Commission authorizes entry into state SRF program, with amendment clarifying no immediate borrowing

The High Springs City Commission voted to authorize participation in Florida’s State Revolving Fund (SRF) loan program for a proposed $19 million water-system project after receiving a detailed presentation from Mike New of Woodard & Curran.

Mike New identified three major components of the proposed project: construction of a new wellfield on land purchased by the water management district east of downtown, installation of roughly 30,000 feet of 12-inch water main to create a redundant transmission route, and construction of a 500,000-gallon elevated storage tank to improve system reliability. New said the SRF award being pursued would include roughly 50% principal forgiveness (a grant) and a 0% interest loan for the remaining balance with a 20-year term. "These grant awards are outstanding opportunities," New said, and noted that the SRF process is staged — planning, design and construction — with off-ramps at each stage.

Commissioners asked about immediate fiscal obligations and worst-case debt impacts. New explained that initiating participation in the program does not itself obligate the city to borrow money; costs are triggered incrementally. He estimated a planning study might cost $200,000–$400,000 and convert to a 50% funded loan portion if the commission approves moving forward. As a rough worst-case example, New said fully funding the balance through the loan program could imply annual debt service near $477,000 (an illustrative figure), which he translated to about $11 per month for a 3,000-household customer base; he emphasized that additional grants and funding sources typically reduce the city's loan obligation.

Because of commissioner concern about obligating the city without future approval, the commission amended Resolution 2026-G to include explicit language that authorizes applying for SRF participation but does not authorize borrowing or incurring debt without a subsequent affirmative action by the commission. The motion to approve the resolution as amended carried in a roll-call vote: Mayor Miller voted "no," and Vice Mayor Bledsworth, Commissioner Hal and Commissioner Whites voted "yes." The consultant and staff committed to return with specific cost estimates, recommended funding mixes, and planning-study scopes before the commission approves any conversion of planning costs into long-term loan obligations.

Next steps outlined by staff and the consultant include authorizing the city manager to execute the SRF loan application documents to enter the program, completing a planning (facilities) study, conducting a design solicitation, and pursuing additional grants and funding sources during the planning phase. The commission’s authorization to enter the SRF program creates access to the funds but — per the amendment — does not itself commit the city to borrowing or debt service.