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Commission approves consent agenda including $45,000 SPLOST supplement for Station 4 and $274,905 in water authority capital requests
Summary
The board approved a consent agenda that included an additional $45,000 SPLOST request for the Station 4 firehouse remodel, a $274,905.64 capital package for the Dade County Water & Sewer Authority, an HVAC award ($11,000 low bid), transit van grant match commitments, an FY2024 budget amendment and approval to file an appeal of the 2023 sales ratio audit. The vote carried with present commissioners voting yes; two were absent.
The Dade County Board of Commissioners on Sept. 5 approved a consent agenda covering several capital and budget items, including supplemental SPLOST funding for a fire station remodel, water‑system capital needs, a recommended HVAC bid, a transit grant application and an appeal of the county’s 2023 sales ratio audit.
Station 4 supplemental SPLOST request: Ansel Smith, speaking for Station 4, said previously authorized SPLOST funds and volunteer labor produced significant progress but that unforeseen water damage, spray‑foam insulation and exterior repairs created additional expenses. "We are requesting an additional $45,000 from our station SPLOST fund to complete the remodel," Smith said. Staff framed the $45,000 as the final phase to bring the living quarters to completion; with the additional funds the project total was estimated at about $60,000.
Water & Sewer Authority capital package: Elizabeth Zeller, general manager for the Dade County Water & Sewer Authority, presented a $274,905.64 capital request covering several projects: relocation of a water main for a GDOT bridge project, purchase of three pumps (one new plus two spares), a new office server (quoted at about $81,152.48) and a 3,200‑foot upsizing of a main near Michaels Road (material estimate ~$94,909.26). Zeller said some costs would be offset by utility aid from GDOT and that permitting and bids for installation remain to be obtained.
HVAC and public transportation: Staff reported three HVAC quotes for Fire Station 4; the apparent low bid was from 72 Degrees at $11,000 for a 4‑ton unit with specified warranties. Penny (public transportation) asked the commission to approve a GDOT/FTA Section 5311 grant application for transit operations and capital; the total project budget for public transportation was about $901,327, with the county’s capital share for two replacement vans at $40,680 and operating match obligations discussed.
Audit appeal: Paula Duval, the county’s chief appraiser, requested the commission’s approval to appeal the Department of Audits and Accounts sales ratio study for 2023 because Dade County’s residential Coefficient of Dispersion (COD) came in at 0.18 (the threshold is 0.15). Duval said consultants and staff had prepared an appeal letter and were in contact with audit staff; commissioners placed the appeal on the consent agenda and approved sending the letter.
Vote and procedural outcome: The chair called for a motion and second to approve the consent agenda as presented. The motion passed on a voice vote with the commissioners present recorded as voting yes; two commissioners (Lowry and Bradford) were absent. The county clerk will execute grant paperwork and staff will proceed with procurement and permitting steps as applicable.
What to watch next: Staff will return with contract and bid details for the Station 4 completion, the Water & Sewer Authority will provide bid and permitting updates for the main relocation and pump purchases, and county staff will follow through on the audit appeal timeline.
Ending: The board adjourned after completing the consent agenda approvals.
