REGULAR SESSION BOARD MEETING - SEPTEMBER 01, 2026 AT 6PM
Holmes County commissioners held a regularly scheduled meeting with public comments on private driveway/easement maintenance, updates on county projects and facilities, votes on routine administrative items (purchase order cutoff, grant signatory), reappointments to the Tri-County Airport board and decisions to proceed with a Lake Cassidy pass program beginning Jan. 1.
Discussion Points
•Angie requested Sept. 16 cutoff to assist fiscal‑year close.
•Bonifay Brittany paving near completion; Project Gateway ~15% complete.
•Chairman Jack Locke recommended reappointment.
•Cobb reported EMS and law‑enforcement difficulty accessing 2321 Pinkston Drive along a half‑mile private driveway; he believes an easement was purchased in 2007.
•Commissioner proposed pass program and gate to fund improvements.
•Commissioner reported county was served with a federal complaint alleging registration policy is punitive.
•Commissioners asked about emergency exceptions and confirmed process.
•Commissioners noted county policy and an attorney‑general opinion generally prevent spending tax funds on private property and suggested alternatives (right‑of‑entry, dirt‑haul program).
•Contractor (Johnson Roofing) reportedly identified a missing screw as a likely leak source; water testing still showed kitchen intrusion.
•County coordinator presented a late reappointment request for Lloyd Brooks.
•County Road 185 requires rumble striping per standards but contractor worries edge damage; alternatives discussed (raised markers, lower speed).
•No new appropriation requested at this meeting.
•Residents overwhelmingly supported plan and raised concerns about resale and access.
•Sheriff and volunteers discussed patrol and volunteer gate opening logistics.
•Staff and insurer have been notified; county plans to coordinate with other counties named in the suit.
Decisions
•Board approved the reappointment effective Oct. 1, 2026.
•Board voted to proceed with pass program and directed staff to report back.
•Cutoff set for Sept. 16, excluding emergencies.
Directions
•Board set Jan. 1 effective date for sale roll‑out pending implementation work.
•County coordinator to forward paperwork to the airport authority.
•County counsel and staff to coordinate response and inform board of developments.
•County staff to advise legal counsel on whether a one‑time right‑of‑entry and limited assistance are permissible.
•Engineer to meet DOT and seek approval for raised reflective markers or alternative that preserves pavement life.
•Finance to publish cutoff guidance and emergency PO criteria.
•Resident to locate and provide easement/right‑of‑entry paperwork to county staff.
•Staff to follow up with contractor and report back on repair completion.
•Staff to return with gate cost estimates, administrative resale controls and enforcement plan.
SPECIAL SESSION BOARD MEETING - SEPTEMBER 01, 2026 AT 5PM
Holmes County budget hearing in which a county staff member announced his resignation; commissioners debated selling financed dump trucks, considered a tax-collector software upgrade the county has previously paid for, and voted to pay the software maintenance fee while scheduling a special meeting to finish balancing the budget.
Discussion Points
•Board had previously directed the sale of two dump trucks; bank requires payoff quote to release titles.
•County attorney advised the board that an appeal route exists through the Department of Revenue but warned withholding benefits could prompt litigation.
•David announced his resignation effective Nov. 16 and said he will continue to finish projects including EMS building and infrastructure grant.
•Packet included a software capital quote of $108,473 and a maintenance estimate of ~$32,600; tax collector reportedly did not include the software in his budget.
•Questions raised about which constitutional officers complied with requested 5% cuts.
•Selling now could cost money because no payments have been made and sales fees may apply.
•Shortfall of $915,199 cited when software is included; sources discussed to cover gap included pit sale ($250,000), returning capital outlay ($180,000) and local-option gas tax adjustments.
Decisions
•Call special meeting to continue budget balancing; motion approved verbally.
•Motion to pay vendor amount passed by verbal vote.
Directions
•Board directed staff to pay vendor amount now from identified funds to avoid interruption in tax collection systems.
•Staff to obtain written payoff and interest figures from the lender and return to the board.
•Staff to prepare tentative balanced budget and compile written backup for proposed offsets; special meeting scheduled to finalize budget.
Holmes County Board of County Commissioners met Aug. 4, 2026. The board approved routine procedural items, renewed a hazardous-waste monitoring contract, approved a local SHIP housing assistance plan resolution, discussed park grant priorities, considered switching health-insurance carriers, and discussed an EMS funding assessment; engineers reported on road and drainage projects.
Discussion Points
•Commissioner proposed a household assessment for EMS funding and cited estimated revenue from a $100 assessment.
•Commissioners asked procedural questions; no substantive opposition recorded.
