Jackson County commissioners adopt five‑year capital improvements schedule and approve multiple grant‑funded projects; Endeavor purchases approved amid debate

Jackson County commissioners on [meeting date] adopted the county’s capital improvements element five‑year schedule for fiscal years 2025–2030 and approved a slate of grant‑funded projects and administrative actions, while directing staff to schedule public hearings on two land‑use proposals and advancing several construction‑related procurements.

The board adopted the ordinance updating the county’s capital improvements schedule after County staff read the ordinance title and answered commissioners’ questions about the amendment process. Commissioner Crutchfield moved to adopt the ordinance and Commissioner Spires seconded; the measure passed unanimously. Interim counsel Carrie Parsons told the board that the county’s urban‑sprawl analysis is a fact‑by‑fact statutory test under Chapter 163, and staff said the capital improvements element is a rolling five‑year list that can be updated annually.

During the public hearing on the capital improvements update, Greenwood resident Karen Shone urged the commission to define ‘urban sprawl’ in the plan, saying, “I don’t see a definition. Therefore, I think it’s very difficult to pass something when you don’t know what the words mean.” Parsons responded that staff applies the statutory factor test when reviewing development applications and that applicability can change over time.

The board also unanimously approved a resolution to remove FDOT funding from the Pusa/Coosa Road project on the FDOT 5‑year work plan after staff explained the county used other grant money to complete more of the work than originally expected. Commissioners discussed that multiple property owners refused to grant the right‑of‑way needed for drainage improvements, which limited the ability to complete the entire project.

Commissioners set two public hearings for January 13, 2026: one to consider an addition to the Sunstop gas station near the I‑10/I‑1071 interchange and another for a proposed Wynwood RV Resort & Campground seeking an AG‑2 land exception. Both hearings were set by unanimous votes.

On procurement and construction matters, the board authorized release of a solicitation to procure and install generators at critical county facilities using Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) funds from Hurricane Michael; staff noted the number of units planned is more than five and under ten and that the grant timeline requires spending by September 2026. The solicitation was approved by vote.

A more contested action involved direct purchases related to the Endeavor museum project. Staff asked the commission to approve direct purchases of materials (roofing, windows and doors, foundation work) to avoid paying sales tax and thereby save county grant funds. One commissioner announced a recusal from this and related items because their firm had provided architectural services previously; the record shows a recusal was stated on the floor. After back‑and‑forth about the project’s long‑term operating budget and whether grant funds will be sufficient to sustain future costs, the board approved the direct‑purchase approach by a 3–1 vote. Commissioners emphasized that additional expenditures related to the property will return to the board for approval.

The commission also took several other actions:

- Approved a museum contract change order adding 90 days to the project timeline at no increase in cost to align with a grant extension.
- Approved a $283,194.90 change order under a CDBG/COVID grant for Jackson Hospital to pay for additional state‑identified improvements and authorized related contract amendments.
- Tabled an amendment to DHM’s construction engineering and inspection (CEI) services agreement that would add $95,000 pending certified bid documents and scope clarification. Staff said the CEI amendment is tied to added hospital scope and time.
- Approved a 100% Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) Boat Ramp Improvement Program grant agreement to fund a design and feasibility study for Magnolia Landing.
- Approved sale conveyance documents for previously approved surplus property and approved a $40,000 sale of a cottage at the Endeavor property to Door Ministries, with proceeds placed in a restricted Endeavor account to support site improvements.
- Adopted a revised unclaimed‑remains policy consolidating transportation and cremation fees into a single flat fee (staff estimated the annual impact would be modest, roughly $2,000–$3,000).
- Ratified an interim county attorney agreement with Neighbors, Giblin & Dickerson and acknowledged Carrie Parsons as interim counsel.

Why it matters: The ordinance and grant approvals set the county’s near‑term capital agenda and unlock state and federal funds for public works and health facilities. The Endeavor project and associated direct‑purchase decision drew the most debate, with at least one commissioner recusing and others asking for clearer budget and operational plans before future expenditures.

What’s next: Several items require follow‑up: a tabling of the CEI amendment pending documentation, public hearings on Jan. 13 for two development proposals, and staff continuing design and procurement work on HMGP generators and the Magnolia Landing study. The board also scheduled a special meeting on Jan. 6 to interview county‑attorney candidates and rank responding firms.

Representative quotes from the record include Greenwood resident Karen Shone asking for a definition in the comp plan: “I don’t see a definition. Therefore, I think it’s very difficult to pass something when you don’t know what the words mean.” Interim counsel Carrie Parsons explained: “It’s a fact‑by‑fact based test that you look at,” regarding urban‑sprawl analysis under Chapter 163.