The Graceville City Commission held its regular meeting on Tuesday, June 9, beginning with the swearing-in of newly elected Commissioner Samantha Angerbrandt and returning Commissioner Walter Olds. City Attorney Nathan Nolin administered the oath of office.

Following the swearing-in ceremony, the commission selected its leadership for the coming year. Commissioner Terry Nichols was unanimously elected Mayor, while Commissioner Walter Olds was unanimously selected to serve as Mayor Pro Tem.

Mayor Nichols also announced departmental liaison assignments for commissioners. Nichols will serve as liaison to city administration, Olds will oversee public safety, Commissioner Curtis Pinkard will serve as liaison for streets and water, Commissioner Samantha Angerbrandt will oversee cemetery and sanitation matters, and Commissioner John McClendon will continue serving as liaison for recreation while also taking responsibility for sewer-related issues.

One of the first items of business was approval of Resolution 260609, which establishes the city's utility and public fee schedule. City Manager Michelle Watkins explained that the only proposed change was an increase in water laboratory testing fees from $30 to $33 per sample. The increase applies primarily to private well owners and organizations utilizing the city's laboratory services. Commissioners unanimously approved the resolution.

Watkins provided commissioners with several project and community updates. She reported that the Florida Department of Transportation is preparing to begin a major resurfacing project along State Road 2 from Highway 77 east toward Campbellton. Construction is expected to begin July 5 and continue for approximately 320 days. Watkins encouraged residents to prepare for potential traffic delays and lane closures throughout the project.

Commissioners were also informed of an upcoming in-person ethics training session sponsored by the Northwest Florida League of Cities. The training will be held July 9 in DeFuniak Springs.

Watkins noted the success of the recent community flag giveaway coordinated between the City of Graceville and the American Legion. She said residents responded positively to the event, including one citizen who became emotional after receiving a flag she had long wanted but never purchased for herself.

The commission also discussed legislation approved during a recent special session of the Florida Legislature that would place an expanded homestead exemption before voters in November. Watkins explained that if approved by voters, the exemption would increase to $150,000 and later to $250,000 on homesteaded properties. Preliminary estimates suggest the measure could reduce city revenues by approximately $85,000 to $100,000 annually.

Mayor Nichols asked whether financially con- strained communities would receive state assistance if the measure passes. Watkins said discussions have occurred regarding revenue replacement, but no guarantees currently exist within the proposed legislation.

Angerbrandt asked whether the change would affect the budget currently being developed for the upcoming fiscal year. Watkins said the city does not expect impacts until future budget cycles.

Among infrastructure updates, Watkins announced that Graceville's new fire truck has arrived, been fully outfitted and is already in service responding to calls. Fire department personnel expressed satisfaction with the vehicle and its capabilities.

Several major grant-funded infrastructure projects continue progressing. Watkins reported that work related to sewer system improvements and water system hardening projects remains underway, with contractors currently awaiting delivery of specialized equipment including generators, pumps and monitoring systems. Plans and specifications for the city's sewer inflow and infiltration project are approximately 90 percent complete.

Construction activities are expected to begin soon on the Cliff Street and Second Avenue project. Project engineer Tommy Johns provided an update, explaining that contractors have completed shop drawings and material approvals and are expected to begin construction activities within weeks.

Watkins also reported that environmental review requirements continue delaying progress on the city's planned splash pad project. Commissioner Angerbrandt asked why tribal approval was required. Watkins explained that because federal funding is involved, every recognized tribe must be contacted to ensure the project site presents no archaeological or historical concerns. She clarified that one tribe had not objected to the project but that communication issues involving updated contact information had delayed the review process.

Additional updates included continued efforts to secure funding for the city's effluent pipe project, ongoing planning work related to a stormwater resiliency study, and submission of a Community Development Block Grant application for parking improvements near the Civic Center playground and creek area.

During discussion of the city's upcoming Amnesty Day, scheduled for July 9-11, Commissioner Angerbrandt raised concerns regarding local businesses being prohibited from participating. Watkins explained that commercial participation had previously generated excessive waste disposal costs for the city, resulting in significant overages beyond the two dumpsters provided through the city's contract.

Commissioner Angerbrandt expressed concern that local businesses, particularly nonprofit organizations that provide services to the community, help support Graceville through taxes and utility payments. She specifically referenced organizations such as My Father's Closet, which frequently receives donated items from the public.

Commissioners discussed the possibility of allowing nonprofit organizations to participate while continuing restrictions on for-profit businesses. Mayor Nichols and Commissioner Olds supported exploring that option, and city staff agreed to investigate potential solutions. Police staffing challenges were also discussed. Mayor Nichols acknowledged the department remains short on personnel and is relying heavily on assistance from the Jackson County Sheriff's Office. Watkins said recruitment efforts continue, but many individuals currently completing law enforcement training have already committed to larger agencies.

Commissioner Angerbrandt also raised concerns regarding the unusually large mosquito population this summer. Watkins said the city no longer owns mosquito spraying equipment and noted that a state-supported aerial spraying program previously used by the county was not renewed this year. Commissioner Pinkard shared information about a mosquito treatment product available through local retailers that residents can apply themselves.

During public comments, William Alford addressed concerns regarding a damaged electrical service connection and tree limbs near his property on Brown Street. Mayor Nichols said he would personally investigate the matter.

New resident Juan Gutierrez encouraged the city to pursue efforts aimed at beautifying downtown Graceville and attracting additional businesses and investment. He expressed a willingness to assist city leaders in brainstorming solutions and promoting future growth.

Regina Wolfgang echoed concerns regarding downtown appearance, code enforcement and vacant properties. She encouraged city officials to continue pursuing grants and redevelopment opportunities while increasing public awareness of code enforcement standards.

During commissioner comments, Commissioner Angerbrandt thanked residents for the opportunity to serve and emphasized her commitment to transparency and accessibility. She announced that she has established both a dedicated commission email address and a separate phone number for city business.

Commissioners also recognized Graceville's 10U All-Star baseball team for winning the district championship and earning a berth in the state tournament later this month. Angerbrandt encouraged residents to support upcoming fundraisers benefiting the team and thanked the coaches and volunteers who make the youth program successful.

Mayor Nichols concluded the meeting by encouraging residents to continue bringing ideas and concerns before the commission, emphasizing that community involvement will play an important role in Graceville's continued growth and improvement.

A copy of the June Meeting Transcript can be found in the June 25th print edition of The Graceville News.