•Commissioners authorized moving forward with the recommended carrier and directed staff to begin enrollment steps.
•Commissioners debated which elements score higher and recommended adding trails or other scoring items.
•Commissioners discussed speaker limits and advertising/livestream uncertainties.
•Direction given for staff to meet with county staff (Nate) during recess and return a formal plan.
•Kettering 185 and Tuberville projects nearing closeout; staff to coordinate walkthroughs.
•Old Mill Road notice to proceed signed and contract executed; work to begin Sept. 1.
•Staff announced Rep. Abbott's town hall and possible governor visit.
•Staff compared renewal offers and dependent premium effects.
•Staff explained that multiple applications may be submitted but only one is awarded per cycle.
•Staff explained the function of the monitoring contract and the rationale for a two-year renewal.
•Staff reviewed exhibits describing estimated SHIP funds and expenditure timeline.
Decisions
•Contract renewal approved for two years.
•Forward project '177a' for grant application.
•Move to UnitedHealthcare recommended and accepted.
•No formal action taken; direction to staff to prepare plan.
•Resolution approving local housing assistance plan adopted.
Directions
•County staff to execute the renewal and continue regular reporting to the state.
•Engineer and staff to coordinate inspections and address approaches prior to crew departure.
•HR to start open enrollment and provide plan details to employees.
•Staff and engineer to incorporate restroom and parking as top priorities and include higher-scoring elements in application.
•Staff authorized to execute required documents and submit the plan for state review.
•Staff to prepare an EMS assessment plan and present at next budget meeting.
•Staff to seek additional information and share details from the representative's office.
Budget workshop of the Holmes County Commission focused on rising health-insurance renewals, budget shortfalls and options to cover costs; commissioners deferred a final vote on changing carriers to a 09:00 meeting and discussed possible revenue measures including an EMS assessment and surplus-asset sales.
Discussion Points
•Commissioners debated keeping a low-cost free plan and adding a $25 employee contribution to limit county exposure.
•Commissioners recommended staff consult the environmental agency on what can be sold and how to proceed.
•Presenter reported Florida Blue renewal delivered at 40.9% after an initial 50% proposal and provided alternate plan mixes averaging 25% increases.
•Proposal for EMS-assessment fee per household to fund EMS and reduce ambulance billing to residents.
•Revenue-sharing projections are lower than expected by about $165,000, producing a tentative shortfall.
•Speaker provided sample figures, including an estimate that $25/year would generate about $285,000.
•Staff identified ~$207,000 in completed-project funds and a $200,000 payment advance that may be moved to cover near-term needs.
•The landfill property is under a lease to a state agency and there may be regulatory restrictions on selling dirt.
Decisions
•Formal vote on carrier change and $25 free-plan contribution deferred to 09:00 meeting.
•No final transfers executed; board requested details at 09:00 meeting.
•No sale or action taken pending staff report.
•No vote or formal direction to place assessment on a ballot; item remains under consideration.
Directions
•Staff and county attorney to research legal authority, structure, and implementation before any vote.
•Staff to get environmental/legal clarification and return at the 09:00 meeting.
•Staff to produce final cost sheets comparing carriers and to coordinate enrollment timing; county attorney to review before vote.
•Staff to return with a complete list of one-time fund moves and a plan for durable revenue options.
Holmes County commissioners held a meeting addressing an emergency EMS surtax public hearing and its statutory timing, considered competing health-insurance bids after a 40.9% proposed increase from Florida Blue, and debated taking $848,000 from validated funds to balance next year's budget.
Discussion Points
•Board asked staff for audit cost estimates and schedule; staff recommended preparing ordinance language for future ballot placement.
•Broker explained Florida Blue\u0002s 40.9% increase and medical-loss-ratio drivers.
•Commissioners debated short-term reallocation versus structural budget changes.
•Commissioners worried about employee continuity and asked for enrollment support details.
•Constitutional officer described retirement, fuel and emergency-repair costs as central budget pressures.
•He said cuts could harm essential services and detailed reliance on grants to cover program costs.
•S5 explained audit requirement of 180 days before general election and advised postponement to next general election cycle.
•Staff provided validated-funds balance ($1,611,000) and discussed the $108,000 software request.
Directions
•Commissioners asked staff to incorporate these operational pressures into financial follow-up materials.
•Staff to accept a revised Florida Blue quote by Monday 10 a.m. and, if not acceptable, proceed with UnitedHealthcare enrollment options.
•Staff to prepare draft ordinance, third-party audit cost estimates and timeline for 180-day compliance.
•Staff to provide statutory guidance and updated numbers before final vote.
