[{"_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",5986791,"mediaKeyId","5775778-df90d8e1f701d27d047df2c85eeceb4f","parentId",5775778,"title","Attorney: board acted within authority on $1 million recoverable grant; auditors reclassified it as loan receivable","audioSeconds",379,"startMs",3396870,"endMs",3776725,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5775778-df90d8e1f701d27d047df2c85eeceb4f&start=3396&end=3776","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5775778-df90d8e1f701d27d047df2c85eeceb4f/thumbnail_3396870.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/5986791/Tallahassee/Leon-County/Florida/Attorney-board-acted-within-authority-on-1-million-recoverable-grant-auditors-reclassified-it-as-loan-receivable","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/5986791-22fa06c158c917bc22f9c288ac46ed03/orig.mp4?Expires=1776510822&Signature=MLoUdovzkmvHDZaXSHdfYmgccNIG8UhiEADkA19sxwT8BAUrnihw8G3dZwx~KfpRQEbn6M9jq6qJB6A3ackjwd8p8PizsIIMd8~VSEZuNB-JdC0~Grf2d99m-dfue2vrzSQf~xHwwJp2Gl6HEBK~2swmAj~BtHnrfMqVOhm0FlMnpbnCY2Z4WvFjOqCpIXBNEHFHZ-~rwpidZ8wAtw~vjlgrcAMNuNuE9JXKpfXVm34IauJoHlGH8baJO7hPb23ldUSLvkjsEXP-XVK9b1vpt2kfB6k-JUoLdk0zM2-qHNb7WCyKBTgHFBHiC1amfahusKzrkSLky7TPkb5uLbRHTA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City of Tallahassee","date","2025-09-12T12:47:42Z","article","Commissioner O’Keefe raised a concern about a significant deficiency in the agency’s FY2024 audit: an item the board approved in 2023 as a “grant recoverable” was recorded by auditors as a loan receivable on the financial statements. He asked whether the board had the legal authority to approve the recoverable grant if the auditors treated it as a loan. Commissioner O’Keefe moved that the agency attorney provide a written legal opinion clarifying the board’s authority; Commissioner Porter seconded the motion.

Agency counsel responded in the meeting and provided an immediate oral opinion: the board acted within its authority to approve a recoverable grant as intended. Counsel read the audit language aloud, noting the auditors captured the agency’s intent: the board approved a recoverable grant in which an expenditure would be recorded in one year and revenue would be recorded in a later year when, and if, funds were returned. Counsel said the auditors reclassified the item for accounting purposes and that the reclassification resulted in an audit adjustment (loan receivable recorded on the balance sheet, with a reduction of expenditures). Counsel also said that the auditors recommended corrective action: staff and counsel should consult with auditors early in similar future cases.

Commissioner O’Keefe said he wanted a written legal opinion to have a record and to ensure the board’s practice is documented. After discussion, the board voted on the motion to request a written legal opinion. The roll call showed limited support for the motion; three commissioners voted yes (Matlow, Porter, O’Keefe) and the rest voted no. Counsel indicated the agency complied with statute and that the agency’s intent to make a recoverable grant was lawful, while the auditors’ accounting classification created the single significant deficiency reported for the audit period.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Blueprint Intergovernmental Agency Meeting - September 11, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","After auditors classified a 2023 board‑approved $1 million recoverable grant as a loan receivable in the FY2024 audit, the Blueprint board debated seeking a written legal opinion; counsel told the board the intent was a recoverable grant and that the board acted within its authority.","taxTitle","Tallahassee, Leon County, Florida","taxId",38149,"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},5986796,"Blueprint board adopts 2026 operating budget and 5‑year CIP; adds air service and affordable‑housing gap programs",3069,6560350,9630160,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5775778-df90d8e1f701d27d047df2c85eeceb4f&start=6560&end=9630","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5775778-df90d8e1f701d27d047df2c85eeceb4f/thumbnail_6560350.jpg","/articles/5986796/Tallahassee/Leon-County/Florida/Blueprint-board-adopts-2026-operating-budget-and-5year-CIP-adds-air-service-and-affordablehousing-gap-programs","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/5986796-82b1c582b8fdc04194de040f0cbab1db/orig.mp4?Expires=1776510822&Signature=GL~OPCkc1YkfNhmCgNGUYWrom4gA5JRW9vlu1svfWmuOjl8vvgTd3EBkviw98DLa8wlwWknLJhU60aNByhyK8-Nb2MjYcR65ndWXj095Nct8D-pLEWKhEeRteHfmxvy-JQ55ZY56zbJnn47PrMp-OG0DDxrRGMpXOAQiqlU2G~Pz9n-dxZinS474j3SqzjYwFSemARMFOWz~uaPR2YLvxg0~-XFFFrTkiGQOQbBriv1vmqCKZjOeD2OdwL9o7G2KEC43AZw-4j2wkONriUzWJufmkDdcdtphKPX0C9Sn~THhSC4p6r-AmzvGKEqGGHwbyB43Z1D-FvNWJTBF5XeB6Q__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Blueprint Intergovernmental Agency on Sept. 30 adopted its fiscal year 2026 operating budget and five‑year capital improvement program and voted to authorize transfers to the city and county consistent with previously ratified actions. The board approved staff recommendations unanimously after staff summarized project progress and new program allocations.

