Martin County approves draft legislative priorities, lists mental‑health pod as top request

Martin County commissioners unanimously approved a draft package of state and federal legislative priorities on Tuesday and directed staff to present the package to the county’s legislative delegation for sponsorship.

Sarah Powers, the county legislative coordinator, reviewed the document and said the board’s top state priority is the Holt Correctional Facility mental‑health pod; county staff intends to seek $30 million in state funding for phase 1 during the current legislative session and to file a request for the remaining funds next year. “So this year, we are seeking $30,000,000 to fund phase 1,” Powers said.

The draft priorities also include environmental and water‑quality projects (Indian River Lagoon South restoration, SERP), biosolid and septic‑to‑sewer initiatives, public‑safety and mental‑health program funding, tourism and economic vitality priorities tied to the tourist development tax, infrastructure and transportation priorities, and support for conservation land acquisition. Powers said the county will continue to pursue federal grants and that delegation sponsorship is required before final adoption.

The board voted to keep the package in draft form pending the delegation meeting; staff will return to the board for final approval after the delegation confirms sponsorship. Commissioner Heatherington noted the county has highlighted a public‑safety/mental‑health initiative in the county’s state priorities and encouraged legislative coordination. The motion to approve the draft priorities passed unanimously.