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Commissioners seek more public workshops and oversight for Sheriff’s Operations Center repairs
Summary
After months of testing and multiple meetings, commissioners asked staff to increase public workshops on the Sheriff’s Operations Center, encouraged commissioner representation in the ongoing working group, and directed staff to continue coordination with the sheriff while awaiting final test reports.
Flagler County commissioners discussed the future of the Sheriff’s Operations Center on Jan. 14, directing staff to provide more frequent public workshops, maintain transparency and continue work with sheriff’s staff and consultants while final test results are awaited.
The discussion followed reports that employees assigned to the operations center have experienced health concerns; the sheriff’s office vacated portions of the facility and operations were redistributed across county buildings. Sheriff Rick Staley said employees “deserve a safe, an efficient workplace” and urged a timely plan for both a cost‑effective interim solution and a long‑term decision.
Commissioner Sullivan urged that the board plan for multiple contingencies — from repair to full replacement — and to “game out options” including cost estimates and timelines. County staff and consultants are awaiting final testing results from Terracon, the CDC and other specialists, commissioners said; those results will inform whether the facility can be remediated or must be replaced.
County Attorney Hadid cautioned that how the board structures commissioner involvement matters for public‑meeting law: an informal commissioner point person can observe ad hoc staff working groups without triggering formal public‑meeting notice requirements; a formal task force or advisory committee would require public notices, minutes and defined authority. Clerk Tom Bexley reminded the board the facility is “a very large capital asset” and that commissioners bear responsibility for decisions in the sunshine.
Commissioners agreed to a path of more frequent, public workshops on the issue and to keep the sheriff and staff coordinating on interim steps; several commissioners proposed appointing a commissioner as a liaison to the working group (naming of representatives was discussed but not formally voted). The board emphasized urgency: the sheriff’s staff remain decentralized and requested a clear, cost‑efficient plan for short‑term consolidation and long‑term disposition.
Ending: Staff will continue testing and reporting; commissioners asked for more regular workshop updates and clearer cost estimates for repair, replacement, and temporary facilities while the sheriff and staff maintain operations.