REGULAR SESSION BOARD MEETING, TUESDAY, JUNE 02, 2026 AT 6:00 PM
Holmes County commissioners moved to advance a proposed one-year moratorium on large-scale data centers after a lengthy public-comment period; the board set public hearings and discussed next steps while also addressing budgeting, an insurance RFP and several road and contract items.
Discussion Points
•Budget committee proposed 5% and 10% reduction scenarios to narrow the projected shortfall; commissioners questioned whether 5% would be sufficient given inflation and unknowns in the state implementation.
•County counsel read a proposed one‑year moratorium to pause applications for large‑scale data centers; residents raised water, noise and property‑value concerns; counsel cautioned about state statutory constraints and recommended coordination with sister counties.
•Several residents urged a permanent ban and asked whether any applications or NDAs existed; staff said no application had been filed and that some promotional listings created alarm but did not reflect an approved county action.
•State special session actions could increase the homestead exemption and reduce county revenue by amounts staff estimated (figures ranged in discussion; property appraiser estimate cited about $1.7M).
•The insurance committee will review quotes and make a recommendation to the full board.
•Two bids were received for RFP 2604; Brown & Brown presented a timeline for underwriting and pricing and described self‑funded consortium options.
Decisions
•Board agreed to pursue planning around a 5% reduction and to request detailed budget analyses; no final cuts adopted at this meeting.
•Board approved motion to advance the moratorium ordinance and set the first public hearing for June 16 at 6:00 p.m.; motion passed by voice vote.
•No contract awarded at this meeting; staff to bring pricing and recommendation to a future meeting.
Directions
•Brown & Brown to return pricing within two weeks after receiving census data; insurance committee to review and report to the board.
•County staff to provide additional technical analyses (water, utilities, code language) prior to subsequent hearings.
•Finance to provide projected inflation and multi‑year scenarios to inform board decisions.
•Staff and county counsel to coordinate with neighboring counties and prepare proposed permanent ordinance language; advertise and hold two public hearings with the first scheduled for June 16 at 6:00 p.m.; consider including solar farms in moratorium language or addressing them separately.
•Staff to prepare department‑level budget options and explore nonrecurring measures (selling or consolidating equipment, revisiting leases) and return with numbers and options before next hearings.
REGULAR SESSION BOARD MEETING, TUESDAY, MAY 19, 2026 AT 9:00 AM
Holmes County Board of County Commissioners met in May 2026. The board adopted a five‑year Local Mitigation Strategy, approved multiple infrastructure contracts and task orders, proclaimed Building Safety Month, advanced a plan to place county fire rescue under the sheriff’s office, and scheduled follow‑up workshops on development commission coordination.
Discussion Points
•Board approved multiple procurement and contract actions reported by staff.
•Commissioner proposed legislative change to place HCDC under county oversight.
•County staff explained LMS requirements for federal/state funding.
•HCDC members and residents asked for better communication and transparency instead of immediate structural changes.
•Presenter named a prospective leader (Jeff McVay) and proposed timeline for transition.
•Presenter outlined grant opportunities and proposed liability assumptions.
•Public comment flagged lack of posted evacuation plans and fire extinguishers in county buildings (Richard Guilsey).
Decisions
•Adopt LMS; adopt Building Safety Month proclamation; award CDBG contract to US Mobile Homes; approve CEI task order and change order; approve hiring an engineer for dam inspections.
•Board asked staff to prepare the June 1 proposal.
•Board requested staff coordinate a workshop and periodic reporting.
Directions
•Return on June 1 with a written proposal covering insurance, grant strategy and leadership.
•Schedule a joint workshop and add HCDC chair as a recurring agenda item (monthly).
•Staff to advertise Old Mill Road construction bids (due June 18).
•Staff to secure engineer for dam inspections and notify state within 14 days.
SPECIAL SESSION MEETING MONDAY, MAY 11 2026 2:00 PM
Holmes County commissioners heard questions about a library HVAC contract after a notice of claim naming a related party surfaced; the board kept the prior motion in place, asked for a no-cost inspection of the Ag Center, and discussed warranty review and possible outside contract review.
Discussion Points
•A commissioner recused himself from dealing with the contractor; commissioners discussed hiring an outside reviewer or counsel and funding that review from the attorney line item.
•Board discussed a notice of claim reportedly filed and whether the county should proceed with a vendor named in related paperwork.
•Callen Waters recommended a no-cost Servpro inspection to check for hidden moisture.
•Johnson Roofing replaced a screw/washer linked to a lunchtime leak; no visible leaks seen after repair but one AC unit had a Freon leak and a breaker had tripped.
•Library director Becky vouched for the contractor's work on all three units.
•Michael Patterson denied being a claimant and said his contracting entity is current and licensed.
