Legislative committee narrows Tallahassee asks to two projects; commission approves report

The city’s legislative committee reported to the commission that it will narrow its member‑sponsored budget requests for the upcoming legislative cycle to two targeted projects: the Western Trunk gravity sewer main and Fire Station 8.

Commissioner Sarah Roberts McCarley, chair of the committee, outlined that member requests should generally be under $1 million and that the committee is prioritizing projects likely to attract state partners and match the city’s own contributions. The committee also flagged wastewater projects including the Downtown Master Pump Station & force main, Eastern Trunk gravity sewer main, and Basin 40/41 rehabilitation, and discussed strategies to break large projects into smaller, more fundable segments.

Lobbyist Dave Shep told the committee that last year the governor vetoed many wastewater member projects, that the DEP portal was oversubscribed, and that the city should present projects in smaller, scalable pieces and show local “skin in the game.” The committee agreed to keep Fire Station 8 on the asks list and make the Western Trunk gravity sewer main its priority number one; commissioners also noted ARPA funds already allocated to the Western Trunk project.

At the commission meeting, the legislative committee report was moved, seconded and approved by voice vote. Commissioners debated process: several said the narrower approach will make member asks more actionable in Tallahassee, while others asked that staff distribute the full departmental request list and the committee’s “watch list” so commissioners can continue year‑round engagement with the delegation and state agencies.

Ending

Commissioners directed staff to finalize and circulate the committee’s working materials (the two targeted asks, the watch list, and the ongoing department projects) before the delegation meeting so commissioners can prepare for committee weeks and the Polk County delegation meeting on Jan. 28, 2025.