The Washington County Board of County Commissioners finished up their May 16th workshop on a high note Wednesday by recognizing Chris Hyatt for receiving a Certificate of Appreciation from the Florida Department of Veterans Affairs.
by Kathy Foster
However, most of the workshop was taken up with more mundane issues that will be addressed again at the commissioners’ May 24th regular monthly meeting.
Commissioners did spend some time late in the meeting discussing the county’s debt service which they said has been reduced by more than $5.1 million since 2009.
While at the $9.5 million level in 2009, commissioners said Wednesday the 2018 debt service level is $4,375,521.30. Commissioners said this equates to an annual debt retirement of $569,386.70. Commissioners said the way things are moving the County should be debt free in 2028.
Commissioners also dealt with the following issues:
- Received an insurance upate from Brown & Brown. Commissioners are considering using United Healthcare to provide health insurance for employees of the County and Sheriff’s Department. They were told United provides coverage for one in four Americans and provides a more customer oriented coverage.
- Agreed to adopt the updates of the Florida Bui8lding Code and the National Electric Code Ordinance.
- Indicated they would approve the Hwy 79 Authority.
- Agreed they would apply for a $650,000 to $950,000 grant for water/sewer lines in Vernon.
- After being informed Tri-County Community Council would withdraw from the Section 8 HUD Program as of Sept, 30, 2018, directed the county attorney to research options and see if the State can handle the program on behalf of the County.
- At the request of Library Director Renae Rountree, directed the County Attorney to review a Public Services Policy Manual she presented for consideration.
- Were informed by county personnel they are still working on revisions to the County’s unused sick leave policy.
- Were informed by the County Engineer that the pilings under the bridge on the Old Bonifay Highway are in very bad condition and will require some geotechnical testing. He said he would provide more information at the Commission meeting on May 24th.
- Were also informed by the County Engineer that water testing at the Mud Hill Landfill will continue for four more years.
- The County Engineer also reported the County will need a boundry survery and topo for the Greenhead Fire Station.
- Commissioners indicated they are willing to buy back the old Project Pipe property at a price of $750,000.