•The contract warranty period was discussed (one year mentioned in contract vs. a desire for two years on the roof); commissioners debated whether warranty starts at occupancy or final payment.
Decisions
•Servpro inspection was approved; the board asked for further contract-review details before authorizing expenditures for outside counsel.
•The board left the earlier motion to proceed with the vendor in place (chair stated the motion 'stands'); no new roll-call vote was recorded in the transcript.
Directions
•Engage Servpro for no-cost moisture inspection and report back before next meeting.
•Staff and county attorney to prepare contract language and third-party review recommendations for board consideration.
•Staff to verify licensing, insurance and the paperwork referenced in the notice of claim and report back at the next meeting.
Holmes County Board of County Commissioners held a regular meeting with public comments, routine approvals of liens and task orders, a motion to reimburse $5,000 in permit fees for the Holmes Council on Aging (Meals on Wheels), approval of $353,000 from the local option gas tax for the Spring Valley/Tubberville Road Bridge, and several grant/task-order approvals.
Discussion Points
•Board considered LOGT balances and reimbursement obligations before approving funding.
•Council on Aging serves 130+ in-home meal clients and needs freezer replacement; building owned by county; permit fees about $5,000.
•County Attorney cited statute (05/1933 b) that he said prevents waiving permit fees.
•Development-commission property swap was presented but not approved; commissioners requested more information.
•Engineers presented design and cost estimates and noted the bridge has been out for years; an Army Corps item affected earlier cost estimates.
•Multiple routine approvals: lien removal, Dewberry task order, change order closeout, GIS grant application, and opioid settlement participation.
•Options discussed: waive fees vs. reimburse from contingencies vs. reimburse contractor if county previously paid fees.
Decisions
•All consent and grant items approved; property exchange not approved and requires additional information.
•Allocate $353,000 from LOGT to proceed with the bridge replacement.
•Board approved reimbursement of approximately $5,000 from board contingencies to cover permit fees.
Directions
•Engineering to finalize design and issue bids; staff to report back on schedule and timeline.
•Staff to coordinate paperwork and reimbursement; Michael Brown to meet with county staff (Angie) to process payment.
•Staff to submit the GIS grant, execute the Dewberry task order, sign change order documents with DOT, and process lien removal paperwork.
REGULAR SESSION BOARD MEETING, TUESDAY, APRIL 07, 2026 AT 6:00PM
Holmes County Commission meeting on 2026-03-17 covered public safety on Coursey/Corsi Road, a developerlandowner drainage dispute on Bompers/2772 Brittney Road, a long debate over the county's surplus-dirt policy that the board ultimately reverted, a citizen push to place single-member districts on the ballot, facility and grant updates (senior center, library), and several routine contract and bid actions.
Discussion Points
•Commissioners sought clarity on population equality, boundary-drawing and budget impacts.
•Engineers explained design intent (ditches to collect and percolate) and committed to on-site review with the engineer of record.
•Landowner described pooling and erosion at low spot between 2772 and 2776 Brittney Road and requested a change order to add structured ditching or culverts.
•Library director reported an $80,000 state-aid allocation (versus $20,000 expected) and requested using part for facility maintenance and a 20-hour part-time position.
•Presenter argued increased accountability and lower campaign costs for single-member districts and cited statute 124.011.
•Senior center punch-list and roof leakage require contractor action before final acceptance of the $2.2M project; staff emphasized careful oversight to secure state reimbursements.
•Staff proposed a rewritten policy that formalized limits and verification; foremen and constituents reported operational burdens and confusion from a January waiver form; commissioners debated liability, fairness and enforcement logistics.
Decisions
•Board authorized staff to return with cost/logistics information (no ballot placement decision made).
•Board directed staff to ensure fixes prior to final sign-off and to return with library budget amendment.
•Motion to adopt revised policy failed; board reverted to prior policy pending staff follow-up.
•No immediate change order approved; inspection and report-back scheduled.
Directions
•County administration to prepare a budget amendment for library maintenance and staffing for board review.
•County engineering to meet on-site with Cliff Mallard Thursday at 09:00 and report back with recommended design changes and any change-order needs.
•Engineers/contractor to remedy roof issues and prioritize punch-list items; building inspector and project staff to verify before sign-off.
•Staff to present cost estimate and clear verification procedure; consider delegating waiver signing to foremen with on-site verification; clarify per-address vs per-owner language.
•Staff to produce a cost estimate and outline redistricting implications for the next meeting.
Holmes County Board of County Commissioners held its March 17, 2026 regular meeting, approving several project grants and funding requests (including an $8,000 appropriation for a volunteer fire department), advancing a land‑use amendment for a tow/recovery business, authorizing initial work on FEMA reimbursements, and opening a public review of the county's dirt/disposal policy.
