Highlands County public meetings in 2023
52 substantive meetings from 2023, with official agendas or minutes and plain-English summaries.
Meeting of the Districts
The Board of County Commissioners is considering a budget amendment to roll over encumbrances from fiscal year 2022/23 into 2023/24. This action would allow the completion of payments for goods and services that were not delivered in the previous fiscal year.
- Resolution 23-24-40: Budget Amendment 23-24-029 to increase overall budget by $417,846.98
- Rollover of funds for Istokpoga Marsh Watershed Improvement District project IMWID PH II Above Ground Impound
- Budget adjustments for various fire districts including Sun 'N Lakes Placid, Desoto City, and Leisure Lakes
- Budget adjustments for special benefit districts including Avon Park Estates, West Sebring, Venus, and Lorida
Board of County Commissioners Regular Meeting
The Board of County Commissioners will hold public hearings on several comprehensive plan and zoning changes. The meeting also includes votes on construction manager agreements and various budget amendments for infrastructure and public safety.
- Construction Manager at Risk Agreements with Marmer Construction, Inc. and E.O. Koch Construction, Inc. (new projects up to $2M, rehab up to $1M)
- Public hearing for 610-acre land use change from Conservation/Management Lands to Agriculture for 5 Iron LLC
- Budget amendment of $595,308 for resurfacing Webster Turn Drive
- Budget amendment of $350,000 for Spring Lake Fire Station 20
- Proposed addition of an Encroachment Agreement Fee to the Engineering Fee Schedule
Meeting of the Districts
The Board of Supervisors of the Special Districts is meeting to review and approve minutes from meetings held on August 1, August 15, and September 7, 2023. The agenda contains no new action items or public hearings for the current session.
- Approval of minutes from August 1, 2023 meeting
- Approval of minutes from August 15, 2023 meeting
- Approval of minutes from September 7, 2023 meeting
Board of County Commissioners Regular Meeting
The Board of County Commissioners held a workshop to review mobile home housing data and the impacts of density increases. Staff presented findings from a 2019 housing study and discussed the risks of 'spot' zoning changes on infrastructure and traffic.
- Presentation of 2019 Highlands County Housing Study
- Review of 97 mobile home parks and 14,115 park lots
- Report that 14 mobile home parks (15%) failed DOH inspections in 2023
- Discussion of 11 zoning changes totaling 687.59 acres that increased density by 250%
- Proposal to potentially place a temporary hold on new land use/zoning applications for mobile homes
Board of County Commissioners Regular Meeting
The Highlands County Board of County Commissioners is meeting to discuss infrastructure projects, budget amendments, and service agreements. The body will consider a public hearing for a medical services certificate and the repeal of the Utilities chapter from the Code of Ordinance.
- Budget amendment 23-24-020 for road reconstruction totaling $997,000
- Construction Manager at Risk Agreements with Semco Construction, Inc. and A.D. Morgan Corporation (new projects up to $2M, rehab up to $1M)
- Three Health Services Grant Agreements for FY 2023-2024 totaling $50,000
- Public hearing for Aloha Medical Services, Inc. application for Class 1, 2, and 3 Certificates of Public Convenience and Necessity
- Lumen master service agreements for internet and voice services
Board of County Commissioners Regular Meeting
The Board of County Commissioners will hold annual elections for its Chairperson and Vice-Chairperson. The body is also considering budget amendments for the Sheriff's office and various county contracts.
- Contract with Associated Asphalt LLC for Asphalt Binder estimated at $658,300.00
- Budget increase of $423,156.88 for the Sheriff's FY23/24 budget
- Budget rollover of encumbrances from FY 22/23 into FY 23/24 totaling $232,782.60
- Contract with Unifirst Corporation for uniform services totaling $35,508
- Public hearing for P&Z Hearing No. 2134 regarding the Covered Bridge Community
Meeting of the Districts
The Board of Supervisors for various special districts will meet to conduct business including presentations, public comment, and action items. The agenda includes a consent agenda and a public hearing.
- Consent Agenda
- Public Hearing
- Action Agenda
Board of County Commissioners Regular Meeting
The Board of County Commissioners will hold public hearings on land use and zoning amendments for a project by BCC Heartland Investment, LLC. The body is also deciding on several grant agreements, software contracts, and budget realignments.
