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Washington County approves $72,401 advance to keep Chipley Library expansion contractor paid after state processing delay
Summary
County staff said Florida Commerce delayed advance payments on the Chipley Library expansion grant; to avoid contractor interest charges and keep the project moving the board approved a one‑time county payment of $72,401.20 with the expectation of reimbursement in 20–30 days.
County staff told the Washington County Board of County Commissioners that a Florida Commerce advance‑payment agreement for the Chipley Library expansion has not been processing reimbursements promptly, leaving the contractor unpaid for the first two pay applications.
"We are submitting the third request for funds which includes the first two pay apps for the contractor. That total is $72,401.20," staff said, asking the board to approve county payment now so the contractor's site subs and suppliers are paid and the project can continue without incurring interest charges.
Commissioners discussed the prompt‑payment act, the county's obligations and the desirability of keeping contractors on schedule. The clerk confirmed county accounting had reviewed the package and that the county's outlay would be fully reimbursed once Florida Commerce processes the request. The board approved the county payment by voice vote and asked staff for weekly updates on the reimbursement status.
Staff said the grant manager told them state reimbursements should be processed within about 20–30 days moving forward; staff also noted the grant is targeted to fiscally constrained counties and the county has been assured the payments will be made. The commission directed staff to report progress weekly until the county is reimbursed.
