Highlands County public meetings in 2024
23 substantive meetings from 2024, with official agendas or minutes and plain-English summaries.
Board of County Commissioners Regular Meeting
The Board will consider Resolution 24-25-050 to appropriate $1,168,317.04 in regional and city/county opioid settlement funds, increasing the General Fund by $968,701.08. It will also consider Resolution 24-25-043, a budget amendment that appropriates $508,500 and transfers $708,115 to fund the purchase of 18 new LP35 Lifepaks and Narcan, including a $104,000 trade‑in credit and an $80,000 vendor discount. The purchases will be made from Project #23053 and transferred to Project #24031, with a $3,300 contract for related supplies.
- Adopt Resolution 24-25-050 to appropriate $1,168,317.04 opioid settlement funds (fiscal impact $968,701.08)
- Adopt Resolution 24-25-043 (Budget Amendment 24-25-025) to appropriate $508,500 and transfer $708,115 for EMS Lifepak replacements
- Purchase 18 new LP35 Lifepaks and Narcan using opioid settlement funds
- Include $104,000 trade‑in credit for 13 LP15 Lifepaks and $80,000 vendor discount
- Contract amount of $3,300 for project equipment and operating supplies related to the Lifepak purchase
Meeting of the Districts
The Highlands County Board of County Commissioners will consider adopting Resolution 24-25-047 to amend Budget 24-25-030, rolling forward FY 23/24 encumbrances into FY 24/25 for Special Benefit Districts. The amendment would increase the funds of three districts by a total of $6,979.71 (Fund 107 Placid Lakes $751.96; Fund 109 Istokpoga Marsh Imp District $5,748.75; Fund 128 SNL of Lake Placid $479.00). The board will also approve the minutes from the August 20 and September 5, 2024 special meetings of the districts. No other actions are listed on the agenda.
- Adopt Resolution 24-25-047 for Budget Amendment 24-25-030 (encumbrance rollover)
- Increase of $6,979.71 to Special Benefit District funds: Fund 107 $751.96, Fund 109 $5,748.75, Fund 128 $479.00
- Approve minutes from the August 20, 2024 special meeting
- Approve minutes from the September 5, 2024 special meeting
Board of County Commissioners Regular Meeting
The Highlands County Board of County Commissioners will vote on several budget and contract items, including a $1,292,945.72 increase to the Sheriff’s FY24/25 budget. Other agenda items include approval of a State Fire Marshal grant for fire decontamination equipment, a $50,000 water‑quality and drainage study funded by ARPA, an agreement with Accenture LLP, and a financing agreement for the 80‑unit Avon Park Apartments affordable‑housing project. The meeting also features recognitions, public comment, and committee appointments.
- Adopt Resolution 24-25-040 to increase the Sheriff’s FY24/25 budget by $1,292,945.72.
- Approve State Fire Marshal Grant and Budget Amendment 24-25-017 for fire decontamination equipment totaling $19,926.41.
- Approve Professional Services Amendment 2 for water‑quality and drainage studies funded with $50,000 from ARPA Project #20056.
- Approve the agreement between Accenture LLP and Highlands County (no fiscal impact noted).
- Approve Subordination and Intercreditor Agreement for the 80‑unit Avon Park Apartments affordable‑housing development.
Meeting of the Districts
The Highlands County Board of County Commissioners will consider adopting Resolution 24-25-041, which amends the budget to appropriate an additional $150,000 for Project 23099 – roadway improvements in the Avon Park Estates Special Benefit District. The meeting will also approve the minutes from the July 16 and August 6, 2024 Special Districts meetings. Public comment and a public hearing are scheduled as part of the agenda.
- Adopt Resolution 24-25-041 to appropriate $150,000 for Project 23099 (Avon Park Estates Roadway Improvements)
- Approve minutes from the July 16, 2024 Special Districts meeting
- Approve minutes from the August 6, 2024 Special Districts meeting
Board of County Commissioners Regular Meeting
The Highlands County Board of County Commissioners will vote on several FY 23‑24 budget amendment resolutions. The items include aligning the Clerk of Courts and Supervisor of Elections budgets, cleaning up special benefit district accounts, and a large amendment that adds $5,310,670 to the General Fund and several other trust and special tax funds. Each resolution specifies the exact dollar increase and the fund(s) affected.