- Public hearing for CPA-23-618SS and P&Z 2128 to rezone 18.64 acres to Medium Density Residential/Multiple-Family Dwelling
- Five Health Services Grant Agreements totaling $172,000
- ESRI Geographic Information Systems (GIS) software renewal for $175,500
- Fire Assessment Fee Study Agreement with Government Services Group, Inc for $61,510
- Security services agreement with Caleus, LLC for Placid Lakes Special Benefit District for $50,960
Board of County Commissioners Regular Meeting
The Board of County Commissioners is considering the purchase of a property for county expansion and a proclamation for Farm-City Week. The proposed real estate acquisition involves a budget amendment to the Infrastructure Surtax Fund.
- Proposed purchase of property at 618 S. Commerce Ave., Sebring, FL for $280,000
- Resolution 23-24-19 for Budget Amendment 23-24-014 to fund the office building purchase
- Proclamation recognizing November 15-22, 2023, as Farm-City Week
Meeting of the Districts
The Board of Supervisors of the Special Districts is meeting to review a lawn care agreement and approve previous meeting minutes. The primary action item involves a service contract for the Placid Lakes Special Benefit District.
- Lawn Care Agreement with Sonny's Lawn and Tree, LLC for Placid Lakes Special Benefit District: $33,220.00 for 12 months
- Approval of July 18, 2023 meeting minutes
Board of County Commissioners Regular Meeting
The Board of County Commissioners will discuss the dissolution of 10 volunteer fire departments and a budget increase of $4,589,474.69 to roll over uncompleted projects. The meeting also includes several public hearings regarding zoning changes and ambulance service certificates.
- Proposed dissolution of 10 Volunteer Fire Departments
- Budget Amendment 23-24-005 to increase budget by $4,589,474.69 for project rollovers
- Public hearing for CPA-23-618SS to rezone 18.64 acres to Medium Density Residential
- Public hearing for P&Z 2137 to rezone 3.52 acres to Business District for self-storage
- Request to waive $2,400 in rental fees for Sebring High School soccer programs
Board of County Commissioners Regular Meeting
The Board of County Commissioners will hold a public hearing to modify the zoning district for the Hope Villas housing development. The meeting also includes several budget amendments, street renaming requests, and the adoption of a 2024 holiday schedule.
- Public hearing for P&Z Hearing No. 2135 to modify the R-3 FUD district for Hope Villas
- Budget appropriation of $200,000 for the Courthouse Wireless Network (Project 22086)
- Funding of $256,535 for the Highlands County Health Department's FY 2023-2024 Core Contract
- Renaming of Elder Drive to Younger Drive ($450), Elder Street to Growing Street ($300), and Columbia Drive NE to Johnson Way NE (up to $600)
- Budget amendment of $109,308 for Sheriff's Office SCAAP Rollovers
Board of County Commissioners Regular Meeting
The Board of County Commissioners is reviewing a budget amendment to recognize additional revenue and pay invoices for the Public Emergency Medical Transportation (PEMT) Program. The body is also considering a request to expend funds from the Special Law Enforcement Trust Fund.
- Budget amendment 22-23-145 for $405,000 to pay the Agency for Health Care Administration ($348,340.02) and Public Consulting Group ($52,134.69)
- Proposed expenditure of up to $35,000 from the Special Law Enforcement Trust Fund
- Resolution 22-23-185 regarding PEMT program funding
- Three-year professional services agreement with Public Consulting Group, Inc. for Medicaid cost reporting
Board of County Commissioners Regular Meeting
The Board of County Commissioners is reviewing a request to rezone 38.73 acres from agriculture to residential and mobile home park use. The body is also considering a $340,000 grant for a vulnerability assessment and resiliency action plan.
- Public hearing for CPA-23-621SS and P&Z 2133 to rezone 38.73 acres to Medium Density Residential and Mobile Home Parks District
- Acceptance of a $340,000 Florida Department of Environmental Protection Resilient Planning Grant
- Annual insurance policy renewal with an estimated premium of $2,583,597
- License agreement with Lake June Pontoons, LLC generating $24,000 annual revenue
- State Aid to Libraries Grant Agreement for FY 23-24 totaling $191,126
Board of County Commissioners Regular Meeting
The Board of County Commissioners will hold a public hearing to discuss and adopt the final budget for the 2023-2024 fiscal year. The meeting includes the adoption of the final millage rate and resolutions for the capital financial strategy and fee schedule.
