Graceville City Commission Advances Infrastructure Projects, Honors Fire Chief

The Graceville City Commission convened for its regular November meeting on Tuesday, November 18. with a full agenda focused on city infrastructure, grant-funded improvements, and recognition of long-serving public safety personnel. After approving an amended agenda, commissioners quickly moved into discussions beginning with the annual volunteer fire department bonus list. City Manager Michelle Watkins and Fire Chief Tommy Dennis explained the long-standing 35% call-response rule used to determine eligibility. Commissioners unanimously approved the Christmas bonus distribution, thanking the fire volunteers for their continued service to the community.

A major highlight of the evening was the award recommendation for the MO102 Water Hardening Project, funded through Hurricane Michael recovery dollars. Watkins reported that Cinch Underground submitted the lowest qualified construction bid at $4,743,978.75, well under the $5.37 million allocated. The commission voted unanimously to authorize awarding the bid, pending DEO approval. Watkins noted that additional qualifying work may be incorporated into the project if remaining grant funds allow.

Commissioners also approved moving forward with a Florida Municipal “Stock” Program grant application to improve Pelham, Martin, and Faith Streets—corridors that connect major state roadways. This application, previously submitted but not selected, will be resubmitted with updated engineering support. Several commissioners voiced support for improving the neighborhood and incentivizing community upgrades in the area.

The commission then unanimously approved dedicating the new Graceville Fire Department facility to Fire Chief Tommy Dennis, recognizing his decades—roughly 40 years—of service. Plans will move forward to install commemorative plaques and prepare for the official ribbon-cutting and dedication scheduled for December 18 at 10:00 a.m.

Another approved item involved addressing minor asbestos discovered at Old City Hall. Watkins explained that only two small areas tested positive, both limited to older cosmetic materials such as popcorn texture and linoleum. The commission authorized her to obtain quotes from certified abatement contractors, with city staff preparing to remove archival materials ahead of the work.

In her manager’s report, Watkins provided extensive updates on ongoing infrastructure projects. The MO112 water-system improvements are nearing construction, while MO172 (sewer system hardening) bids are due December 4. The city and Dewberry Engineering continue design work on MO174, the large inflow and infiltration project now approximately 75% complete. Work is also advancing on the Cliff and Second Street paving project, with CEI bids expected in early December and paving anticipated to begin in February.

Additional project updates included fire truck delivery anticipated in early spring; progress on splash pad permitting discussions; and a move to transition city telephone and technology support to CLS, a cost-saving measure projected to reduce recurring expenses by several thousand dollars monthly.

Several upcoming events were also highlighted, including the Graceville Christmas Festival & Parade on December 12 at 6 p.m. Watkins emphasized the city’s focus on making the festival a free community event with activities for children, including hot dogs, drinks, ornament-making, a train ride, and other attractions.

During citizen comments, resident Regina Wolfgang voiced concerns about delays and redactions in a recent public records request, stating that the city’s certified-mail procedure and heavily redacted attorney invoice copies were inconsistent with Florida’s public records standards. She referenced state case law outlining what portions of legal billing records may be exempt and what must be disclosed.

Commissioners closed the meeting with remarks of gratitude—especially toward Chief Dennis for his 40 years of firefighting service, engineering partners working on multi-year infrastructure improvements, and residents who remain engaged in city government. Mayor Walter Olds encouraged citizens to focus on the progress being made across the community, emphasizing positive momentum in water, sewer, public safety, and neighborhood projects.

To read a full transcript of the meeting check out the December 4, 2025 edition.

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