Gadsden County approves grants, contracts and opioid-responder training; board schedules bonds workshop

Gadsden County commissioners approved a package of grants, contract extensions, budget adjustments and training funded through a mix of county reserves, state programs and opioid settlement funds.

Key outcomes included commissioner approval to move budgeted funds that will cover a local event, contract extensions for engineering and construction-inspection services, grants for road resurfacing and a multiuse path, a state award for library digital devices, a mosquito-control contract and a training program for first responders funded by opioid settlement money.

The county clarified one transfer during a public hearing: the Tourist Development Council reserves, not the general fund, will cover a previously approved $30,000 event shortfall. Finance staff said the transfer uses TDC reserves and does not draw on the county general fund.

Major action highlights the board approved at the meeting include:

- Transfer/Resolution for local event funding: Board approved resolutions to authorize budget amendments to fund a local "mega reunion" event; finance staff said the transfer comes from Tourist Development Council reserves, not the general fund. (Outcome: approved.)

- FDOT small-county outreach grant — Providence Road resurfacing: Board approved participation in a grant agreement with the Florida Department of Transportation for County Road 274/Providence Road; department participation was described as up to the department’s maximum contribution of about $2,000,732 (as presented). (Outcome: approved.)

- SunTrail/SUN Shared-Use Non-Motorized program — County Road 153 multiuse path: Board approved design services with WSB LLC for a 12-foot asphalt multiuse path (Old Bainbridge Road to Salem Road) with an FDOT SunTrail funding allocation listed at $659,412. (Outcome: approved.)

- CEI contract extension: Board approved an extension of continuing construction engineering and inspection services with AECOM (AECOM Incorporated) through June 30, 2026. (Outcome: approved.)

- Mosquito-control services: Board approved funding for the county’s mosquito-control program; the county maximum indicated for 2025–26 was $109,000 with an estimated program cost of $65,963. (Outcome: approved.)

- Digital connectivity grant: Board approved the county’s acceptance of a Florida Department of Commerce Digital Connectivity Technology Program award (GB238) of $355,200 to expand the library’s IT device loan program and authorized the chair to sign the agreement. (Outcome: approved.)

- Planning Commission appointments: Board approved appointments to the county planning commission (two district 4 appointees named in the record). (Outcome: approved.)

- Intergovernmental fire agreements with the City of Quincy: Board approved a fire payment agreement amendment to address outstanding quarterly payments and, separately, approved an annual fire contract for fiscal year 2024–25 at $661,000; one of the payment-resolution items recorded one dissenting vote. (Outcome: payment-resolution approved 4–1; annual contract approved.)

- Opioid settlement-funded first-responder training: Board approved a proposed training program for 298 first responders using opioid settlement funds at a total cost the county presented as $134,100; staff said the program will be fully covered by settlement funds and not the county general fund. The program will use a University of Miami training product selected by the state. (Outcome: approved.)

- SS4A (Safe Streets and Roads for All) planning grant application: Board authorized submission of a planning and demonstration category application; the SS4A grant would require a 20 percent non-federal match if awarded. (Outcome: authorized application submission.)

Commissioners also voted to schedule a special workshop to consider bond-financing options and to hire bond counsel, and directed county staff to work with the attorney and finance director to set a date. County attorney and finance staff said the board must identify the type of bonds and retain bond counsel before pursuing bond issuance.

Where votes were recorded, the clerk announced board assent; most items passed unanimously on the five-member board, with at least one recorded 4–1 vote on the payment-resolution with the City of Quincy. The board did not adopt any ordinances at the meeting.