SEMINOLE COUNTY, FLORIDA  
COUNTY SERVICES BUILDING  
1101 EAST FIRST STREET  
SANFORD, FLORIDA  
32771­1468  
Meeting Minutes  
Tuesday, September 23, 2025  
9:30 AM  
BCC Meeting & Budget 2nd Public Hearing  
BCC Chambers  
Board of County Commissioners  
I. CALL TO ORDER  
Chairman Jay Zembower  
Present:  
Vice Chairman Andria Herr  
Commissioner Bob Dallari  
Commissioner Lee Constantine  
Commissioner Amy Lockhart  
Additional attendees: County Attorney Kate Latorre, County Manager Darren Gray, Clerk of  
Court & Comptroller Grant Maloy, Deputy Clerks Kyla Farrell and Chariti Guevara.  
II. INVOCATION & PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE  
Pastor Bob Melhorn, Integrity Church, gave the Invocation. Commissioner Lockhart led the  
Pledge of Allegiance.  
III. AWARDS, PRESENTATIONS AND PROCLAMATIONS  
1.  
Resolutions – Presentation of three Resolutions honoring Altamonte  
Baseball Academy, Lake Mary Little League, and the Sanford Babe Ruth  
League for their teams’ outstanding achievements during the most recent  
baseball and softball seasons.  
2025-879  
Motion by Commissioner Constantine, seconded by Commissioner Lockhart, to adopt  
appropriate Resolution #2025-R-78 honoring Altamonte Baseball Academy for their  
outstanding achievements during the most recent baseball season.  
Districts 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 voted AYE.  
Motion by Commissioner Lockhart, seconded by Commissioner Constantine, to adopt  
appropriate Resolution #2025-R-79 honoring Lake Mary Little League for their  
outstanding achievements during the most recent softball season.  
Districts 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 voted AYE.  
Motion by Vice Chairman Herr, seconded by Commissioner Dallari, to adopt  
appropriate Resolution #2025-R-80 honoring Sanford Babe Ruth League for their  
outstanding achievements during the most recent baseball season.  
Districts 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 voted AYE.  
2.  
County Investment Advisor Report (Scott McIntyre, CFA - Senior Portfolio  
Manager, Managing Director Hilltop Securities Asset Management)  
2025-895  
Mr. McIntyre addressed the Board and presented the County Investment Advisor  
Report.  
Motion by Commissioner Dallari, seconded by Commissioner Lockhart, to implement  
recommendations of the Board's financial advisor based on the report submitted today  
and recommend the Clerk implement said Board recommendations.  
Districts 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 voted AYE.  
IV. CONSENT AGENDA – PUBLIC PARTICIPATION  
County Manager Darren Gray announced there are no changes to the Agenda.  
With regard to public participation, no one spoke and public input was closed.  
Motion by Commissioner Constantine, seconded by Vice Chairman Herr, to approve the  
Constitutional Officers' Consent Agenda Items 3 and 4; and County Manager's Consent  
Agenda Items 5 through 18.  
Districts 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 voted AYE.  
Constitutional Officers – Consent Agenda (Items No. 3 - 4)  
3.  
Expenditure Approval List dated August 27, 2025; and Payroll Approval  
List dated August 28, 2025. (Jenny Spencer, CPA, MAcc, CGFO, and  
CFE, Director - Comptroller’s Office)  
2025-887  
2025-896  
4.  
Request authorization from the Board of County Commissioners to allow  
J. R. Kroll, Tax Collector, to begin collection of the 2025 Tax Roll prior to  
the completion of the Value Adjustment Board hearings. Countywide (J.  
R. Kroll, Seminole County Tax Collector)  
County Manager’s Consent Agenda (Items No. 5 - 18)  
County Manager's Office  
5.  
Approve and authorize the Chairman to execute a Proclamation  
proclaiming the week of October 5th – 11th, 2025 as Fire Prevention  
Week in Seminole County, Florida. (Christina Diaz, Assistant Fire  
Chief/Fire Marshal)  
2025-878  
6.  
