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County pursues talks with UF on proposed animal shelter site while holding a county-owned tract as backup
Summary
County staff will continue negotiating a lease and operational agreement with the University of Florida for a proposed animal resources facility while also maintaining a county-owned backup site that requires a state reverter change before it can be used.
Alachua County managers told the Board of County Commissioners June 24 they remain in negotiations with the University of Florida over a proposed site for a new animal resources facility and also are pursuing a county-owned backup site that requires state approval to move forward.
Two possible sites: The preferred site is on UF land where the university has indicated it is willing to negotiate a lease and operational agreement that could include a reduced lease payment (university staff said they can reduce an earlier $3 million figure to about $1 million for a 40-year term and may shift a portion to operational support). The alternate, county-owned property—known locally as the Weisman tract on Waldo Road—has a state reverter that currently limits allowable uses; the county is asking the governor and cabinet to remove that reverter.
Timeline and conditions: County staff said the reverter transfer to free up the Weisman tract was expected to be considered by the governor and cabinet at a fall meeting; staff had sought an earlier June consideration but said the item was scheduled for the September cabinet meeting (staff later noted a specific date in late September). The county asked the board to allow staff to continue negotiations with UF while also preparing the Weisman tract option; commissioners directed staff to report back after the cabinet meeting with a recommendation.
Why it matters: The county has said it needs a new, modern animal resources campus and has been exploring a lease with UF as well as county-owned alternatives. The timetable and the site choice affect design, operations, permitting, budgets and the county's ability to assist during future emergency sheltering events.
Board action: Commissioners voted to authorize continued discussions with UF and directed staff to continue work on alternative county-owned sites and return with options after the state cabinet considers the reverter question in September. That item carried on a roll-call vote.
Next steps: Staff will continue negotiations with UF; if negotiations do not produce an adequate agreement before the cabinet meeting, staff will pursue the county-owned option and return to the board after the state decision.