Staff told the board the balanced 2026 budget continues momentum on infrastructure and economic development projects and preserves current staffing. The proposed budget earmarks roughly $97.43 million for the infrastructure program in fiscal 2026, and the five‑year CIP includes approximately $148.89 million for continued implementation, leveraging additional state Department of Transportation funds for regional road improvements.

The IA board also established two economic development programs the board previously directed staff to create: an Air Service Incentive and Capacity Improvements program and an Affordable Housing Gap Finance Incentive program. At the May workshop the board directed an initial allocation of $670,000 to the air service program and an annual allocation of $670,000 thereafter; staff told the board these funds build on prior investments and support airport‑adjacent development and air‑service capacity. For affordable housing, the board earlier approved a $250,000 allocation in FY25 and agreed to an annual allocation of $250,000 over the surtax life (staff documented a total commitment of $3.75 million over the full term). In public comment, Brian Stringer — executive director of Capital Area Justice Ministry — thanked the board for the affordable housing direction and urged protecting affordability for very low and extremely low‑income households.

Commissioners praised staff for attaining awards and for moving many projects into construction; staff said 17 projects will be under construction in FY26 and highlighted investments including regional mobility and gateway projects, several neighborhood parks, and a new single‑track mountain bike trail. After brief comments from directors, the board voted in support of the operating budget, CIP and the transfers. The vote was unanimous.","The agency adopted the proposed 2026 operating budget and five‑year capital improvement program, continuing construction on prioritized infrastructure projects and formalizing two economic programs: an air service incentive/capacity improvements program and an affordable housing gap finance incentive program.",{"_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},5986801,"Blueprint board asks staff to study using surtax funds to supplement funding for Fire Stations 15 and 17",2640,653650,3294224,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5775778-df90d8e1f701d27d047df2c85eeceb4f&start=653&end=3294","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5775778-df90d8e1f701d27d047df2c85eeceb4f/thumbnail_653650.jpg","/articles/5986801/Tallahassee/Leon-County/Florida/Blueprint-board-asks-staff-to-study-using-surtax-funds-to-supplement-funding-for-Fire-Stations-15-and-17","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/5986801-a360615629803f1e8938f753c5040eeb/orig.mp4?Expires=1776510822&Signature=di0S0dHWmu3ktngE~I2OPbLIyelibLTJXjcG~wClEjhAEoAnzHFLqVEZwqB63JmC7-zmIXhktMzLBbyj2mF9d-T8~XPY-OCfMK6ow8QdKAtko-TlZoQFJ9N4zT8ZXkAaBC-Q8UFAVgrhTZ073JNTfpAaG9BN9~75rP-hXNgRSW6OP6w9U0sjWYB3nRJf5rLPrpXD8Sy~rpXMh5EVVJreiXAnDyPLpP-HYyZKpVkvvb~Wt5KMZw61i4F5i2T4PR9C~u6UlEhrM9BgW9FechuoN4A8brgHufFlG0hcfTpm~syHRqwhaWftTQQCbL~D2jEuYHpwXtUzI64j~fYMY4opkg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Blueprint Intergovernmental Agency on Sept. 30 voted to have staff return with an analysis of whether the agency could supplement funding for proposed Fire Stations 15 (Lake Bradford area) and 17. Commissioner Corey Caban moved the item and Commissioner Lance Matlow seconded the motion; it carried on a weighted roll call vote. The motion asks staff to examine options, including whether excess surtax revenue or newly available bonds could be applied to those station projects.

Supporters said the analysis could help resolve a multi-year impasse between the city and county over fire services funding and might identify ways to accelerate construction that supporters argue is now delayed. Commissioner Matlow said the county previously offered to fully fund the stations and equipment earlier this year and that “safety is at risk in our community,” urging conversations to honor interlocal compromises. Commissioner Cummings said an agenda item would create a forum for staff to outline impacts and for the public to weigh in.