Discussion Points
•Commissioners asked about state grant reimbursements and whether the county should await definitive repair estimates.
•Commissioners discussed owner‑built vs contractor valuations and procedural options for documentation when costs appear unrealistic.
•Commissioners discussed tradeoffs between up‑front administrative expense and potential recoveries.
•Concerns raised about rental properties and whether landlords should receive loads that effectively serve many renters.
•Draft policy text limited distribution to two loads per private party/year; ambiguity in wording (per parcel vs per entity).
•Metrc said review is administrative and not typically reimbursable; portal shows multiple open projects and obligations that merit review.
•Operational constraints (how far from county road to place dirt) and availability of pit material were discussed.
•Planning Commission had recommended unanimous approval at first hearing.
•Representative described lost 501(c)(3) status, high call volume, and multiple unplanned expenses.
•Resident suggested converting the request list to an online application to improve oversight.
•Staff explained that the use (towing/recovery) was not permitted in the parcel's current agricultural category.
•Staff said the ICC table is for new construction only and would give a more realistic valuation basis.
Decisions
•Board approved immediate allocation for operating funds.
•Board approved the land‑use map amendment at second hearing.
•Board authorized initial task order funding and directed staff to monitor progress.
•Board voted to adopt the ICC evaluation table at 90% for new construction valuation.
•No final policy change adopted; staff directed to prepare workshop and revised draft.
Directions
•Schedule a workshop to redraft operational details and bring revised language back for public hearing.
•Staff and county attorney to review the policy, clarify per‑parcel vs per‑entity language, and propose administrative procedures.
•Staff to coordinate with the department on documentation for grant reimbursement and provide a follow-up report.
•Staff to draft code updates and an implementation schedule.
•Staff to work with Metrc to begin portal review and to provide invoices/status updates to the board.
REGULAR SESSION BOARD MEETING - MONDAY, MARCH 02, 2026 AT 6:00PM
Holmes County commission meeting covered an airport update and economic event, public comment and a tense exchange over a proposed 287(g) agreement and local cooperation with ICE, a budget amendment, utility pole relocation costs for a corridor project (county approved a $35,000 contribution), consideration of adopting an ICC building-evaluation table for permits, and several change orders and administrative items.
•Airport requested county help exploring improvements to a half‑mile dirt road that limits development of the south property.
•Commissioners asked for example cases and suggested adopting a 90% local adjustment to ICC values.
•Keith presented the ICC square‑foot evaluation table as a valuation tool for new construction permits; he emphasized it does not change fees directly.
•Public commenter Kelly urged the county to end or refuse to fund 287(g) cooperation with ICE, citing civil‑rights and due‑process concerns.
•Sheriff (John) defended local cooperation with federal partners, saying notifications to ICE follow criminal arrests and noting minimal local costs to date.
•Staff requested county assistance (recommended $30,000; commissioners settled on $35,000) to avoid construction delays.
•West Florida quoted $448,900 to relocate nine poles; a reduced project left $18,000–$20,000 in fencing budget that could be applied.
Decisions
•Approved $35,000 county contribution by voice vote and authorized staff to sign invoice paperwork.
Directions
•Building official to prepare examples and comparisons showing effects on typical local projects.
•Staff to check the invoice, sign and forward to West Florida and continue coordination with DOT for drainage/driveway cost participation.
•Staff to obtain cost estimates and research grants/development‑commission options for road improvements.
REGULAR SESSION BOARD MEETING - TUESDAY, FEBRUARY AT 9:00AM
Holmes County Board of County Commissioners held a regular meeting that included approval of a lease renewal for an agricultural technical position, several citizen requests (including a memorial highway sign), authorization to pursue state and federal grant funding for infrastructure and jail expansion, discussion of a health-insurance RFP, and an allocation of $5,000 from a district road budget to repair a school access drive.