- Resolution 24‑25‑035: $58,000 increase to Fund 005 (General) for Clerk of Courts year‑end cleanup
- Resolution 24‑25‑036: $7,612.32 increase to Fund 005 (General) for Supervisor of Elections budget realignment
- Resolution 24‑25‑039: $45,009.09 increase across multiple Special Benefit District funds for FY 23‑24 cleanup
- Resolution 24‑25‑037: $58,000 increase to Fund 005 (General) for FY 23‑24 cost‑center cleanup of exceeded budgets
- Resolution (unnumbered) budget amendment: $5,310,670 total increase to Fund 005 General, Fund 110 Transportation Trust, Fund 123 Library Cooperative, Fund 152 Tourist Development Trust, Fund 155 Hospital District, Fund 176 State Court Facilities Trust, Fund 179 Court Tech, Fund 180 Building, Fund 181 Fire Assessments, and Fund 401 Solid Waste
Board of County Commissioners Regular Meeting
The Highlands County Board of County Commissioners will adopt Budget Amendment 24‑25‑020, increasing multiple fund allocations by $34,279,993.75 for FY 24/25. The meeting also includes the swearing‑in of three new commissioners, the election of a Chair and Vice‑Chair, and the approval of a proclamation designating November 20, 2024 as GIS Day. Additional agenda items cover various fund transfers and re‑appropriations with no net fiscal impact.
- Swearing‑in of Commissioners Kevin J. Roberts, Scott A. Kirouac, and Chris Campbell
- Election of Chair and Vice‑Chair of the Board
- Approval of a proclamation recognizing November 20, 2024 as “GIS Day”
- Adoption of Budget Amendment 24‑25‑020 increasing funds by $34,279,993.75 across General, Transportation, Conservation, Infrastructure, Tourist Development, Building, Fire Assessment, Capital, and Energy Recovery funds
- Fund transfers: $27,916.50 from Project 24006 to Projects 24017/24018; $152,830.06 to Project 22030; $3,702.08 for Parks & Facilities Administrative Assistant position
Board of County Commissioners Regular Meeting
The Board will consider a series of consent agenda items, including contract approvals, budget amendments, and grant acceptances. The most significant item is the acceptance of a Florida Sports Foundation Major Market Grant of $24,846,000 and the accompanying budget amendment. Additional items include a $5,000 Small Market Grant, a $417,382 landfill office building contract with Fabricon Modular, a $134,700 burn services agreement, and a Tourist Development Council Water Experience Grant of up to $50,000.
- Accept Florida Sports Foundation Major Market Grant of $24,846,000 (Resolution 24-25-019)
- Accept Florida Sports Foundation Small Market Grant of $5,000 (Resolution 24-25-020)
- Approve contract with Fabricon Modular, LLC for new Landfill Office Building ($417,382)
- Approve burn services agreements totaling $134,700 over three years
- Approve Tourist Development Council Water Experience Development Grant Program (up to $50,000)
Board of County Commissioners Regular Meeting
The Board of County Commissioners will hold public hearings on three zoning and land development matters, including a request for an ambulance certificate. The body is also deciding on several budget amendments and contracts for professional services.
- Public hearing for zoning change of 10.41 acres to Business District with a Planned Development (B-3 PD)
- Public hearing for zoning change of 26.84 acres to R-3 and 12.50 acres to B-2
- Budget Amendment 24-25-005 to roll forward project balances with a net increase of $2,325,023.34
- Agreement with VisionFirst Advisors for $55,000
- Tourist Development Grant of $18,200.00 for Hurricane Junior Golf Tour tournaments
Board of County Commissioners Regular Meeting
The Highlands County Board of Commissioners will vote on Resolution 24-25-012 to declare a local state of emergency for Hurricane Milton. The resolution would allow the county to waive certain procedures, establish a curfew in unincorporated areas, and designate disaster‑essential employees with overtime pay. The board will also consider approving the closure of county offices as part of the emergency response. Both actions are noted as having no fiscal impact.
