Jackson County BOCC July 7 Special Meeting Highlights

On July 7, 2026, at 9:00 AM, the Jackson County Board of County Commissioners held a Special Meeting. This is a recap of some of the reports and requests included in that meeting.

A presentation of responses to the 2526-10 Employee Health Plan was the start of the meeting. The Board reviewed proposals submitted in response to the County's Employee Health Insurance Request for Proposals (RFP), including presentations from the County's independent insurance consultant, Siver Insurance Consultants, on available fully insured and self-funded options. The presentation included an overview of proposal evaluations, health plan structures, costs, employee impacts, provider networks, and long-term considerations to assist the Board in making an informed decision. After reviewing the proposals, the Board approved awarding the County's employee health insurance plan to Florida Municipal Insurance Trust (FMIT) – UnitedHealthcare Plan 6, based on the consultant's recommendation.

The selected plan was identified as the most cost-competitive fully insured proposal, with an estimated annual premium increase of approximately 0.4% over the current plan while maintaining comparable coverage and a provider network similar to the County's existing plan. As part of the approval, the Board also directed staff to negotiate the addition of a voluntary buy-up plan option, allowing employees who desire enhanced cover- age to purchase a more comprehensive plan at their own expense. Board dis- cussion also acknowledged that self-funded health plans may be considered in the future, but Commissioners agreed that the fully insured recommendation was the most appropriate option for the County at this time.

Two resolutions were also presented on the sale of surplus properties at Endeavor. The Board adopted two resolutions authorizing the sale of surplus County property at the Endeavor property, completing the final actions required for closing on both transactions. One resolution authorizes the sale of the former Carpentry Building, while the second authorizes the sale of the historic Smokestack Building, following the Board's previous approval of the purchase and sale agreements.

The Board previously approved a revised sales contract for the Smokestack Building that includes provisions de- signed to protect the property's historic char- acter while encouraging timely redevelopment. Those provisions require the purchaser to begin substan- tial improvements within a specified timeframe and preserve the building's iconic smokestack for at least ten years following closing. During discussion, commissioners clarified that the Carpentry Building and Smokestack Building are separate, adjacent properties. The Board also acknowledged that any future zoning changes affecting one property could potentially influence the other due to their proximity.

Approval of a sales con- tract of Market Building at Endeavor was also requested. The Board approved a commercial sales contract for the Market Building at the Endeavor property, authorizing the sale of approximately 1.5 acres and the former building to a private purchaser for $80,000, exceeding the County's listed asking price. The purchaser has indicated plans to rede- velop the property into a retail nursery and garden center, supporting con- tinued private investment and economic activity at the Endeavor campus.

During discussion, Commissioner Paul Donofro (District 3) disclosed that he had discussed the possibility of providing architectural services should the sale move forward and recused himself from voting on the item. Commissioners also clarified that the Market Building is a separate structure located adjacent to the historic Smokestack Building.

Continuing the meeting was discussion of a poten- tial sales contract for the former Jackson Alternative School Building. The Board considered a proposed sales contract for approximately 9.07 acres and the former Jackson Academy on Technology Circle, off of Penn Avenue in Marianna. The property is one of several County- owned surplus properties being marketed through Chipola Realty as part of the County's ongoing redevelopment efforts at the Endeavor campus. The prospective purchasers presented plans for a proposed EPIC Challenge Center, a STEM-focused educational facility featuring interactive science exhibits, hands-on workshops, and virtual learning experiences. According to the proposal, the project would offer educational programming in areas such as robotics, engineering, coding, and electronics while serving local schools, homeschool groups, and regional visitors.

Following the presentation and Board discus- sion, commissioners re- quested additional time to evaluate the proposal and gather input from the Jackson County School District regarding potential opportunities for coordination and collaboration. The Board voted to table the proposed sales contract for further consideration at a future meeting.

Setting a Workshop Meeting for a County Vulnerability Assessment update presentation was also requested. The Board approved a workshop meeting for Tuesday, July 28, 2026, at 5:00 p.m., immediately prior to the regularly scheduled Board meeting, to receive the final presentation on Jackson County's updated Vulnerability Assessment. During the workshop, representatives from Dewberry will present the assessment's findings, including information on flood risks, future chal- lenges, and opportunities to improve community resili- ence. The workshop is intended to inform both the Board and the public, encourage community input, and support ongoing resilience planning efforts funded through the Florida Department of Environmental Protection. No Board action will be taken during the presentation.

Approval of a revised Public Records Request Policy was also presented. The Board approved a revised Public Records Request Policy to reflect current legal requirements, administrative best practices, and updated operational procedures for responding to public records requests. The revisions clarify staff responsibilities, establish standardized procedures for receiving and processing requests, provide updated guidance on response timeframes, and outline the assessment and collection of applicable fees in accordance with Florida law. The updated policy is intended to promote consistency, transparency, and effi- ciency in the public records process while continuing to ensure timely public access to County records in compliance with Florida's public records laws.

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