Jackson County commissioners approve grants, contracts and order RFP for county insurance

Jackson County commissioners on April 8 approved a series of routine and substantive items including a $15,000 local match for a volunteer fire department grant, several construction and equipment contracts, an amendment to personnel leave-transfer policy, and directed county staff to issue a request for proposals for county insurance coverage.

The actions were taken during a regularly scheduled meeting of the Jackson County Board of County Commissioners at the Jackson County Courthouse. Commissioners voted to approve a Malone Volunteer Fire Department grant match of $15,000 for wildland equipment, a task work order of $232,474 for Corbin Road engineering, and a $578,300 contract for refurbishment of the water filtration system at Malloy Plaza on Highway 71. They also approved a $38,870 change order for asbestos abatement tied to selective demolition at the Jackson County Museum and extended the closing deadline for the Cruiser Road property purchase to Sept. 30, 2025.

Why it matters: the approvals fund public safety equipment, road and water infrastructure design and repairs to county facilities, and move forward planning for a housing development parcel. The board’s decision to solicit bids for insurance may affect county premiums and coverage scope in the coming fiscal year.

Among personnel and policy items, the board adopted amendments that allow incoming employees who transfer from certain public-sector positions to carry higher leave balances into Jackson County employment. Human resources staff described a proposal, modeled in part on Bay County policy, that permits employees who move from Florida Retirement System (FRS)-covered jobs to transfer up to 100 hours of annual leave and up to 100 hours of sick leave (with verification on letterhead), and removes the 40-hour cap for staff moving from constitutional offices so they may bring their leave balance with them. The board approved that change on staff recommendation.

On road matters, a resident urged the board to revisit repairs on Hartsfield Road, saying the roadbed has eroded and is dangerous for residents and service vehicles. The board and staff said Road and Bridge crews have applied millings to parts of the road, and noted the county lacks funds currently to fully pave the section.

The board approved a sole-source authorization for Anderson Columbia to pave an uncovered 225-foot section at the intersection of Blue Springs Road and Highway 71 for $20,000 from road construction funds; commissioners said the contractor agreed to complete that small section while on site. The board also directed staff to contact local auctioneer Mr. Mason and gather more information about auction options and fees before moving forward with plans to surplus county vehicles and equipment.

On procurement and planning items, the board named Jimmy Hamilton to fill an at-large vacancy on the planning commission; recommended release of a garbage-collection RFP (county commissioners will serve as the ranking committee for that procurement); and approved a task work order with All Day Howe Engineering for Corbin Road funded by a FBOT SCRAP grant. The board approved the first of two one-year renewal options for lawn maintenance at the Jackson County Library and authorized a purchase-and-sale agreement to sell a parcel of surplus land for $30,000 to Sue Schaeffer.

Insurance discussion and RFP decision: after presentations from insurance vendors and public comment, the board debated whether to remain with its current insurance arrangement (managed by the Florida Association of Counties Trust through Florida Municipal Insurance Trust) or to solicit competing proposals. Albert Milton, owner of Milton Insurance Agency, told commissioners, “The question is, do you want a good cheap price or you want good coverage?” and emphasized coverage differences for vehicles and ambulances that cross state lines. A representative from Lloyd Insurance urged an open, transparent competitive process. The board first considered a motion to remain with Milton Insurance but that motion failed. The board then approved a motion to release a request for proposals for county insurance so the county can evaluate market options and coverage differences.

Votes at a glance: Malone Volunteer Fire Department grant match $15,000 — approved (motion and second recorded; tally by voice/hand raise). Personnel leave policy amendments (allow transfers from constitutional offices and up to 100 hours annual/sick transfer for verified FRS employees) — approved. Anderson Columbia sole-source paving for Blue Springs Road (additional 225 feet) — approved for $20,000 from road construction funds. Surplus vehicles/equipment — board directed staff to consult local auctioneer and return with information (motion to gather information and return to board). All Day Howe task work order for Corbin Road (FBOT SCRAP grant) $232,474 — approved. Public hearing set for Jackson County Code section 44-57 (COVID-related ordinance formatting) — set for April 22, 2025 at 6:00 p.m.; board also agreed to apply any ordinance change retroactively to applicants in the two-week interim as discussed. Temporary alcoholic beverage permit for Partners for Pets (April 19 event at Compass Lake) — approved. Planning commission at-large appointment Jimmy Hamilton — appointed. Water filtration system contract — approved for $578,300 (budgeted in FY24-25). Jackson County Museum change order for asbestos abatement $38,870 — approved; funding source later clarified to be the TDC museum fund. MOU renewal with Endeavor (Next Step program) — approved. Renewal of lawn maintenance contract for Jackson County Library — approved. Sale of surplus land to Sue Schaeffer for $30,000 — approved. Extension/amendment of jail roof and HVAC contract (60 days) — approved. Amendment to Cruiser Road purchase and sale agreement — extended to Sept. 30, 2025 — approved. Release of request for proposals for county insurance — approved.

What was raised but not decided: several commissioners reiterated interest in maximizing local vendor participation and ensuring service quality (for garbage collection and other contracts); the board directed staff to gather fee and commission information from local auctioneers before selecting a surplus disposition method.

A resident who spoke about Hartsfield Road told the board, “Please revisit that road,” and described safety and vehicle-damage concerns; Road and Bridge staff said they will continue maintenance and revisit paving when funds allow.

The board ended the meeting with announcements including a Tri County Airport open house scheduled for April 24 and a note that one commissioner expects to miss the next meeting for planned surgery.

Ending: Most measures passed by voice vote or hand raise; where individual roll-call tallies were not specified in the record, the minutes reflect the board’s approval or direction as stated on the record. The board set the next in-person meeting and a special session at 2:00 p.m. later the same day.