7.  
Approve and authorize the Chairman to execute a Proclamation  
proclaiming October, 2025 as “Greenways and Trails Month” in Seminole  
County, FL. (Rick Durr, Parks and Recreation Director)  
2025-897  
2025-902  
Approve and authorize the Chairman to execute a Proclamation  
proclaiming September 15 - October 15, 2025, Hispanic Heritage Month  
in Seminole County, FL. (Gui Cunha, Office of Economic Development &  
Tourism Director)  
8.  
Approve the Seminole County proportionate share of the FY25-26 Central  
Florida Commuter Rail Commission final budget. Countywide. (Kristian  
Swenson, Assistant County Manager)  
2025-904  
2025-836  
Development Services  
9. Approve the Final Plat for the Estates at Lake Jesup North Subdivision  
containing thirty-eight (38) lots on 18.55 acres zoned A-1 (Agriculture),  
located on the north side of Myrtle Street, approximately ¼ mile west of S  
Sanford Avenue; (David White, Applicant) District2 - Zembower (Jose  
Gomez, Development Services Director)  
Parks and Recreation  
10.  
Approve and authorize the Chairman to execute the grant agreement and  
certification of hours between the State of Florida, Department of State,  
and Seminole County Board of County Commissioners for and on behalf  
of Seminole County Public Library System in anticipated acceptance of  
monies in State Aid to Library funds for library-related operating expenses  
and approve the attached annual plan of service. Countywide (Rick Durr,  
Parks and Recreation Director)  
2025-894  
Public Works  
11. Approve and authorize the Chairman to execute the Mobility Fee  
2025-837  
2025-811  
Interlocal Agreement (ILA) with the City of Oviedo. District1 - Dallari and  
District2 - Zembower (John Slot, Public Works Director)  
Resource Management  
12.  
Award IFB-605032-25 Inventory Parts for Utilities Department to  
Ferguson Enterprises, LLC DBA Ferguson Waterworks at an estimated  
annual amount of $250,000.00, and authorize the Purchasing and  
Contracts Division to execute the Agreement. Countywide (Stephen  
Koontz, Deputy Director of Resource Management) Requesting  
Department - Utilities  
13.  
14.  
Award IFB-605051-25/LTT One Call Ticket Management to Innovative  
Data Management, LLC, at an estimated annual amount of $50,000, and  
authorize the Purchasing and Contracts Division to execute the  
agreement. Countywide (Stephen Koontz, Deputy Director of Resource  
Management) Requesting Department - Utilities.  
2025-828  
2025-829  
Award IFB-605071-25/LAS Fuel Storage Tank Inspection & Repair  
Services to Petroleum Equipment Construction, Inc., at an estimated  
annual amount of $60,000.00, and authorize the Purchasing and  
Contracts Division to execute the agreement. Countywide (Stephen  
Koontz, Deputy Director of Resource Management) Requesting  
Department - Fleet and Facilities  
15.  
16.  
Approve Amendment 1 to RFP-604962-25/MHH Public Notice Software,  
to Column Software, PBC, of Beaverton, OR, and authorize the  
Purchasing and Contracts Division to execute the amendment.  
Countywide (Stephen Koontz, Resource Management Deputy Director)  
Requesting Department – Information Technology  
2025-882  
2025-885  
Approve and authorize the Chairman to execute the First Amendment to  
the Purchase Agreement related to Parcel #120 for the acquisition of  
property needed for the Hillview Drive Drainage Improvement Project  
(2,854 ± SF) between First Spanish Baptist Church of Altamonte Springs,  
Inc., and Seminole County, for $33,040.00, as full settlement of all other  
claim for compensation from which Seminole County might be obligated  
to pay relating to the parcel. District3 - Constantine (Stephen Koontz,  
Resource Management Deputy Director) Requesting Department - Public  
Works  
17.  