- Approve Resolution 24-25-012 declaring a local state of emergency for Hurricane Milton
- Grant the Sheriff authority to establish and enforce a curfew in unincorporated areas
- Designate disaster‑essential employees and permit overtime pay during the emergency
- Permit waiving of standard procedures for contracts, hiring, and equipment rental
- Approve closure of county offices related to the emergency
Board of County Commissioners Regular Meeting
The Board of County Commissioners will discuss funding options for a revenue study by Alfred Benesch & Company and hold a public hearing on Land Development Regulation amendments. The meeting also includes several budget realignments and approvals for public safety projects.
- Proposed Comprehensive Alternative Revenue Funding Study with costs up to $413,798.00
- Public hearing on proposed amendments to Land Development Regulations (LDRs)
- Contract for $225,896.00 to The Lunz Group, Inc. for Spring Lake Fire Station #23 services
- Appropriation of $706,960.00 for two Next Gen E911 Grant Projects
- Ridge to River Conservation Planning Study agreement with North Florida Land Trust for $68,509.00
Meeting of the Districts
The Highlands County Board of Supervisors will consider a consent agenda item to approve the minutes from the June 18, 2024 meeting of the Special Districts. The agenda lists no presentations, public comment, or other actions for this meeting. The approval is recommended by the County Commission agenda.
- Approve June 18, 2024 meeting minutes of the Special Districts (Attachment: 061824SPC.pdf)
Board of County Commissioners Regular Meeting
The Board of County Commissioners will consider an ordinance to re-impose a five-cent local option gas tax and a one-cent fuel tax on motor and diesel fuel. These taxes fund transportation expenditures and road system maintenance within the county and its three municipalities.
- Ordinance 23-24-38 to re-impose five-cent local option gas tax (estimated $1,505,303.00 for FY 24/25)
- Ordinance 23-24-38 to re-impose one-cent fuel tax on motor and diesel fuel (estimated $520,432.00 for FY 24/25)
- Interlocal Agreement between Highlands County and the Clerk of Court and Comptroller regarding a CentralSquare Technologies, LLC software agreement
Board of County Commissioners Regular Meeting
The Board will consider Resolution 23-24-211 to declare a local state of emergency for Tropical Storm Helene. They will also consider options for closing county offices on September 26‑27, 2024, ranging from a one‑day closure to keeping offices open. Both agenda items have no fiscal impact.
- Resolution 23-24-211 – declaration of a local state of emergency for Tropical Storm Helene (no fiscal impact)
- Option to close county offices on Thursday, September 26, 2024
- Option to close county offices on Thursday and Friday, September 26‑27, 2024
- Option to keep county offices open on Thursday and Friday, September 26‑27, 2024
- Authority for the sheriff to establish and enforce a curfew during the emergency (part of the resolution)
Board of County Commissioners Regular Meeting
The Highlands County Board of County Commissioners will hold a final budget public hearing, present the FY 2024‑2025 tentative budget PowerPoint, and then vote to adopt the tentative budget and a series of required resolutions. The adopted budget totals $221,198,343, including a $105,837,449 General Fund and a 6.63 % tax increase with a tentative millage rate of 7.6000. Adoption will cover special benefit district assessments, the millage, the budget, the fee schedule, and the capital financial strategy.