- Proposed FY 2023-2024 total budget of $187,785,578
- Final millage rate of 7.8500 mills, a 5.04% increase over the rolled back rate
- Adoption of MSBU budgets totaling $6,610,068
- Resolution for the Adoption of Fee Schedule
- Resolution for the Adoption of the Capital Financial Strategy (CFS)
Board of County Commissioners Regular Meeting
The Board of County Commissioners will review a revised proposed budget for the 2023/24 fiscal year. The meeting includes decisions on several infrastructure contracts, grant acceptances, and fee waivers for community organizations.
- Proposed FY 23/24 Budget totaling $187,785,578
- Agreement with Parker Mudgett Smith Architects for Special Needs Shelter for $509,947
- Contract with E.O. Koch Construction Co. for New Traffic Ops Building for $150,000
- Donation of surplus land to Spring Lake ECO Park valued at $85,160
- Change order for external audit services with Clifton Larson Allen not to exceed $23,774
Board of County Commissioners Regular Meeting
The Board of County Commissioners is reviewing the proposed budget for the 2023-2024 fiscal year. The board will hold a public hearing for comments and consider adopting resolutions for the districts, tentative millage rate, and tentative budget.
- Proposed FY 2023-2024 total budget of $187,785,578
- Proposed General Fund budget of $93,059,062
- Proposed Infrastructure fund of $33,328,204
- Proposed Transportation fund of $14,071,071
- Proposed Solid Waste fund of $18,209,658
Meeting of the Districts
The Board of Supervisors for the Special Districts is meeting to certify non-ad valorem assessment rolls for 11 Municipal Service Benefit Units. The board will also consider approving minutes from the July 3, 2023 meeting.
- Certification of non-ad valorem assessment rolls for 11 Municipal Service Benefit Units with estimated revenue of $439,728.52
- Approval of July 3, 2023 meeting minutes
- Resolution 22-23-164 for Avon Park Estates Special Benefit District assessment roll
- Resolution 22-23-165 for Highlands Park Estates Special Benefit District assessment roll
- Resolution 22-23-166 for Highway Park Special Benefit District assessment roll
Board of County Commissioners Regular Meeting
The Board of County Commissioners is meeting to discuss and potentially approve Resolution 22-23-177. This resolution would declare a state of local emergency in response to Tropical Storm Idalia to facilitate emergency services and resource distribution.
- Resolution 22-23-177 to declare a state of local emergency for Tropical Storm Idalia
- Authorization for the Highlands County Sheriff to establish and enforce a curfew in unincorporated areas
- Designation of disaster essential employees and authorization of overtime pay
- Waiver of certain procedures for entering contracts, hiring workers, and appropriating public funds during the emergency
Board of County Commissioners Regular Meeting
The Board of County Commissioners is reviewing requests to apply for several state and federal grants. These include funding for storm-proofing a county building, trauma-informed community art programs, and environmental conservation.
- Application for Hazard Mitigation Grant Program to retrofit the Annex Building at 500/505 S Commerce Avenue ($200,000 local match)
- Application for NEA 'Our Town' grant for trauma-informed community art and education ($25,000 local match)
- Application for Florida Department of Environmental Protection Grant ($100,000, no match required)
- Application for FWC habitat management assistance for gopher tortoises at Grassy Lake Scrub
- Submission of three Rural and Tribal Assistance Grant Applications for design and planning assistance
Board of County Commissioners Regular Meeting
The Board of County Commissioners will review several budget realignments, including funds for tourist development and facilities management. The meeting also includes public hearings regarding fire protection assessments and multiple land use and zoning amendments.
- Realign $175,000 within Tourist Development funds
- Purchase of playground equipment for Lincoln Park Playground for $81,492.00
- Public hearing on fire protection special assessment re-imposition
- Land use and zoning amendments for various parcels in Sebring
- Authorization for Catfish Creek Road Bridge rehabilitation for $131,907.36
Meeting of the Districts
The Board of Supervisors of the Special Districts is meeting to discuss the re-imposition and increase of a special assessment for the Orange Villa Mobile Home Estates Special Benefit District. The funds are used for street and recreational lighting, electrical costs, and administrative fees.