Approve and authorize the Chairman to execute a Purchase Agreement  
2025-884  
related to Project Parcel #104 A for property interests necessary for the  
Hillview Drive Drainage Improvement Project (8,947 ± SF) between David  
A. Doudney, Douglas S. Doudney, Ann Doudney Anderson, Steve  
Dangleman, Doris Brady, Frances Henry, Lee Dangleman, Gary  
Dangleman and James Dangleman, and Seminole County, for  
$103,022.18, as full settlement of all claims for compensation from which  
Seminole County might be obligated to pay relating to the parcel. District3  
- Constantine (Stephen Koontz, Resource Management Deputy Director)  
Requesting Department - Public Works  
Utilities  
18.  
Approve and authorize the Chairman to execute the First Amendment to a  
Wholesale Water Service Agreement with Orange County for the Prestige  
RV Storage Facility. District3 - Constantine (Johnny Edwards, Utilities  
Director)  
2025-883  
2025-827  
V. REGULAR AGENDA  
19. Reduction of Lien Request – Consideration of Applicant, Ocala, LLC’s,  
request for a reduction of two code enforcement liens (Case #  
19-112-CEB & 19-113-CEB) to $2,500.00 or administrative costs totaling  
$1,204.40. The subject property is located at 1208 Helen Street, Apopka,  
Florida, 32703, Tax Parcel ID: 17-21-29-512-0000-0540, District3 –  
Constantine (Jon Martin, Code Enforcement Division Manager)  
Mr. Martin addressed the Board and presented the item as outlined in the agenda  
memorandum. At the request of Commissioner Lockhart, Mr. Martin clarified who  
brought the property into compliance. It was determined that the Applicant was present  
but did not wish to speak.  
With regard to public participation, no one spoke, and public input was closed.  
Motion by Commissioner Constantine, seconded by Commissioner Lockhart, to reduce  
the two code enforcement liens (Cases #19-112-CEB & #19-113-CEB) to the fines of  
$2,500.00 and the administrative costs of $1,204.40, totaling $3,704.40; and authorize  
the Chairman to execute Satisfactions of Liens upon payment of the approved reduced  
amount(s); subject property is located at 1208 Helen Street, Apopka; Tax Parcel ID:  
17-21-29-512-0000-0540; Ocala, LLC, Applicant.  
Districts 1, 2 ,3, 4, and 5 voted AYE.  
VI. WORKSESSION  
20. Code Enforcement Chapters 95, 120, and 168 Work Session (Tricia  
2025-901  
Johnson, Deputy County Manager and Mike Rhodes, Compliance  
Coordinator)  
Ms. Johnson and Mr. Rhodes addressed the Board and presented the work session as  
included in the agenda backup.  
The Board shared their comments and suggestions with most of the discussion  
regarding fines and fees of applications. At the end of the discussion, Chairman  
Zembower stated they do need to recover the taxpayers costs, the fees, that are being  
expended to go through the whole process. Likewise, they want to make sure  
everyone is treated equally under the law, and that may end up being a sliding scale  
based on ability or financial status; but he will look to the County Attorney's Office to  
determine what that is. He confirmed with staff they received the feedback they  
needed on this item.  
21.  
State of Animal Services (Alan Harris, Emergency Management Director)  
2025-905  
Mr. Harris addressed the Board and introduced his team: Chris Stronko, Animal  
Services Manager; Bree Burkett, Shelter Manager; and Lauren Watts, Field Services  
Supervisor, who helped Mr. Harris present the agenda item as outlined in the agenda  
backup.  
Regarding the Future Opportunities slide, Mr. Gray discussed how those items will be  
budgeted in the next two to three years.  
There was Board discussion and questions for staff.  
Recess BCC Meeting Until 1:30 P.M.  
Mr. Gray announced that the new Scout vehicles are out in the parking lot if anyone would like  
to go check them out.  
Chairman Zembower recessed the meeting at 11:16 a.m.  
Reconvene Meeting at 1:30 P.M.  
Chairman Zembower reconvened the meeting at 1:30 p.m. with all Commissioners and other  
Officials, with the exception of Clerk Maloy and Deputy Clerk Kyla Farrell who was replaced by  
Deputy Clerk Chariti Guevara, who were present at the opening session.  
