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Wakulla County approves $1.8M-plus in public-safety capital spending as part of FY2025–26 plan
Summary
The Wakulla County Board approved the FY2025–26 capital spending plan, allocating more than $1.8 million for public safety vehicles and equipment and nearly $1 million for parks and recreation projects; the measure passed unanimously.
WAKULLA COUNTY — The Wakulla County Board of County Commissioners on Tuesday approved its FY2025–26 capital spending plan, including more than $1.8 million earmarked for public-safety vehicles and equipment and nearly $1 million for parks and recreation projects.
Miss Kelly, a county staff member who presented the plan, told the board the list of purchases and projects was developed from departmental requests and is funded from dedicated capital and infrastructure funds rather than the general operating budget. "The plan calls for over $1,800,000 for public safety," Kelly said, noting funding sources include the 1¢ sales tax and fire funds.
Kelly said the public‑safety allocation covers seven new vehicles for the sheriff's office, a new animal-control truck, payments toward three ambulances and three fire trucks, and a new SCBA refill system to service firefighters' air packs. She also said some purchases initiated in prior years may carry forward into the new fiscal year.
On the animal-control vehicle, Kelly explained that an order placed last year for a larger truck with cooling dog boxes has not yet arrived; the item in this year's plan is "planned to be just a regular pickup," she said. She also warned that some items listed for MSBU (municipal service benefit unit) funding cannot be paid from that fund; for example, MSBU funds cannot be used to buy ALS-specific heart monitors for ambulances.
The plan includes nearly $1,000,000 in parks and recreation improvements, including $335,000 identified for Med Art Recreation Park, plus equipment requests for road and bridge and sewer maintenance. Kelly told the board some projects may be initiated this year but completed later, and that new priorities could emerge during the fiscal year.
A commissioner asked whether the capital payments would deplete dedicated funds; Kelly responded these are capital equipment–dedicated funds and described existing lease‑purchase payments for two fire engines under a five‑year government financing program.
The board moved, seconded and approved the capital spending plan unanimously. The motion carried with an "Aye" vote and no recorded opposition. The board directed staff to proceed with implementing the plan and to return with any necessary follow‑up information.