- Proposed increase of assessment from $48 to $56 per lot/home site
- Proposed maximum assessment rate of $65 per lot/home site
- Estimated annual fiscal impact of $335 increase at the $56 rate
- Resolution No. 22-23-157 regarding the Orange Villa Mobile Home Estates Special Benefit District
Board of County Commissioners Regular Meeting
The Board of County Commissioners will meet to certify the maximum millage for the 2023/2024 fiscal year to secure projected General Fund revenues. The body will also consider various budget amendments, grant approvals, and service contracts.
- Certification of maximum millage for FY 23/24
- Tourist Development Grant for USFA Sebring Invitational and Pumpkin Smash Softball Tournaments ($20,000 for 2023)
- Budget transfer of $375,000 from Hammock Rd. land acquisition to a new Traffic Ops Building
- 3-year preventative maintenance contract with Stryker Corporation for $157,419.15
- Appropriation of $428,861.50 in program income for SHIP Projects
Meeting of the Districts
The Board of Supervisors of the Special Districts is holding public hearings to re-impose and increase special assessments for Placid Lakes and the Istokpoga Marsh Watershed. These assessments fund infrastructure, maintenance, and environmental projects within the respective districts.
- Resolution 22-23-151: Proposed Placid Lakes Special Benefit District assessment of $30 per lot, with potential annual increases up to $50
- Proposed Placid Lakes fiscal impact: annual increase of approximately $243,504
- Resolution 22-23-XXX: Proposed Istokpoga Marsh Watershed Improvement District assessment at a max rate of $24
- Proposed Istokpoga Marsh fiscal impact: annual increase of approximately $287,250
- Approval of meeting minutes from June 6, 2023 and June 20, 2023
Board of County Commissioners Regular Meeting
The Board of County Commissioners will hold public hearings on re-imposing solid waste and fire protection special assessments. The body is also deciding on zoning changes, affordable housing funding, and infrastructure grants.
- Proposed solid waste special assessment increase to $222.79
- Proposed 7% increase in fire protection special assessment categories
- Financial commitment of $340,000 for 80-unit Avon Park Apartments at 911 W. State Street
- $1,100,000 HUD grant for Sebring Parkway Phase IV planning and design
- Zoning change for 18.64 acres from Agricultural to Multiple-Family Dwelling Planned Development District
Board of County Commissioners Regular Meeting
The Board of County Commissioners met to review and vet requested budgets for constitutional officers and outside agencies for the 2023-2024 fiscal year. Staff recommended limiting budget increases to 5.00% due to economic uncertainty.
- Recommended FY 23-24 budget for Sheriff: $37,565,822
- Recommended FY 23-24 budget for Clerk of Courts: $4,583,501
- Recommended FY 23-24 budget for Property Appraiser: $3,564,578
- Recommended FY 23-24 budget for Tax Collector: $2,322,882
- Recommended FY 23-24 budget for Supervisor of Elections: $1,860,562
Meeting of the Districts
The Board of Supervisors for various Special Districts in Highlands County will meet to conduct business. The agenda consists of procedural boilerplate and does not list specific discussion items or decisions.
Board of County Commissioners Regular Meeting
The Board of County Commissioners is holding workshops to consider the proposed FY 23/24 Recommended Budget and the Capital Financial Strategy. The recommended total budget is $185,330,909, an increase from the FY 22-23 adopted budget of $168,372,520.
- Proposed FY 23/24 Recommended Budget of $185,330,909
- Proposed Capital Financial Strategy for FY 23/24
- General Fund estimated expenses of $95,883,412
- Proposed new positions including a Capital Projects Manager and Code Enforcement Official
- Review of General Fund distribution including $37,843,543 for the Sheriff
Board of County Commissioners Regular Meeting
The Board of County Commissioners is meeting to discuss the recommended FY 2023/2024 budget and approve several grants and contracts. The agenda includes budget realignments for the Sheriff's Office and the creation of a budget for the Critical Infrastructure Department.