VII. PUBLIC HEARING AGENDA  
Accept Proofs of Publication  
Motion by Commissioner Dallari, seconded by Commissioner Lockhart, to authorize the filing  
of the proof of publication for this meeting’s scheduled public hearing into the Official Record.  
Districts 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 voted AYE.  
Public Hearings - Legislative  
22.  
Comprehensive Plan Amendment Transmittal - Approve transmittal of the  
proposed Ordinance to amending the Seminole County Comprehensive  
Plan by revising the Introduction, Transportation, Public School Facilities,  
Intergovernmental Coordination, and Capital Improvement Elements to  
implement the 2021 School Interlocal Agreement to expand options for  
transit services and provide a definition for micro-transit to State and  
Regional review agencies. Countywide (David German, Project Manager)  
2025-717  
Mr. German addressed the Board and presented the item as outlined in the agenda  
memorandum. The presentation was followed by Board questions and comments.  
Commissioner Lockhart stated on page 3 of the handout (included in the agenda  
backup), TRA-27, Letter G, states “The County shall continue to support the efforts of  
LYNX to improve air quality by converting its fleet to biodiesel, compressed natural gas,  
and electric vehicles.” She does not recall the Board discussing that. Deputy County  
Attorney Neysa Borkert addressed the Board and stated staff can check to see when it  
was put in the Comprehensive Plan, and maybe that will provide the Board with some  
insight. Commissioner Lockhart pointed out that it is a new modification. Discussion  
ensued. Jose Gomez, Development Services Director, addressed the Board and  
advised that was included as part of a recommendation by staff from Public Works.  
However, if the Board doesn’t support that, they can certainly remove it. Commissioner  
Dallari replied it’s not that they don’t support it, it’s just the first time they’re talking  
about it. Commissioner Lockhart advised she is uncomfortable being asked to adopt  
something as part of the Comprehensive Plan that says that the Board "shall" continue  
to do something that the Board hasn’t said they shall do. She added the most recent  
conversations about electric vehicles at LYNX have been that they’re not working very  
effectively right now, so she isn’t sure that even LYNX thinks it’s a good idea. Mr. Gray  
stated he doesn't think there’s a need to have that in there, so they will take it out.  
Chairman Zembower confirmed there was consensus of the Board to remove TRA-27,  
Letter G. Commissioner Constantine commented on why he wouldn't be surprised if  
they don’t receive comments back from the review agency.  
Motion by Vice Chairman Herr, seconded by Commissioner Constantine, to approve  
the transmittal of the proposed Ordinance amending the Seminole County  
Comprehensive Plan by revising the Introduction, Transportation, Public School  
Facilities, Intergovernmental Coordination, and Capital Improvement Elements to  
implement the 2021 School Interlocal Agreement to expand options for transit services  
and provide a definition for micro-transit to State and Regional review agencies.  
Under discussion, Commissioner Lockhart confirmed this is with the modification of  
removing TRA-27, Letter G. Ms. Borkert confirmed the motion, as it stands amended,  
is that it’s being amended as put forth in the agenda except for the change to policy  
TRA 2.3.3.2 Monitor Transit Services, Subsection G. The motioner and seconder  
agreed.  
Districts 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 voted AYE.  
IIX. COUNTY ATTORNEY'S REPORT  
County Attorney Kate Latorre stated at the last meeting, there was discussion and direction  
given to staff to draft a letter pointing out some of the concerns with SB180 legislation and  
recommending alternative solutions to what the bill currently contains. The draft letter was  
circulated to the Board, and she received feedback from each Commissioner which has been  
incorporated in the revised draft. It was mostly some change of verbiage and formatting, but  
it's substantially the same letter. She advised Commissioner Constantine asked that they  
flesh out the recommended process on the bottom of page 2 regarding presuit requirements,  
which is probably the most substantial change, which really was just to further explain what  
they envisioned a property owner would do if they were damaged by a hurricane and wanted  
to come to the County and ask for a waiver or relief from a new code section that wasn't in  
place at the time of the storm.  