Discussion Points
•Administrative and reimbursement timing concerns raised by staff
•Commissioners agreed district funds could cover the one‑time expense
•Commissioners debated whether family or county should pay for sign fabrication and about consistent sign standards
•Consideration of consultant assistance vs. standard public notice methods
•County jail population stated at about 180–185 inmates and need for expanded capacity
•Current FDACS lease terms cited at $250/month; small scheduled increases referenced
•Donated no‑till drill valued by staff at about $45,000; county rental fee cited as $8/acre with $100 minimum
•Draft RFP prepared; timing critical for renewal
•Erosion and parking issues at school driveway; parental complaints reported
•Estimated cost stated at roughly $4,000 to $5,000 for limerock and earthwork
•Funding comes from a nominal court fee distributed to the trust fund; local account had minimal funds historically
•Historical service record of L.D. Crews presented in detail
•Legislative proposals currently show approx. $1M available on House and Senate sides, below the county\u0019s original $2M request
•Liberty Partners has prior experience managing county grants and projects
•Panhandle Crime Stoppers administers outreach and tip intake with volunteer staff and a contracted regional administrator
•Possible consortium with school board to enlarge the pool and reduce premiums
•Potential projects: evacuation route bridge railings, storm‑hardening county buildings, dam repairs in Dogwood Lakes area
•Staff recommended keeping drill rental fees in a dedicated line for maintenance
•Typical 20% match requirement, with possible federal discretion to reduce match
Decisions
•Appointment approved; regional contractor to manage administrative tasks
•Board approved allocation and directed staff to proceed
•Board authorized Liberty Partners to manage the grant and to proceed with design procurement
•Lease renewal approved; staff directed to earmark drill fees for maintenance
•No formal decision; staff to continue RFP preparation
•Placement approved; purchase responsibility to be resolved
•Staff authorized to pursue EDA application; final commitments to return to commission
Directions
•Allocate $5,000 from district five budget
•Appoint Panhandle Crime Stoppers as county agent for trust fund distributions
•Approve lease renewal
•Approve placement; staff to coordinate location and specifications
•Authorize Liberty Partners to manage the grant
•Authorize staff to pursue the EDA grant and coordinate with Liberty Partners and other partners
•Execute required appointment paperwork and coordinate the March 11 community meeting
•Hold drill rental receipts in a dedicated line item to pay for repair until a threshold is met
•If county purchases sign, bring cost estimates back to commission
•Return with recommended budget/ordinance language if needed
•Return with timeline and procurement recommendations
•Road maintenance to schedule limerock placement and report back
•Staff to confirm interest of the school board and refine the RFP
•Staff to initiate design procurement and prepare RFPs
•Staff to prepare documentation on match reductions and administrative obligations
•Staff to provide regular (biweekly/monthly) project updates
REGULAR SESSSION BOARD MEETING - NOVEMBER 18TH, 2025, 9AM PART 2
Holmes County commission discussed a low $201 bid on a tax-deeded parcel and voted to re-advertise; approved a one-year interlocal approach for municipal planning reviews with fees to the county and a rate study; considered advertising for engineers and sent a DOT letter about a caution light; a District 4 commissioner announced he will not seek re-election.
Discussion Points
•Agreed to send letter to FDOT on caution light at Highway 2 and 2A.
•A pending commercial project needs timely action to meet state DEP permit requirements.
•Board debated terms (one year vs. longer term) and who should pay for reviews.
•County staff has been performing planning reviews for towns without plans and absorbing costs.
•Discussed reopening engineering solicitation and forming a selection committee.
•No title search was in the packet; advertising costs estimated around $300; cleanup could cost thousands for ~1 acre.
•Only one bid received (Gordon Clement, $201); members questioned whether to accept or re-advertise.
•Parcel acquired via tax deed appears landlocked and full of debris; sheriff removed animals.
•Scheduled MSBU informational meeting for Dec. 4 and authorized staff sales beginning Dec. 1.
Decisions
•Board approved moving forward with the one-year mutual-aid/interlocal approach according to the meeting record.
•Board authorized the RFP process, the DOT letter and the MSBU meeting; a District 4 commissioner announced he will not seek re-election.
•Board moved to re-advertise the parcel and place it on the tax roll.
Directions
•Proceed with one-year interlocal arrangement; fees to come to county; staff to produce a commercial fee rate study and return with recommendations.
•Staff directed to draft advertisement language and cost estimate; place parcel on tax roll and re-advertise.
•Staff to draft RFP and DOT letter, and to confirm MSBU meeting logistics.
REGULAR SESSION BOARD MEETING - NOVEMBER 18TH, 2025, 9AM
Holmes County board met to adopt the agenda and previous minutes, approve the 2026 holiday schedule (adding Presidents' Day), consider a jail rehabilitation/expansion agreement required to access about $1 million in work funds, approve a fiscal-year 2024–25 final budget amendment to close the books, grant a secondary-residence exemption for the Coleman family, and receive an update on two bids for an EMS construction RFP.
Discussion Points
•Amendment moves money to cover overdrawn line items and recognizes grant revenue
•Board discussed how floating birthday leave works within the fiscal year.
•Need for an agreement before funds can be spent; engineering is first project step; limited prior county engagement with the jail party.
•No award or selection recorded; update was informational.
•No line-item totals were provided during the meeting.
