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Wakulla County staff outlines $117 million in active grants, warns about reimbursement model
Summary
County grants director described how Wakulla County seeks, manages and spends competitive state, federal and nonprofit grants, highlighting $117 million in active awards and major projects including a new EOC and radio system.
WAKULLA COUNTY, Fla. — Michelle Metcalfe, Wakulla County’s director of intergovernmental coordination, told the Board of County Commissioners that the county currently manages 45 active grants totaling “over $117,000,000” and described the county’s pre-award and post-award processes.
Metcalfe said grant funds come from local, state, federal and nonprofit sources and are typically reimbursed to the county after the county spends local funds. She told commissioners that most grants are competitive, awarded after agencies review applications and that each award contains a defined scope of work, deliverables and specific legal terms the county must follow.
The presentation explained why grants do not provide upfront funding in most cases. “Wakulla County must spend local funds and then request reimbursement from the agency,” Metcalfe said. She listed requirements the county must meet after award, including reporting, reimbursement requests, Davis‑Bacon compliance, Title VI, anti‑human trafficking provisions, insurance, termination and audit compliance.
Metcalfe highlighted several large awards. She said $6,250,000 in state and federal dollars were awarded to build a new emergency operations center that will house emergency management and 911 dispatch and serve as a regional training facility. She also said Triumph Gulf Coast provided “just over $11,000,000” for a countywide P25 radio system, and Florida DEP’s Trail Grant provided $200,000 for a walking trail at Azalea Park.
Commissioners and staff discussed the county’s role in matching funds and the county’s use of bridge financing to front project costs until reimbursement arrives. Commissioners praised the staff for bringing grant dollars “home” and noted that using grants reduced the need to increase property taxes.
Metcalfe said staff is updating the county’s adopted infrastructure plan and will hold public meetings to gather input on priorities. She also said legal counsel reviews all grant agreements before presentation to the board so any unacceptable contractual language or liabilities are identified for the board.
The presentation did not include a board vote; it was provided as an informational briefing.