The Board expressed their thoughts on the revised draft letter. Commissioner Lockhart stated  
they need to give direction on whom they would like the letter specifically addressed and  
whether they want to send it to leadership, copy their delegation, or what order they want to  
do that. Commissioner Constantine suggested they send it to the members of legislature that  
sponsored the bill, any cosponsors, leadership and staff of those committees, and the Florida  
Association of Counties. Commissioner Dallari added it should be sent to their delegates.  
Chairman Zembower agreed and commented it should also be sent to Florida League of  
Cities. Vice Chairman Herr stated she thought the reason they were doing this was to send it  
to the entire legislature. Brief discussion ensued.  
Vice Chairman Herr stated she is not fan of doing anything on a case-by-case basis, and what  
they ask for in the letter will be very difficult to manage in a post-storm environment.  
Chairman Zembower explained they are asking for that clarification. Ms. Latorre responded  
that was a bad choice of wording in that revision. She envisions a process where applicants  
would have to meet certain criteria in order to get the relief. That criteria would be set forth in  
statute or set by local government if they allow local government to create their own process.  
She advised she can take that phrase out and find a better way to state it if that's the  
direction. There were no objections voiced. Ms. Latorre confirmed she had direction.  
IX. COUNTY MANAGER'S REPORT AND STAFF PRESENTATIONS  
Mr. Gray reported ScoutSeminoleFl.com is now live and provides info about service zones,  
fares, hours, and Freebee app.  
Mr. Gray advised code enforcement services will officially transition to the Board of County  
Commissioners next week.  
Chairman Zembower stated before tonight's budget hearing, he would like to see if Mr. Gray  
or Tim Jecks, Management & Budget Director, is able to provide a savings that the Clerk of  
Courts is going to have since they are no longer providing financial services to the Supervisor  
of Elections, if that can be quantified. He would like to know the total value of employee  
bonuses the Clerk has indicated he is going to give some of those employees. For the  
County Attorney, he would like to understand if they are able and how the County can recoup  
the $182,000 that was afforded the Clerk for a special project for e-warrants that they learned  
later from the judiciary that was already in use, and they were told by the Clerk that it was  
reappropriated for other purposes. He would like an understanding of all of that in light of the  
County being sued by the Clerk for allegedly not giving enough money.  
X. DISTRICT COMMISSIONER REPORTS  
District 1 - Commissioner Dallari  
Commissioner Dallari reported on meetings he attended.  
The Commissioner advised he received an email this morning from a resident who had a  
situation where road repair work on a public right-of-way was unacceptably done by a  
contractor (received and filed). The County had the contractor return to fix the issues.  
However, when the contractor returned, they were very insulting to the resident. He  
forwarded the email to the County Manager's Office and Public Works. He wanted to make  
sure everyone was aware of the situation and stated he is looking forward to more information  
from the County Manager at the appropriate time.  
District 3 - Commissioner Constantine  
Commissioner Constantine congratulated the Seminole County Fire Department for receiving  
the Life Saving Award - Fire Rescue/EMS from the Central Florida Hotel & Lodging  
Association at the CFHLA Patriot Day Remembrance Breakfast.  
The Commissioner reported on meetings and events.  
District 4 - Commissioner Lockhart  
Commissioner Lockhart stated at the last meeting, she discussed SunRail and budget and  
insurance. She thinks there was a memo distributed to all of the Commissioners to help give  
more detail on the insurance topic; and she advised them to ask Brijesh Patel, Senior  
Assistant County Attorney, if they have any additional questions on that. The Commissioner  
stated the budget discussion is still fluid. There was a minor hiccup in that they were just  
advised Mayor Dyer will be unable to attend the September Central Florida Commuter Rail  
Commission meeting where they had planned on adopting the final budget. However, in order  
to adopt the final budget, there is some discussion about whether it needs to be a unanimous  
vote. So without a full board, the meeting was canceled. They have a work session on  
updating prospects of transitions for operations and a variety of other things. The local  
funding agreement modification has to be adopted before a date certain before the end of the  
year. They are hoping that the CFCRC will be able to accomplish a lot in October.  