- Presentation of FY 2024‑2025 tentative budget PowerPoint (no fiscal impact)
- Public hearing to receive written and oral comments on the proposed budget
- Adoption of FY 2024‑2025 tentative budget – fiscal impact $221,198,343
- Resolution adoption for special benefit districts assessments, tentative millage, fee schedule, and capital financial strategy
- General Fund allocation of $105,837,449 and a 6.63 % tax increase (millage rate 7.6000)
Board of County Commissioners Regular Meeting
The Highlands County Board of Commissioners will consider a series of budget amendments, contract extensions, and grant acceptances at its September 5 meeting. A key item is Resolution 23-24-169, which adds $90,000 to Project Capital Infrastructure and $60,000 to Miscellaneous Intergovernmental Reimbursement for the North Main Ave/CR 17 pedestrian crossing, while reducing salaries by $30,000. Other actions include approving a $105,806 Emergency Management Preparedness Assistance Grant and a $39,950 surplus property sale, among several contract and tourism‑related adjustments.
- Resolution 23-24-169: add $90,000 to Project Capital Infrastructure and $60,000 to Intergovernmental Reimbursement for North Main Ave/CR 17 pedestrian crossing (and reduce salaries by $30,000).
- Resolution 23-24-192: accept the 2024‑2025 Emergency Management Preparedness Assistance Grant for $105,806 to Fund 005 (General).
- Resolution 23-24-188: approve $39,950 revenue from the sale of one county‑owned surplus property to the General Fund.
- Amendment 3 to the Tourism Consultant Services Agreement: increase Fund 152 (Tourist Development) by $3,055.40 for FY 2024‑25.
- Agreement with MidFlorida Armored & ATM Services, Inc.: budgeted $94,725 in the General Fund and $15,000 in the Solid Waste Fund for armored services.
Meeting of the Districts
The Board of Supervisors will certify non-ad valorem assessment rolls for nine Municipal Service Benefit Units for FY 24-25, with an estimated combined revenue of approximately $175,954.52. The Board will also consider a request to spend up to $20,000 on repairs and maintenance for the Istokpoga Marsh Watershed Improvement District.
- Certification of non-ad valorem assessment rolls for nine Municipal Service Benefit Units for FY 24-25
- Request to spend up to $20,000 on repairs and maintenance for the Istokpoga Marsh Watershed Improvement District
- Public hearing for the certification of the non-ad valorem assessment rolls for nine Municipal Service Benefit Units for FY 24-25
- Approval of the certification of the non-ad valorem assessment rolls for nine Municipal Service Benefit Units for FY 24-25
- Request direction on expending funds for repairs and maintenance items relative to IMWID
Board of County Commissioners Regular Meeting
The Highlands County Board of County Commissioners will vote on several resolutions, including a transfer of Sun ’N Lake Boulevard and construction of a new segment of Schumacher Road. The board will also accept multiple small grants for tourism events and a Florida Sports Foundation grant, and approve a consultant contract for a bridge structural analysis. A public hearing will consider Ordinance 23-24-36 to extend the county’s impact‑fee moratorium, which could reduce fee revenue by an estimated $2.5 million per year.
- Adopt Resolution 23-24-174 to transfer Sun ’N Lake Boulevard and fund $650,000 design/construction of Schumacher Road segment
- Accept Florida Sports Foundation Small Market Grant of $3,703 for tourism budget amendment
- Approve tourist development grants: $17,125 for 2024 Lake Placid Dragboat Event and $15,400 for 2024 UFFL Weekend Warrior Tournament
- Public hearing on Ordinance 23-24-36 to extend impact‑fee moratorium, estimated $2.5 M annual revenue loss
- Authorize Consultant Service #4 with Kimley‑Horn for structural analysis of Arbuckle Creek Road Bridge, funding transferred from reserve account
Meeting of the Districts
The Board of Supervisors of the Special Districts is considering a budget amendment to reorganize funding for Lake Placid Fire Station 36. The proposal involves creating a new project number to consolidate funds and start the project fresh for stakeholders.
- Resolution 23-24-175 to approve Budget Amendment 23-24-161
- Increase of $18,818.85 to Fund 144 (Lake Placid Special Benefit Fire Dist.)