- Acceptance of a $25,000 Duke Energy Economic Development grant for marketing and research
- Three-year asset management software contract renewal with OpenGov Inc. for $146,580.25
- Adoption of a $105,806.00 Emergency Preparedness and Assistance (EMPA) Grant
- Budget set-up for the Critical Infrastructure Department in the amount of $135,633.00
- Request to rename Fincher Trail to Courage Court
Meeting of the Districts
The meeting agenda consists of procedural boilerplate. The only listed action item is the approval of minutes from a previous meeting.
- Approval of minutes from the May 16, 2023 Meeting of the Special Districts
Board of County Commissioners Regular Meeting
The Board of County Commissioners will hold public hearings to discuss increasing the Tourist Development Tax and extending a moratorium on impact fees. The proposed tax increase would affect visitors staying in the county for six months or less.
- Proposed Ordinance No. 22-23-24 to increase Tourist Development Tax from 4% to 5%, estimated at $500,000 in additional revenue
- Proposed Ordinance No. 22-23-27 to extend the moratorium of Impact Fees for up to one year
- Estimated annual loss of $2.5 million in capital improvement collections due to impact fee moratorium
Board of County Commissioners Regular Meeting
The Board will hold a workshop to review the status of county roadway infrastructure, including grant availability and required maintenance. The discussion covers current data on miles of paved and unsurfaced roads, bridges, and sidewalks.
- Roadway Infrastructure Workshop presentation
- Discussion of 1,128 total centerline miles of roadway
- Review of upcoming grant-funded projects through FY 26/27
- Analysis of maintenance costs for grading, sidewalk mowing, and bridges
Board of County Commissioners Regular Meeting
The Board of County Commissioners will hold public hearings on extending an impact fee moratorium and increasing the Tourist Development Tax. The body is also deciding on several zoning changes, disaster debris contracts, and budget amendments for county projects.
- Proposed extension of Impact Fee moratorium with an estimated annual loss of $2.5 million
- Proposed increase of Tourist Development Tax collection by an additional 1% to a total of 5%
- Agreement with Advanced Environmental Laboratories, Inc. for water sampling costing $36,239.00
- Zoning change for a 64.48-acre parcel from Mobile Home Parks District (M-2) to Mobile Home Parks with a Flexible Unit Development District (M-2 FUD)
- Budget amendment of $100,000 for the Judicial Court Remodel project
Meeting of the Districts
The Board of Supervisors of the Special Districts is holding public hearings to consider re-imposing special assessments for the Istokpoga Marsh Watershed Improvement District and the Placid Lakes Special Benefit District. These changes would increase annual funding for maintenance and infrastructure projects.
- Proposed Resolution No. 22-23-129: Increase Istokpoga Marsh Watershed Improvement District assessment to a max rate of $24 per acre, increasing annual funds by approximately $287,250
- Proposed Resolution No. 22-23-130: Increase Placid Lakes Special Benefit District assessment to a max rate of $50, increasing annual funds by approximately $243,504
Board of County Commissioners Regular Meeting
The Board of County Commissioners will hold public hearings on increasing the solid waste special assessment to $222.79 and raising the fire protection special assessment by 7%. The body is also deciding on several budget amendments and infrastructure contracts.
- Proposed solid waste assessment increase to $222.79
- Proposed 7% increase in fire protection special assessment
- Agreement with Excavation Point, Inc. for Sun-N-Lake Boulevard Sidewalk Extension
- Tourist Development Grant of $30,000 for USA Lacrosse Florida Hall of Fame and All-American Festival
- Transfer of $108,500 for Sun 'N Lake of Sebring Improvement District Playground
Meeting of the Districts
The meeting is primarily procedural. The Board of Supervisors of the Special Districts is seeking approval for the minutes from the April 4, 2023, and April 18, 2023, meetings.
- Approval of April 4, 2023 meeting minutes
- Approval of April 18, 2023 meeting minutes
Board of County Commissioners Regular Meeting
The Board of County Commissioners is reviewing multiple FDOT agreements for road widening, resurfacing, and bridge rehabilitation. The body is also deciding on a medical transport certificate and various budget amendments for county projects.
