Highlights from JCBOCC September 9th Meeting

On September 9, 2025, the Jackson County Board of County Commissioners held a Public Hearing and Regular Meeting. This is a recap of some of the reports and requests included in those meetings.

A request was made for Adoption of Resolutions Adopting Tentative Millage and Tentative Budget for FY 2025-2026. The Board held the first public hearing on the Fiscal Year 2025-2026 budget and millage rate, adopting a tentative millage rate of 7.9450 mills (unchanged from last year) and a tentative budget of $126,617,193. These tentative approvals are an important step in the annual budgeting process, ensuring that services and priorities for the coming year are funded responsibly. The final public hearing to adopt the budget and millage will take place on September 29, 2025, at 5:01 PM.

Continuing the meeting was a request for Adoption of National Black Growers Council Farm Field Day Proclamation. The Board adopted a proclamation recognizing the 2025 National Black Growers Council Model Farm Field Day, which took place on Friday, September 12, 2025, at Gilbert Farms in Marianna. Hosted by third-generation farmer Dexter Gilbert, this event will showcase innovative practices in cotton and peanut production, including cutting-edge demonstrations with drones, no-till planting, cover crops, and advanced harvest techniques. Designed to bring together farmers, agricultural professionals, and the community, the Field Day highlighted the importance of innovation, sustainability, and efficiency in agriculture while celebrating the critical role farming plays in Jackson County’s economy and future.

A request for Approval to Set Public Hearings was also made. The Board of County Commissioners set public hearings for September 23, 2025, at 6:00 pm for the following:

•Floodplain Management Ordinance: Florida Department of Emergency Management recently reviewed the County's existing floodplain management regulations and recommended some changes to the Floodplain Management Ordinance to comply with Federal Emergency Management updates. At their regularly scheduled meeting on September 8, the Planning Commission recommended approval of the proposed changes to the Floodplain Management Ordinance.

•Updated Subdivision Ordinance: Senate Bill 784 was signed by the Governor on June 27 to become effective July 1, 2025. The new law requires updates to the subdivision process. At their regularly scheduled meeting on September 8, the Planning Commission recommended approval of the proposed changes to the Subdivision Ordinance.

•Green Road/Hussey Road Mini Farms Subdivision: a General Development Order to develop a 10-lot minor residential subdivision with lots ranging from 2.50 acres to 4.85 acres. The proposed subdivision will be situated on the southwest corner of Green Road and Hussey Road in unincorporated Jackson County.

•Happy Green Acres RV Park and Flea market: Request was made to change the public hearing to September 23, 2025, at 6:00 PM for a General Development Order to construct a 21-unit RV park, commercial swimming pool, 6 sheds, snow cone stand and 2 pole barns to be used as a flea market. The total impervious surface for this project is 16,000 square feet. This project will be located at 3039 Edification Drive in unincorporated Jackson County. The Jackson County Comprehensive Plan Policy 2.2(2)(3)(a) requires regulatory board approval for a special exception to the Agriculture 2 land use category to allow placement of an RV Park.

On August 18, 2025, the Planning Commission recommended approval of the General Development Order and special exception for Happy Green Acres RV Park and Flea Market to the Board of County Commissioners.

These public hearings will provide an opportunity for community members to engage and offer feedback on the proposed projects, ensuring transparency and community involvement in local regulations and the development/land use process. The Board is committed to facilitating growth that benefits Jackson County and its residents.

A request for Approval of Agreement for Ambulance Standby Public Services for The Wrestling Experience Event. The Board approved an agreement to provide ambulance standby services at the Jackson County Ag Center on September 28, 2025, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. for The Wrestling Experience event. This measure ensures the safety of participants and attendees, meeting the vendor’s insurance requirements and demonstrating the County’s continued commitment to supporting safe and successful community events.

The meeting continued with a request for Approval of Award for 2425-09 Adaptation Planning Consultant. The Board approved awarding the bid for Adaptation Planning Consulting Services to Dewberry, supporting Jackson County’s ongoing Vulnerability Assessment project funded by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP). The RFQ was issued by the Board on July 22, 2025, remained open from July 31 through August 21, and Dewberry was selected as the recommended firm. The project will include updated rainfall hazard data, exposure and sensitivity analysis, and the development of a comprehensive Adaptation Plan that prioritizes projects to address future stormwater, flooding, and infrastructure challenges. With input from a steering committee, public meetings, and final presentations to participating municipalities, this initiative ensures Jackson County continues planning proactively for long-term resilience and community protection.

Approval to Solicit Building Inspection Services RFP 2425-25 was also requested. The Board approved moving forward with a new solicitation for Building Inspection Services, as the current contract with EPCI is set to expire. To ensure continuity of service and a fair review process, the Board also approved the recommended review committee, which includes Benet Johnson, Kim Sweazy, and Allen Biggs from the Building Services/Community Development Department, along with Commissioner Paul Donofro, Jr. This step helps maintain strong oversight, efficiency, and quality in the County’s building inspection program.

A request was also made for Approval to Award 2425-20 Endeavor Museum Shell Reconstruction and Structural Repairs to Monolith Construction. The Board approved awarding the Endeavor Museum Shell and Structural Repairs project to Monolith Construction, following a thorough bid and review process. With guidance from Melvin Engineering, value engineering negotiations helped bring the project within the available budget, supported by grant funds and TDC contributions. While the scope has been refined, the project will still achieve its original intent: stabilizing and preserving the historic museum building, while leaving room for future renovation efforts as funding becomes available. This marks an important step forward in the continued revitalization of the Endeavor property.

A final request for Approval of the 2025-26 SCCW Grant CW017 Agreement was also made. The Board approved the 2025-26 Jackson County Small County Consolidated Solid Waste Management Grant (SCCW Grant CW017), which provides $93,750 in annual funding through the Florida Department of Environmental Protection. These funds play a vital role in supporting Jackson County’s Recycling Program, covering salaries, equipment, repairs, and other essential expenses. This grant ensures the County can continue promoting responsible waste management and sustainability efforts that benefit both residents and the environment.

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