- Transfer of $402,777.13 from Project 18051 to new Project 23091 (Lake Placid Fire Station 36)
Board of County Commissioners Regular Meeting
The Highlands County Board of Commissioners will consider a series of budget amendments, pay‑grade changes, and proclamations. Key items include a $1,356,491.63 contract with SEMCO Construction for the Sheriff's Office Animal Services project and a solid‑waste special assessment increase that could generate about $268,696.32 in revenue. The meeting also includes public hearings on a large‑scale plan amendment to the 2030 Comprehensive Plan and routine approvals such as library material donations and fire‑service pay‑grade upgrades.
- Approve SEMCO Construction, Inc. contract ($1,356,491.63) for Highlands County Sheriff's Office Animal Services project
- Adopt Resolution 23-24-153 to re‑impose solid‑waste special assessment, raising revenue by $268,696.32
- Increase Public Safety Director/Fire Chief pay grade from 122 to 123 (salary range $89,945‑$134,917)
- Transfer funds between Lake Placid Fire Station projects (no fiscal impact)
- Public hearing on Large Scale Plan Amendment CPA‑24‑631LS to amend Future Land Use Element of the 2030 Comprehensive Plan
Meeting of the Districts
The Highlands County Board of County Commissioners will consider several items at its August 6 meeting. It will approve response letters to the Florida Department of Environmental Protection and the Department of Agriculture to extend the IMWID Phase II grant (no fiscal impact). It will adopt a budget amendment adding $20,000 to Fund 148 and $22,349 to Fund 128, increasing district funds by $42,349. It will also adopt a budget amendment allocating $310,066 to Fund 111 for Avon Park Estates Roadway Improvements (Project No. 23099).
- Approve response letters to FDEP and FDACS for extending the IMWID Phase II Grant Agreement (no fiscal impact).
- Adopt Resolution 23-24-164, increasing Fund 148 by $20,000 and Fund 128 by $22,349 (total $42,349).
- Discuss direction for the Istokpoga Marsh Watershed Improvement District (no fiscal impact).
- Adopt Resolution 23-24-160, increasing Fund 111 by $310,066 for Avon Park Estates Roadway Improvements (Project No. 23099).
Board of County Commissioners Regular Meeting
The Highlands County Board of County Commissioners will consider approving Resolution 23-24-170. The resolution would declare a local state of emergency in response to Invest 97L. It authorizes a curfew, disaster‑essential employee designations, overtime pay, and allows waiving certain procedures. The emergency would begin upon adoption and last seven days, with extensions possible up to a total of 42 days, and has no fiscal impact.
- Adopt Resolution 23-24-170 to declare a local state of emergency for Invest 97L
- Authorize the Highlands County Sheriff to establish and enforce a curfew in unincorporated areas
- Designate disaster‑essential employees and permit overtime pay during the emergency
- Allow waivers of procedures for contracts, hiring, equipment rental, and other actions
- Set the emergency duration to 7 days, extendable in 7‑day increments up to 42 days
Board of County Commissioners Regular Meeting
The Board of County Commissioners held a workshop to vet requested budgets for constitutional officers and outside agencies for the 2024-2025 fiscal year. Staff recommended limiting budget increases for controllable costs to 5.00%.
- Recommended FY 24-25 budget for Sheriff: $40,569,366
- Recommended FY 24-25 budget for Clerk of Courts: $5,850,954
- Recommended FY 24-25 budget for Property Appraiser: $3,775,036
- Recommended FY 24-25 budget for Tax Collector: $2,595,956
- Recommended FY 24-25 budget for Supervisor of Elections: $1,761,003
Meeting of the Districts
The Board of Supervisors will hold a public hearing to consider a resolution that would increase the special assessment for Highlands Park Estates Special Benefit District by approximately $60,562 annually, raising the total to about $121,125.
- Public hearing on Highlands Park Estates Special Benefit District assessment increase
- Approval of May 7, 2024, Special Districts meeting minutes
- Highlands Park Estates Special Benefit District assessment to increase to $121,125 annually
- Highlands Park Estates Special Benefit District MSBU assessment for FY 2024-25
- Resolution 23-24-146 regarding re-imposition of Chapter 9, Article XXXVI (36) assessment