Commission approves vending/code clarifications, directs automotive‑sales definition; new sewer‑billing portal presented

The Wakulla County commission took several non‑controversial administrative actions and heard a presentation on a new sewer billing portal.

At the board's direction staff presented an amendment to the land development code to add freestanding ice machines as a conditional use in the C‑2 zoning district. The board voted unanimously to conduct the public hearing and consider adoption.

Commissioner Nichols introduced and the board approved a motion directing staff to draft an ordinance amending Chapter 2 to define "automotive sales," intended to allow limited broker‑style or small, fast‑turnover vehicle activity without creating a permanent car lot. Nichols explained the goal is to codify a narrow definition and allow staff to enforce the code consistently. The motion passed unanimously.

County administrator Trevor (surname not specified) introduced Delaina Johnson, who demonstrated the county's new sewer billing/customer portal. Johnson said the portal has 601 registered users so far, supports account linking, communication preferences (email, robocall, text, printed notices), and an auto‑pay feature (229 customers enrolled). She said improved customer statements show actual usage and the county can now reflect adjustments directly on bills; 32 adjustments had been recorded since launch. Johnson encouraged customers to sign up and noted there is a credit‑card processing fee (2.5% merchant fee, down from 2.9% previously).

Next steps: staff will prepare the ordinance language for automotive sales and bring code amendments to planning for the required review; the vendor/governance details for the vending code amendment and sewer billing adjustments will be finalized through regular administrative channels.