Jackson County BOCC April 28 Regular Meeting Highlights

On April 28, 2026, the Jackson County Board of County Commissioners held a Workshop at 4:30 PM and Regular Meeting at 6:00 PM. This is a recap of some of the reports and requests included in those meetings.

A workshop was held for a presentation on EMS/Fire Assessment for Jackson County. The Board of County Commissioners received a workshop presentation from Accenture providing an overview of how fire and EMS assessments function as a funding mechanism for emergency services. The presentation explained the legal framework for non-ad valorem assessments, including requirements that charges provide a direct benefit to property and be fairly apportioned, as well as the County’s eligibility to implement both fire and EMS assessments under current law.

Accenture also outlined the general methodology and process used to develop and implement an assessment program, including analyzing service demand, categorizing property types, determining cost allocation, and establishing collection methods. The workshop focused on educating the Board on available options and best practices used by other Florida communities. No action was taken, and the Board may consider whether to pursue a more detailed analysis or implementation at a future meeting.

A request was made for approval of resolution Prohibiting Outdoor Burning in Jackson County, Florida. The Board of County Commissioners approved a countywide burn ban due to ongoing dry conditions and increased wildfire risk. The action, taken at the recommendation of the Florida Forest Service and Jackson County Fire Rescue, prohibits outdoor burning activities, including yard debris burning, bonfires, and campfires. Limited exceptions include contained gas or charcoal grills, authorized burns by the Florida Forest Service, and firefighter training. The burn ban will remain in effect until conditions improve and it is deemed safe to lift.

A request for approval of resolutions for Surplus Property. The Board approved two resolutions related to the sale of surplus County-owned properties, supporting the return of unused land to productive use. The Board approved a Purchase and Sale Agreement for a parcel near Highway 73 and Lovett Road, with neighboring property owner J.C. Lovett agreeing to purchase the property for $12,266, reflecting the appraised value and associated appraisal costs. The Board also approved a Resolution finalizing the sale of surplus property located at the corner of Bobkat Road and Tall Pine Drive in Marianna, completing the process previously initiated in December 2025. The property, approximately 0.82 acres, will be sold for $6,580. These actions help streamline County property holdings while supporting responsible land use and returning properties to the local tax roll.

A request was also made for Public Hearings for approval of Changes to Code of Ordinances. The Board held public hearings for two ordinance updates and approved both revisions. The first amendment updates Section 42-704 of the Jackson County Code of Ordinances, relating to medical service requirements for temporary uses such as festivals and planned public assemblies. The revision provides greater flexibility by aligning medical service planning with the type and size of each event, as guided by public liability insurance requirements. The Planning Commission reviewed the changes on April 6 and recommended approval.

The Board also approved revisions to Chapter 10 – Buildings and Building Regulations, which include updates to provisions within Articles I, II, and III, along with renumbering and correction of a scrivener’s error. The Planning Commission likewise reviewed and recommended approval of these updates on April 6. Together, these ordinance revisions help clarify County standards and support more efficient administration of local regulations.

A request for renewal of contracts and MOUs. The Board approved a series of contract and memorandum of understanding (MOU) renewals, supporting the continuation of essential County services and partnerships. These renewals include roadside litter removal, facility maintenance, medical services at the correctional facility, and infrastructure-related contracts such as culvert pipe supply and pavement striping. The Board also approved renewal of the MOU with the Jackson County Economic Development Committee for employee leasing services, ensuring continued collaboration and operational support.

The Board approved, by a 3–2 vote, the third renewal of Contracts 2223-14 (CEI Professional Services) and 2223-15 (Engineering and Design Services) with AHE, DHM, and DRMP. During discussion, the Board considered whether to proceed with the renewal or initiate a new Request for Qualifications (RFQ) for a five-year contract. Following discussion, the Board moved forward with the available renewal option for each contract, which are set to expire on June 26, 2026. The items were approved with dissenting votes from Commissioner Spires (District 1) and Commissioner Branch (District 4).

Additionally, the Board discussed the renewal of the MOU with Endeavor Forward related to services provided through the NextStep Program. The Board approved the County Attorney and staff to develop proposed revisions to the agreement to incorporate additional protections for the County regarding the leased premises. The updated agreement will be presented to Endeavor Forward and brought back before the Board for consideration at a future meeting.

Continuing the meeting was approval of use of the Courthouse Lawn for Memorial Day Event. The Board approved a request from Disabled American Veterans Chapter #22 to use the north side of the Jackson County Courthouse steps and lawn for a Memorial Day event on Monday, May 25, 2026, from 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. CST.

Discussion and direction regarding the Courthouse Tree Removal was requested. The Board approved, by a 4-1 vote, the removal of the oak tree located on the north to northwest side of the Jackson County Courthouse grounds near the Lafayette Street entrance, following review of three certified arborist reports from Prestige Arbor Care, LLC, Miller’s Tree Service, and Florida Environmental and Land Services, Inc. All three assessments recommended removal due to the tree’s declining condition and potential safety risk given its proximity to the building entrance, walkways, and adjacent roadway. The item was approved with a dissenting vote from Commissioner Donofro (District 3).

This action follows prior Board discussions and direction to obtain additional professional evaluations after initial consideration of removal in February. With all required assessments completed and in agreement, the Board moved forward with approving the removal of the tree. Discussion of options to commemorate the tree’s historical presence will take place at a future meeting.

The meeting also included a request for approval of new service fees to County Health Department’s fee schedule. The Board approved a request to add several new service fees to the County Health Department’s official fee schedule, as presented by the Florida Department of Health in Jackson County. The updates are intended to support operational needs, reflect the cost of service delivery, and maintain the department’s ability to provide public health services.

The approved additions include fees related to sports physicals and electrocardiograms (ECGs) to align with updated state requirements for student-athlete evaluations, as well as fees for fingerprinting

services, which are increasingly requested for employment, licensing, and volunteer purposes. These changes reflect the resources, equipment, and staff time required to provide these services.

Approval of Guettler & Guettler Work Authorization to place rumble strips on Flat Road was also given. The Board approved a work authorization with Guettler & Guettler in the amount of $2,400 to install rumble strips on Flat Road at the intersection of Blue Springs Road. This improvement is intended to enhance roadway safety by alerting drivers as they approach the intersection.

A request for approval to award 2526-12 Delinquent Tax Newspaper Advertisement was also presented. The Board approved, by a 3-2 vote, the award of RFP 2526-12 for Delinquent Tax Newspaper Advertisement to both The Jackson County Times and The Graceville News on a rotating basis to provide required publication services for the Tax Collector’s Office, with The Jackson County Times scheduled next in the rotation. The County initially solicited quotes from both publications, with proposals received and opened on March 12, 2026. The item was previously tabled at the March 24 and April 14 meetings to allow for additional information and Board consideration. The item was approved with dissenting votes from Commissioner Crutchfield (District 2) and Commissioner Branch (District 4). This approach ensures the County continues to meet statutory public notice requirements while utilizing both local publications to support broad community outreach.

A request for approval of reappointment of Jonathan Fuqua to the CareerSource Chipola Board was also presented. The Board approved the reappointment of Jonathan Fuqua to the CareerSource Chipola Board of Directors for an additional three-year term, extending through June 30, 2029. Fuqua has been a valued member of the board, and his continued service supports ongoing workforce development efforts and regional collaboration.

To Subscribe To The Graceville News Visit Pricing Plans.