The Columbia County Board of County Commissioners on Aug. 7 approved a $100,000 one-time appropriation to the North Florida Water Authority (NFWA) to cover routine repairs during the authority’s first fiscal year, and discussed a draft interlocal agreement that would have the authority assume operations of county utilities on Oct. 1, 2025 under a provisional arrangement.

Mr. Foreman, presenting staff analysis, told the board the request followed a discussion at an NFWA meeting where staff identified a shortfall in the authority’s requested budget: routine repairs on the Columbia County side could range from about $100,000 to $300,000, and the $100,000 appropriation would be a one-time October 1 payment earmarked to retain a contractor for repairs. "The proposal is that, at least a $100,000 be appropriated, in this year's budget to NFWA," Foreman said.

Commissioners debated the size and purpose of the transfer. Some members said the amount is a start and that the board will review expenses after NFWA’s first year of operations; others and a public commenter urged caution about transferring funds to an authority without a full business plan.

Resident Stu Elker criticized the transfer during public comment, saying the county already subsidizes utilities and arguing the money should remain in the county bank until needed. "Columbia County maintains a balance in the bank of millions and millions of dollars," Elker said, and he urged the board not to move funds now.

Supporters said earmarking the money for contractor invoices will improve accounting and free county public-works crews to focus on roads and other duties. A staff speaker noted that historically the county deployed public-works crews and equipment to address utility repairs without separate accounting; the earmark would force the authority to use contractors and record invoices so the board can track true utility costs.

On the interlocal agreement, staff described the Oct. 1 arrangement as a transitional or "learner’s permit" phase in which NFWA would operate utilities while Columbia County and Suwannee County retain oversight and the ability to revisit the relationship. "This is kinda like a learner's permit," Mr. Foreman said, describing a staged handoff that could run as long as five years but would stop short of an irrevocable transfer of assets unless the parties later agree.

The appropriation motion passed by voice vote; the transcript records no roll-call tally. Staff said the interlocal agreement and related procurement and reporting provisions will return to the board for further review during the upcoming budget and interlocal negotiations.