Jackson County BOCC January 16 Regular Meeting Highlights

On Tuesday, January 16, 2023, at 8:00 AM, the Jackson County Board of County Commissioners held a Regular Meeting. This is a recap of some of the reports and requests included in that meeting.

Recognition was given to start the meeting for Employee Years of Service. The Jackson County Board of County Commissioners has recognized the dedicated service of its employees by awarding "Years of Service" awards to those who have shown commitment and loyalty to the county through their tenure. This acknowledgment of their hard work and dedication serves as a testament to their contributions towards the growth and success of Jackson County.

At this meeting, District 3 Commissioner and Chairman, Paul Donofro Jr., presented awards to the following employees:

•Chief, Jammie Jeter - Jackson County Correctional Facility, Chief, Jammie Jeter is being recognized for 20 years of continuous service.

•Joshua Smith - Mr. Smith currently works for the Jackson County Correctional Facility. He is being recognized for 5 years of continuous service.

A request was then made to vote for a Resolution Supporting Museum of African American History. The Emancipation Day Festival, Inc. has presented to the State of Florida the opportunity to partner with the Florida Museum of Black History Task Force under the Florida Department of Historical Resources. In 2023, Governor Ron DeSantis authorized the state to enlist the Task Force to consider the commission, construction, operation, and administration of the Florida Museum of Black History.

TDC Executive Director, Kelsi Jackson, has worked in partnership with Mr. Byron Dickens to present to the Task Force and met individually with Task Force member Representative Berny Jacques to have Endeavor Park considered for this museum development. Representative Jacques and Representative Shane Abbot have recommended the submission of letters of support from the BOCC to the Task Force to show communal support for this museum development. A request was made for Board adoption of the resolution in support of the project which was approved unanimously.

A request was then made for approval to Utilize Incentive Pay Funds for CDL Employees . The Board budgeted $50,000 for the Incentive Pay Program for 2023-24. The County currently has 22 staff with CDL Class A, and 10 with CDL Class B. Staff are proposing the first phase of the Incentive Program to incentivize the current CDL staff members. Current employees with a Class B CDL will receive $0.50/hour incentive pay; those with a Class A CDL will receive $0.75/hour incentive pay. The estimated cost is $40,657.19. That cost would increase if and/or when we hire additional CDL Licensed staff. This program is meant to help the county secure the most qualified hires in the future. The request was approved unanimously.

A request for approval of a Community Paramedic Program was presented. Jackson County Fire Rescue under the Board of County Commissioners is proposing to start a Community Paramedic – Mobile Integrated Health (CP-MIH) Program. This program will partner and collaborate with healthcare and community resources to meet the needs of patients in Jackson County where gaps have been identified. These gaps could include behavioral/mental health emergencies, overdose/drug ingestion, patients suffering from opioid use disorders and substance use disorders, repeat 911 callers, reduction of falls, and low acuity care calls.

The NWF Health Network will be distributing the FL opioid settlement to the BOCC over the next 18 years. These funds will be utilized to establish (CP-MIH) Program under Fire Rescue. These funds can be utilized to pay for one (1) FTE position for the program along with a vehicle,

equipment, outreach, and education material. The CP-MIH program will also be supported by Dpt. of Health Bureau of EMS Grant Funds as well. This request was approved unanimously.

A request was made for approval to Increase Ambulance Transport Rates. tJackson County Fire Rescue Chief, Charlie Brunner, requested approval for adopting an updated ambulance transport rate fee schedule. This initiative comes in response to Medicare's adjustment on January 1, 2024, which saw a 2.6% increase in reimbursement rates for ambulance services. The proposed revision aims to align the county's fee schedule with these new Medicare rates, considering that some of the county's existing ambulance transport rates, set since April 1, 2016, are currently lower than the Medicare reimbursement amounts.

Supporting this proposal, EMS|MC conducted a detailed 'Rate Analysis,' the results of which were communicated to Chief Brunner in a recent letter. This analysis considered the 2024 Ambulance Inflation Factor and compared the county's rates with neighboring agencies. It highlighted the importance of adjusting rates annually to reflect changes in operational costs, such as fuel prices, medical equipment costs, and personnel expenses. The analysis also acknowledged the Medicare Part B Ambulance Fee Schedule as a benchmark for se􀆫ng sustainable and community-trusted pricing. EMS|MC emphasized their commitment to a data-driven, discreet approach in recommending these rate adjustments, ensuring the county’s ambulance services remain sustainable and continue to meet the high standards of care expected by the community. This request was approved unanimously.

A request was made for approval of Kestrel Payment Processing Services Agreement. Procurement Officer, Lynsey Darragh, requested Board approval of a Kestrel Payment Processing Services Agreement. This agreement is an upgrade from the current agreement the County has with CiviTek for desk-based card reader services. CiviTek has changed its name to “Kestrel,” but is the same company. This agreement will expand services to allow Jackson County residents to pay for items via a customizable online portal, linked to our County website, and will allow for phone payments to be processed through pre-recorded prompts on a dedicated phone line. The credit card processing fee will remain the same at 3.5%. The Kestrel platform accepts all major credit cards, as well as debit cards, PayPal, GooglePay, ApplePay, Venmo, and e-checks. E-checks are processed with a $5.00 flat fee and are not subject to the 3.5% processing charge. This item was approved unanimously.

A request was made for acceptance of NRCS Grant/Filmore Drive Box Culvert. Administrative Services Director, Sarah Sun, requested Board approval of a Grant the County applied for from NRCS for repairs to the box culvert for Filmore Drive on September 12, 2023. NRCS has issued the agreement. The total project cost is $1,656,011.50. NRCS funding will pay for $1,279,645.25. The County committed $376,366.25 in matching funds to this project. This request was approved unanimously.

A request for approval to Increase Ambulance Transport Rates. Deputy County Administrator, Ret Daniels proposed an amendment to the current policy regarding water line extensions, specifically focusing on the Indian Springs area. The proposal recommended waiving the security deposit for existing sewer customers who are applying for new water service. This initiative aims to alleviate the financial burden on residents, as under the existing policy, these customers are required to pay an additional deposit for water service, despite already having an active sewer deposit.

This suggested change addresses a key concern raised by residents in last year's meeting and aligns with the county’s ongoing efforts to expand water services into Indian Springs, currently moving into phase 2A. The county has begun distributing new applications for the water system service, providing an opportune moment to implement this policy adjustment. This amendment would prevent the need for these residents to send in additional deposit checks, simplifying the process and enhancing community satisfaction with the county's utilities expansion efforts. This request was approved unanimously.