Graceville City Commission approves increase in water deposits, Woman’s Club makes presentation to Fire Department Auxilary

The City of Graceville held its regular monthly meeting on Tuesday, March 5 at the Commission Chambers. The meeting was scheduled one week prior to the usual second Tuesday date during the February Commission Meeting due to the current early voting in the Presidential Preference Primary.

The meeting began with adjustments to the agenda. During this time Commissioner Curtis Pinkard requested discussing personnel policy dealing with paid funeral leave. Currently the City gives its employees paid funeral leave in the death of a spouse, parent, or child. Commissioner Pinkard wanted to discuss adding “in-laws” to the policy. City Manager Michelle Watkins noted that it was possible however it would have to be done through a modification of the City’s Personnel Policy. After a brief discussion it was decided that the item would not be added to this month’s agenda but would be discussed in next month’s when the policy is available and proper research can be done.

The first topic on the agenda was a Florida Power & Light Franchise Fee. City Manager Watkins explained that for many decades the City of Graceville has had a franchise agreement with Florida Power & Light. In this agreement FPL charges residents inside the city a two percent franchise fee to every bill. Those funds are then sent to the City of Graceville as another form of revenue. Manager Watkins noted that this contract was usually written for a 30-year period. With the renewal the City has the option of increasing the franchise tax up to six percent. She continued that the Administration’s recommendation is to increase the fee to four percent. The commission voted unanimously to approve the advertising of a public hearing to increase the franchise fee to four percent. A public hearing on the franchise fee increase will occur at the April Commission Meeting.

The meeting continued with Graceville Woman’s Club members Jeanette Morrow and Pam Kitching presented a $500 check to the Graceville Fire Rescue Auxilary member Sharon Lemons. The Graceville Fire Rescue Auxillary volunteered at the Graceville Pageant in 2023 helping in the background and forefront. Lemons also noted to all that the department is currently preparing for the Easter Egg Drop fundraiser. The annual fundraiser helps raise money for the department and allows parents to purchase pre-filled Easter eggs for their children to enjoy.

Manager Watkins continued the meeting discussing increasing of specific water fees. She noted these increases would not affect the majority of customers across the board but would aid in bringing additional revenue. The first increase would be for water testing. Currently the City offers this service at a cost of $25. The water testing services include required DEP testing as well as waterwell testing. Watkins noted that with supplies continuing to increase across the board, it has been suggested to raise that fee to $30. She went on to add that most privately-owned labs starting prices are around $50. The next item the Administration asked for an increase was on water deposits. Currently to have water turned on through the City a $100 deposit is required. Watkins asked for that to also increase to $200. She noted that the majority of cities in the Tri-County area charge between $150 to $175 for the water deposit. This increase is also needed as more issues arise in the economy and more water bills are left unpaid and delinquent. The commission approved both increases with a unanimous vote.

The final item needed for approval of an Interlocal Agreement between the City of Graceville and Jackson County. The agreement is for an additional five cent gas sales tax. The item has already been assessed by the county and is actual revenue due to the City, however an agreement has to be in place prior to payment. The board voted to approve the agreement unanimously.

The meeting continued with the Manager’s Report. Manager Watkins noted that most grants were moving along and that bids for the fire department are expected in the near future. Watkins also noted that the engineers were coming back to work on Brown Street and attempt to rectify the issues with the curbs that was spoken about in the February meeting. Movie night has been moved to June 1 with Watkins noting that the City and Graceville Woman’s Club had moved the Graceville Pageant to April 13 due to the Lady Tigers State Championship bid. Watkins also noted that Amnesty Day would be occurring the second full week of March on Thursday, March 14 through Saturday, March 16.

The meeting finished with each commissioner thanking all in attendance. The next Graceville City Commission meeting will be held on Tuesday, April 9 at 6:00 pm. The March Graceville City Commission Meeting can be viewed in its entirety on The Graceville News Facebook.

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