- Beacon Avenue widening and resurfacing grant of $1,419,207.00
- CR 64 resurfacing from S Angelo Lake Road to E Butler Road
- Catfish Creek Road Bridge rehabilitation project
- Public hearing for Rapid Response EMS medical transport certificate
- FDOT streetlight maintenance compensation of $247,579.60
Board of County Commissioners Regular Meeting
The Board of County Commissioners will vote on several contracts, budget amendments, and land-use changes. Key items include funding for emergency vehicles and public hearings regarding the conversion of agricultural land to mobile home parks.
- Budget amendment of $1,500,000 for three brush trucks and two tankers
- Public hearings for two rezonings of agricultural land to mobile home parks (Desoto MHP and MLK MHP)
- Contract with Jack's Lawn & Landscaping for $94,490 for Sebring Parkway Maintenance
- Contract with Edgewood Landscape and Nursery, Inc. for $33,000
- FDOT grant of $100,000 for Sun-N-Lake Blvd sidewalk
Meeting of the Districts
The Board of Supervisors of the Special Districts is considering a budget amendment to appropriate additional revenues for several fire districts. These funds will be used to purchase fire equipment.
- Resolution 22-23-93 for Budget Amendment 22-23-077 to increase fire equipment funding by $14,727.11
- Approval of minutes from the March 7, 2023 Meeting of the Special Districts
Board of County Commissioners Regular Meeting
The Board of County Commissioners will hold public hearings on rezoning and land use amendments for a 7.01-acre site. The body is also reviewing budget reallocations for the Sports Complex and personnel manual revisions.
- Public hearing for P&Z 2121 and CPA-23-614SS to change 7.01 acres from residential to agricultural
- Budget Amendment 22-23-067 to reallocate $11,350.01 for Sports Complex well drilling and pump
- Payment of $27,006.00 to Motorola for the Hurricane Ian Project
- Resolution 22-23-78 to revise the Personnel Manual
- Estimated $1,212 expenditure to transfer vehicle titles to Constitutional Officers
Meeting of the Districts
The meeting agenda consists of procedural boilerplate. The only listed action item is a request to approve the minutes from the February 21, 2023, meeting.
- Approval of February 21, 2023, Meeting of the Special Districts minutes
Board of County Commissioners Regular Meeting
The Board of County Commissioners will review several budget amendments, including funding for a new Deputy Emergency Manager and a Health Department vehicle. The agenda also includes street name changes, the creation of a Critical Infrastructure Division, and a public hearing regarding a historic designation removal.
- Rename Bell Place to Ron Adams Place ($200)
- Rename East-West portions of Wendy Lane and Courtney Lane to Darling Street ($300)
- Create Deputy Emergency Manager position ($56,432.16)
- Purchase new vehicle for Health Department ($13,391.00)
- Replace concrete driveway at Station 41 - Sunn Lake ($46,000 total)
Board of County Commissioners Regular Meeting
The Board of County Commissioners will review budget amendments for equipment and grants. Key items include a major purchase for the Solid Waste Department and several technical assistance grants.
- Purchase of a New TANA H555 Landfill Compactor and Hydraulic Cover Spray Unit for $1,325,067.40
- Acceptance of a $50,000 DEO Community Planning Technical Assistance Grant for a Tourism Rec Facility Study
- Acceptance of a $25,000 Rural Toolkit Site Preparedness Grant from Enterprise Florida Inc.
- Budget amendment of $8,200 for electrical work for the Bert J. Harris Agri-Civic Center HVAC replacement
- Fee waiver of $925 for the 2023 Kiwanis Aktion Softball Classic
Meeting of the Districts
The meeting agenda is primarily procedural. The only specific action item listed is a request to approve the minutes from the February 7, 2023, meeting.
- Approval of February 7, 2023, meeting minutes
Board of County Commissioners Regular Meeting
The Board of County Commissioners will review several land-use and zoning amendments, including requests to change parcels from agriculture to commercial or residential. The body is also deciding on public safety contracts and infrastructure funding reallocations.
- MOU for Highlands County Fire Rescue to use a Sheriff's Office boat for $12,803 annually for insurance
- Tourist Development Grant for Youth Lacrosse Tournament totaling $51,500 over three years
- Motorola Service Agreement payment of $351,235.18
- Budget reallocation for ADA compliance on the Hammock Rd. Multi-Use Path
- Public hearings for zoning changes on parcels associated with Bacon, McClure, and Gelbhauer
Meeting of the Districts
The Board of Supervisors of the Special Districts will meet to discuss a consent agenda. The primary action is the approval of meeting minutes from January 5, 2023, and January 19, 2023.
