-County/Florida/Taylor-County-will-seek-up-to-300000-for-feasibility-study-of-commercial-seafood-offloading-in-Steinhatchee","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6585614-c928e33df6cf70c73f0b8663633e368f/orig.mp4?Expires=1775249098&Signature=Q3VwOX~oRtQconvjdbexsrfKX6GQrcU7hVlmY3zFI2eI-v2TJF3dufhPv60x7xcd8Jaz3dWuoDtEvQZfXGNaR6Cpgnr8aG3jGtUv-eQasoS2VTPDc8YGW5Njw5xP1gOL8IwjxGQSEC7vE8rV9RBkIy5lzACp5gCWEX15VIRA73XYar2whKAfQfe6K7xkaEXlHax8g~tB~5ZuvP6J8tXIX91Xw3riz2eUorgm0UvpteXik2EcJfDKRGi9DZ2tYFGMQ~7Hkmr~~g2UTjDu6mmHTHHIaDLnJQGRnPLiR2ML13uws2XU4X4xup5NBdMu~4hjQ~mJ09gOCwTAgInh3rSxqg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Taylor County commissioners on Aug. 19 approved submitting a grant application for a planning and feasibility study to evaluate a commercial seafood boat launch, offloading facility and co‑op distribution options in the Steinhatchee area.

County staff said the grant program allows applications for up to $300,000 to cover feasibility and planning work; the study would identify potential sites, analyze operational needs (offloading, ice, cold storage, fuel and distribution), and evaluate governance options such as a cooperative operator or private‑public partnership. Staff presented three candidate properties for study and recommended seeking the award to develop a clear plan that could be used to pursue construction funding later.

Local fishermen and community members spoke in favor of the proposal. Jim Gerber of Steinhatchee told the board the area historically supported a significant commercial fishing industry and that existing offloading capacity is increasingly constrained by recreational development. \"We need a designated space to operate out,\" Gerber said, adding that local fishermen often see credit go to neighboring Dixie County because several offload points are located across the river from Taylor County.

Paul Reed and Sean Rucker, both Steinhatchee residents and commercial fishermen, told the board the project could create jobs and preserve working waterfronts. County staff noted multiple potential funding sources for later stages, including state waterfront and fisheries programs, federal agencies and restoration funds. The board approved submitting the grant application and asked staff to continue stakeholder outreach as part of the feasibility process.","The commission approved applying for a planning and feasibility grant (up to $300,000) to study a commercial boat launch/offloading facility, co‑op distribution and retail market to support the local fishing industry in Steinhatchee.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Taylor County debates options, risks for Georgia Pacific mill assets and wastewater system

Taylor County approves Survival Flight to provide EMS service; $1.05 million annual price, funding split to be finalized

Taylor County awards Fire Station 2 construction contract; board covers $18,820 overage from MST reserves

Taylor County approves up to $5.76 million for Elevate Florida housing aid

Taylor County will seek up to $300,000 for feasibility study of commercial seafood offloading in Steinhatchee