•Property does not meet density requirements; applicants do not want to split the parcel.
•Selection committee received two bids after a one-week RFP extension.
•Staff recommends approval pending completion of county affidavit.
•Staff research showed neighboring counties observe Presidents' Day; county had previously used a floating birthday holiday.
Decisions
•2026 holiday schedule approved including Presidents' Day.
•Agreement approved by voice vote; no roll-call tally recorded.
•Final FY24–25 amendment approved by voice vote.
•No decision recorded at this meeting.
•Secondary-residence exemption approved by voice vote.
Directions
•Finance to complete year-end close and finalize accounting entries.
•HR to publish and implement the revised 2026 holiday schedule.
•Planning staff to accept affidavit and process exemption paperwork.
•Selection committee to evaluate bids and return recommendation in future.
•Staff to finalize agreement and proceed with engineering steps; return with updates as required.
REGULAR SESSION BOARD MEETING - NOVEMBER 4TH, 2025, 6PM
Holmes County commissioners met to consider infrastructure and budget items, including repair work at Dogwood Lakes, possible MSBU options, road projects and a resolution to add $7,200 to the John Clark Road project. Residents gave extended public comment on lake repairs, taxes and transparency; staff presented bids and equipment/lease proposals.
Discussion Points
•Board approved staff recommendation to reject and allow cure.
•Commissioners asked about mobilization timing and right-of-way.
•Commissioners discussed enforcement and trialing new rates and asked staff to draft an ordinance.
•Commissioners questioned the HCDC charter and representation; HCDC members defended their record and financial self-sufficiency.
•Concrete overruns required supplemental funds.
•County Attorney outlined MSBU/MSDU options, permitting and conveyance to non-profit.
•Ethics/recusal concerns raised about a commissioner participating in agenda development.
•One bidder had procedural errors; staff recommended a cure window instead of re-advertising.
•Resident argued county has invested in Lake Cassidy and higher out-of-state fees ($500) and local higher rates ($100) were proposed.
•Residents provided tax data and objected to affordability of a special assessment.
•Staff cautioned about higher equipment costs and the need to budget for increased lease payments.
•Staff proposed a joint session to explore options without pre-judgment.
•Two lease structures (CBO and government lease) presented; warranty and service coverage emphasized.
Decisions
•Bids rejected with cure period; no award made at meeting.
•No final fee adopted at this meeting; staff to return with formal proposal.
•No MSBU adopted; staff directed to schedule workshop and request legal guidance.
•No procurement action taken at meeting.
•No reorganization adopted; review process initiated.
•Supplemental agreement approved.
Directions
•Schedule a public workshop at a larger venue; seek written ethics/AG guidance; provide parcel-level benefit maps and cost scenarios.
•Staff to include lease options and cost scenarios in capital plan for next budget cycle.
•Staff to issue an addendum and notify bidders; selection committee to review corrected packets.
•Staff to monitor contractor mobilization and report back.
•Staff to prepare fee schedule/ordinance and revenue estimate for a future vote.
•Staff to schedule stakeholder meeting and report on possible revisions or administrative improvements.
SPECIAL SESSION BOARD MEETING - FINAL BUDGET MEETING NOVEMBER 3RD, 2025, 5:01PM
Holmes County Board meeting on Nov. 20, 2025 considered the fiscal-year millage, approved Resolution 25-30 setting the millage at 9.4916, and adopted budget changes including a $20,000 roll forward for equipment and a $34,500 increase tied to sheriff funds; the board also discussed equipment purchases and an outstanding invoice from the prior fiscal year.
Discussion Points
•Correction requested to Sept. 4, 2025 minutes about how funds were offset (Speaker 2)
•Grader warranty/maintenance estimated at 3% prompting ~$4,500 budget need (Speaker 4)
•Millage set at 9.4916 mills to balance general and transportation trust funds (Speaker 3)
•Truck PO signed and units expected to arrive; logistics discussed (Speaker 5)
•Vendor stated first $20,000 must be covered; invoice of $9,556.20 identified as FY24–25 expense (Speaker 7 and Speaker 3)
Decisions
•Adopt Resolution 25-30 setting millage at 9.4916
•Adopt Resolution 25-31 approving the $20,000 roll-forward and $34,500 increase tied to sheriff funds
•Authorize use of prior-year board contingencies to cover outstanding invoice(s)
Directions
•Finance to apply board contingencies to pay the $9,556.20 invoice
•Public Works/Roads to document the use of sheriff funds and roll-forward in budget ledger
•Staff to correct Sept. 4 minutes to reflect actual accounting action
Holmes County Board of County Commissioners October 21, 2025 Regular Session
Discussion Points
•Attorney and staff cited statute for neighbor-direct sale options and required certified notices.