- Approval of January 05, 2023 meeting minutes
- Approval of January 19, 2023 meeting minutes
Board of County Commissioners Regular Meeting
The Board of County Commissioners will discuss budget amendments for infrastructure and public safety, including a grant for EMS equipment. The body is also reviewing a quarterly update on American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) projects.
- Budget amendment of $297,188.57 for Courthouse Façade Repairs
- Acceptance of $205,200 Florida Department of Health EMS Matching Grant with a $22,800 county match
- Budget amendment of $154,819.67 to Project 22041 Hammock Rd Drainage
- Waiver of $270 in landfill tipping fees for Placid Lakes Homeowner Association cleanup
- Budget decrease of $640,019.02 to reverse encumbrances from FY 21/22
Meeting of the Districts
The Board of County Commissioners is considering a budget amendment to reverse unused funds that rolled over from the 2021/22 fiscal year. This action would reduce the overall budget for several special benefit districts by closing out purchase orders that are no longer needed.
- Resolution 22-23-64: Budget Amendment 22-23-052 to decrease budget by $5,024.30
- Affected funds: Placid Lakes Special Benefit District
- Affected funds: Sun ‘N Lakes of Lake Placid Recreation District
- Affected funds: Lake Placid Special Benefit Fire District
- Affected funds: Highlands Park Estates Special Benefit District
Board of County Commissioners Regular Meeting
The Board of County Commissioners will hold public hearings regarding land use amendments for J & J Parker Enterprises, Inc. and modifications to the 2030 Comprehensive Plan's Five-Year Capital Improvement Schedule. The body will also review several partnership agreements and appointments to county commissions.
- Public hearing for CPA-23-611SS to change 5.80 acres from Agriculture and Commercial to Medium Density Residential
- Public hearing for P&Z Hearing No. 2117 to change 5.80 acres to Multiple Family Dwelling including Motel and Hotel District
- Modifications to the Five-Year Capital Improvement Schedule of the Highlands County 2030 Comprehensive Plan
- Tower Removal Agreement for a wireless facility at 269 Butler Dairy Rd, Lorida
- Approval of a centennial mural rendering funded by $5,000.00 from t-shirt sales
Meeting of the Districts
The meeting agenda is primarily procedural. The board is scheduled to review and approve minutes from two previous meetings held in November 2022.
- Approval of minutes from the November 15, 2022, Meeting of the Special Districts
- Approval of minutes from the November 29, 2022, Special Meeting of the Special Districts
Board of County Commissioners Regular Meeting
The Board of County Commissioners will consider several budget amendments, including a $9.9 million increase for rollover project balances and a $2.6 million decrease for ARPA project funds. The body will also vote on grants for elder care and personal development services.
- Budget Amendment 22-23-043: net increase of $9,925,310.70 for rollover project balances
- Budget Amendment 22-23-042: net decrease of $2,616,633.93 for ARPA project funds
- Budget Amendment 22-23-035: $936,751.00 for State Housing Initiative Partnership Program (SHIP)
- Grant agreements for Nu-Hope Elder Care Services ($46,886) and Peace River Center for Personal Development ($30,000)
- Amendment 5 for CR 623 (Kenilworth Blvd) Mill and Resurfacing Project: $32,879.00
Meeting of the Districts
The Board is considering budget amendments to close out fire district projects and adjust fund balances for equipment purchases. The meeting also includes a request to approve minutes from the November 1, 2022, meeting.
- Resolution 22-23-53: Budget decrease of $5,119.53 for Istokpoga Marsh Improvement District (Project 14041)
- Resolution 22-23-54: Budget Amendment 22-23-041 to close fire district projects with a net budget decrease of $7,415.29
- Budget decrease of $57,017.66 for Venus SBFD (Fund 137)
- Budget decrease of $687.75 for Leisure Lakes SBFD (Fund 114)
- Budget increases for Sun’ N Lakes Placid SBFD ($26,446.87), West Sebring SBFD ($12,138.92), and Highlands Park SBFD ($7,111.68)