Opponents argued that Blueprint’s projects and revenues are already allocated and that the 1% infrastructure surtax’s public commitments and past ballots did not contemplate funding new fire-station construction. Commissioner Diane Williams Cox said, “I did not vote for blueprint to build fire station,” and urged the use of the existing fire services fee or other mechanisms instead. Director Autumn Calder told the board that, statutorily, the surtax can be used for fire-station construction but that adding a new project would require a substantial amendment to Blueprint’s plan, two public hearings and supermajority approval by the city and county commissions; she also said current revenues have been allocated to existing projects.

After discussion about timing and process, the board took a roll call vote on the motion. The recorded votes were: Aye — Commissioners Matlow, Porter, Caban, Cummings, Maddox, Proctor and Welch; No — Mayor Daley, Commissioner Richardson, Commissioner Williams Cox, Commissioner Minor and Commissioner O’Keefe. Because the Blueprint board uses a weighted voting system, staff announced the motion passed according to weighted vote rules. Staff will return with a written agenda item at the next IA meeting presenting the prioritization, potential funding sources, and the procedural steps needed to initiate a substantial amendment if the board chooses that path.","The Blueprint Intergovernmental Agency voted to direct staff to bring back an agenda item analyzing whether surplus or future surtax revenue could be used to help finance proposed fire stations 15 and 17; the motion passed on a weighted vote amid split views about whether Blueprint funds are an appropriate source.",{"_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},5986786,"Commissioners press for clarity and lease review before major Blueprint investment at fairgrounds",1212,4333290,5546055,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5775778-df90d8e1f701d27d047df2c85eeceb4f&start=4333&end=5546","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5775778-df90d8e1f701d27d047df2c85eeceb4f/thumbnail_4333290.jpg","/articles/5986786/Tallahassee/Leon-County/Florida/Commissioners-press-for-clarity-and-lease-review-before-major-Blueprint-investment-at-fairgrounds","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/5986786-82cc149ef6a6bf8dcdc1b5b9ce272caa/orig.mp4?Expires=1776510822&Signature=ausW7O5g53sITQfc4G3E3TIRmFErGGAEk87EgFATTD9dsfqQfvunHS-S6sdQXaKyXVjw1EMB8zrERz1ZEmFNZBWb--9dT4MV7aN5YhysQdO1KIAgVuBJeePVJhJo7k1oGXajkyM7iDfuuZAkYtCnhcTg5E06kiYL5TkXjnflVl27MOjRD4uHdY4aeq70USsHsZoOiW-FEpLQBSdrgLxvroU~28ibU1VuWGsSD-zNHYmEv9mixICthF6lDz3L6azttZaEZvTHon~hO~eFEmlgKNZBVokbYiIzk3ZABNCguXHSWLT3ckvB9wGjK3TIrbgtsLi~BTdkXRH~uAq-Rp2uUg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Commissioner Proctor moved and the board approved an informational item requesting staff provide greater clarity on the fairgrounds master plan, the lease terms and the governance structure before the agency advances large capital investments at the site. Commissioners raised concerns about transparency, oversight and who would control future facilities built with Blueprint dollars.

Proctor said he was “not willing to put $30,000,000 into something that we, the city and the county, we have no voice,” and asked staff to return with the status of lease renegotiations, an explanation of the fair association’s governance and an assessment of what protections the public would have over improvements. Director Autumn Calder said the board had previously approved a master plan and that staff were finalizing a concept plan for the site; she said the next step would be lease negotiations led by the county attorney and that Blueprint would not expend construction funds before those lease terms are finalized.

Several commissioners supported returning with a public informational item and an update timed to county lease negotiations; one commissioner asked that the consultant work continue to complete the concept plan so the board and the public could evaluate concrete design and lease alternatives. The board approved the informational request (roll call recorded a majority of yes votes). Staff said the consultant work to produce the concept plan will continue and that lease negotiations are expected to proceed next spring.","Commissioners asked staff to bring back an informational item clarifying the lease, governance and oversight for the South‑side fairgrounds project before moving further with large Blueprint investments; staff said a concept plan is near final and lease negotiations will follow with the county.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Attorney: board acted within authority on $1 million recoverable grant; auditors reclassified it as loan receivable

Blueprint board adopts 2026 operating budget and 5‑year CIP; adds air service and affordable‑housing gap programs

Blueprint board asks staff to study using surtax funds to supplement funding for Fire Stations 15 and 17

Commissioners press for clarity and lease review before major Blueprint investment at fairgrounds