•Attorney explained MSBU statutory process requires direct notice, public hearings and coordination with elections office.
•Board discussed auction timing (December) and risk of waiting another year.
•Board discussed political sensitivity and administrative costs of mailing and hearings.
•Board discussed possible dates (Oct. 31, Nov. 1, Nov. 3) and selected Nov. 3 to avoid trick-or-treat conflicts.
•Board discussed runout/costs and potential legislative pooling options.
•Board discussed whether county crews could perform the concrete capping to reduce contractor costs and noted emergency timing because water levels are low.
•Board discussed whether to proceed with neighbor offer before broader public sale.
•Board moved, seconded and approved the funding contract.
•Budget committee reviewed the medical examiner costs for 2025-26 and recommended approval.
•Budget officer admitted clerical error in TRIM notice (95% used rather than 100%).
•Commissioner argued Dogwood Lakes benefits disproportionately from county projects and suggested a parcel assessment (example $125/parcel/year across ~317 parcels).
•Department of Revenue requires re-advertisement and a special meeting in statutory time window.
•Engineering staff requested one-year contract extensions and presented bid results for Peak Road bridge and a second road/bridge item.
•Engineers described an overflow pipe leak at a county-owned dam and presented a repair approach (capping/boring and concrete fill) with material and labor cost estimates.
•Financing option would defer county payments into arrears, allowing auction proceeds to be used.
•Insurance committee recommended bidding to seek savings and uniformity across public employers.
•Parcel was deeded to county after tax delinquency in 2016; appears landlocked and dilapidated with no on-site well.
•Resident argued state fire and life-safety requirements apply to businesses and that local inspections appear absent.
•Speaker urged county to establish inspection procedures or clarify building department responsibility in absence of a local fire marshal.
•Staff agreed to review authority and report back; no action adopted.
•Staff described condition, mileage and maintenance issues on existing 2018–2019 trucks.
•Staff noted potential network/continuity issues when carriers change.
•Vendor presented new truck pricing, guaranteed minimum resale amount, and financing options.
Decisions
•Authorize issuance of RFP for health insurance 2025-26.
•Board authorized staff to proceed with neighbor-notification and sale process under statute.
•Contract extensions and contingent bridge awards approved; further scoping and permitting required for dam repair.
•Medical examiner funding contract for 2025-26 approved.
•Proceed with three-year guaranteed-resale purchase option (Option 4).
•Special session scheduled for Monday, Nov. 3 after 5 p.m. to hold corrected TRIM hearing.
Directions
•Approve one-year engineering contract extension.
•Award bridge/road items to apparent low bidders contingent on FDOT review and permits.
•Clerk to re-advertise corrected notice and schedule special session within statutory deadlines.
•County attorney and staff to research MSBU procedure, estimate costs (mailing/advertising/hearings), and determine filing deadlines with the supervisor of elections.
•County attorney to prepare activation/authorization letter under state contract.
•County attorney to review RFP language and contract terms.
•Return findings to the board at a future meeting (Nov. 6 suggested).
•Return to board with recommended sale approach and paperwork.
•Road department to prepare equipment for auction (tires >=50%, cleaning).
•Staff to evaluate feasibility of performing dam leak repair with county crews, obtain permits, and return with final cost and funding recommendation.
•Staff to execute contract and record funding in the budget documents.
•Staff to prepare RFP and timeline for proposal evaluation.
•Staff to return with final contract documents and auction results.
•Staff to review county authority and responsibilities for fire and life-safety inspections and return with options for implementation.
•Staff to send certified notices to adjacent landowners and obtain valuation/appraisal.
Holmes County Board of County Commissioners October 7, 2025 Regular Session
Discussion Points
•Commissioners debated use of prior-year funds for an emergency PO overage and discussed the legal-description discrepancy on a property planned for sale.
•Commissioners discussed temporary transfer restrictions until staffing levels improve.
•Staff and commissioners compared proposed rates to neighboring counties and packet data.
•Staff presented contracts and project updates and answered procedural questions.
•Towing representative described sharp increases in equipment cost and insurance since 2020 and low recovery payments for wrecked vehicles.
Decisions
•Approved the proposed towing/incident-scene rate schedule, including raising the service-truck rate to $200.
•Multiple approvals recorded; staff to proceed with contract execution, bid advertisement, and payroll allocation per motions passed.
Directions
•County staff to record approved rates in rotation contract documents and notify vendors.
•Staff to execute approved contracts and publish bid advertisements; staff to allocate funds for the emergency PO from prior-year funds; county administrator to manage transfers per policy 7.02 until staffing stabilizes.