The Commissioner requested an update on the Educational Impact Fee Study. Mr. Gray  
responded he will get with all of the Commissioners on that.  
District 5 - Commissioner Herr  
Vice Chairman Herr reported on meetings and events.  
The Vice Chairman stated a link was sent to all of the Commissioners with the 417 Sanford  
Airport Connector information (printed copy received and filed). The preferred alternative has  
been narrowed down to 2A. This is going to the CFX board on October 9, 2025. The  
alternative is the most cost effective, the least impact to property owners, though there will be  
some impact. From an economic feasibility perspective, the 40-year shortfall on the study is  
$52 million. In the initial feasibility stage, the number was around $49 million. So it came in  
pretty close to the expectation. For that $52 million shortfall, they will be looking for  
partnerships. She will be asked to vote on this at the October 9th meeting. Unless she hears  
different from the Board today, she intends to vote in favor. She believes if they don't do this  
now, they will not be able to do it because the impact to future homeowners on these open  
lands will be greater than the impact now. Brief Board discussion ensued. Chairman  
Zembower confirmed there was consensus for Vice Chairman Herr to vote in the affirmative.  
District 2 - Chairman Zembower  
Chairman Zembower reported on events and meetings.  
The Chairman thanked staff for doing the vendor outreach at the Sanford airport and thanked  
the Board and other elected officials for their leadership.  
Commissioner Lockhart stated she had one thing to add not related to the Chairman's report.  
At the last budget public hearing on September 10th, there was a gentleman who made public  
comment that he was an "orphan of Commissioner Lockhart". She later found out that he is  
also the gentleman who had been asking her to meet him at his home before 7:00 a.m. to  
take a two and a half mile walk together. She wanted to give context to everyone that she  
declined his request to go on a walk together, and that is why he is a little unhappy with her.  
XI. CHAIRMAN'S REPORT  
No submissions.  
XII. PUBLIC COMMENT (Items not Related to the Agenda)  
None.  
Recess BCC Meeting Until 5:30 P.M.  
Chairman Zembower recessed the meeting at 2:12 p.m.  
Reconvene Meeting at 5:30 P.M.  
Chairman Zembower reconvened the meeting at 5:30 p.m. with all Commissioners and other  
Officials who were present at the afternoon session. Clerk Maloy rejoined the meeting.  
XIII. PUBLIC HEARING AGENDA  
23.  
FY 2025/26 Second Budget Public Hearing - This is the Second Public  
Hearing to discuss and approve the FY 2025/26 Final Millage Rates and  
Budget. Countywide (Timothy Jecks, Management & Budget Director)  
2025-899  
Proofs of Publication calling for a public hearing to consider the Seminole County FY  
2025-2026 Final Budget received and filed.  
Chairman Zembower announced the purpose of this public hearing is to present the  
final millage rates and budget for FY 2025-2026 and allow public comment. He  
reminded the public that this Board of County Commissioners does not have control  
over the tax levies or budgets of the School Board, the Water Management District, the  
Property Appraiser, Tax Collector, or any of the seven cities in Seminole County. Any  
questions regarding assessed property valuations should be addressed to Property  
Appraiser David Johnson.  
Mr. Gray advised the purpose of the meeting is to present to the public the final budget  
for all funds and the final millage rates for the Countywide District, Fire MSTU, and  
Roads MSTU, as well as the rolled-back rates. By the State’s definition, the  
rolled-back millage rate is a rate when applied to next year’s tax base (excluding new  
construction) that will generate the same revenue as was raised in the previous year.  
The millage rates and budgets considered for final adoption tonight are the end result  
of nearly a year of collaborative work.  
MILLAGE RATES  
Mr. Jecks addressed the Board and presented the final millage rates. Mr. Jecks  
advised the budget is balanced for all funds with no changes from the tentative budget  
approved at the first budget public hearing. The countywide millage of 5.3751 is  
16.42% above the rolled-back rate of 4.6168 mills. The Fire Rescue MSTU millage of  
2.7649 mills is 5.43% above the rolled-back rate of 2.6226 mills. The Unincorporated  
Roads MSTU millage of 0.1107 mills is 5.33% above the rolled-back rate of 0.1051  
mills. The Aggregate Millage Rate for all BCC taxing districts of 7.3663 mills is 12.70%  
above the aggregate rolled-back rate of 6.5363 mills.  
FINAL BUDGET  
Mr. Jecks presented the final budget of $1,215,087,959 for all funds.  
PUBLIC COMMENT  
With regard to public participation, the following spoke: Rafael Camano, Yahn  
Bartelink, Peter Buis, John Horvath, Joe Humphreys (document received and filed),  
Fred Piering (presentation received and filed), Harrel Morgan, Cindy Haller, Richard  
Creedon, Raul Veizaga, Eric Feedler (document received and filed), Ron Ligthart,  
Austin Knode, Melanie Cross, Austin Steiner, and Win Adams (document received and  
filed).  
Public Comment Forms were received and filed.  
Written Comment Forms were received and filed from the following: Carmen Butera,  
RoseMary Banks, Mary Jo Martin, Tom Haller, Melanie Cross, and Janette Keeling.  
No one else spoke and public input was closed.  
DISCUSSION  
Chairman Zembower addressed some of the public comment questions and concerns  
regarding SunRail, apartment impact fees, and property assessment.  
Sheriff Lemma addressed the Board and spoke on his budget.  
Upon Chairman Zembower's request regarding public comment concerning property  
tax, Mr. Jecks explained the Office of Management and Budget is responsible for  
estimating the ad valorem revenues, which are generated through property taxes.  
When looking at the general fund, the revenue is set and has no association with the  
expenditure budget. The Property Appraiser sets the countywide taxable value, which  
includes apartments, single-family homes, and commercial. They take that taxable  
value and divide it by 1,000 and multiple it by the millage rate, and that is how they  
determine the revenue. They assume most people get the 4% early-payment discount.  
That is the budget that is set, and typically that comes very close to the revenues that  
are received.  
Upon Commissioner Constantine's request, Mr. Jecks explained unfunded mandates  
typically are Medicaid, the health department, medical examiner, jail, and court systems  
support. Those budgets are very difficult for the Office of Management and Budget to  
control. They receive the costs and they have to be put in the budget. While  
reductions were being made on Board departments, they were targeting a flat budget  
coming in right around 1% increase on their side, which also included those increased  
unfunded mandates.  
Chairman Zembower requested that Emergency Management Director Alan Harris  
comment on FEMA funding, and Mr. Harris responded based on everything they have  
heard so far, local government needs to be prepared to do more. He has not seen  
anywhere were it looks like they would get 100% reimbursement like they did for  
Hurricane Milton.  
Vice Chairman Herr clarified that the proposed event center, which the Board has not  
yet voted on, will be paid for by the hoteliers who are self-taxing themselves. She  
commented the surrounding counties that already have high millage rates are not  
raising them, and the counties that have been conservative and have low millage are  
raising them. She added the County is working every day to bring high-paying jobs into  
the county. They often can't talk about it because they are competing with other  
communities to bring those businesses in, and they cannot violate confidentiality.  
Commissioner Lockhart emphasized impact fees cannot be used to run the general  
operation fund because it is prohibited by state law. The State mandates how funds  
can be utilized. Upon the Commissioner's request, Mr. Gray addressed gas, utility, and  
millage taxes and how they can be used. Mr. Jecks explained how to read the TRIM  
notices and which millage is being increased. Clerk Maloy explained how his office's  
budget is funded (documents received and filed). Discussion ensued.  
Motion by Commissioner Constantine, seconded by Vice Chairman Herr, to adopt  
appropriate Resolution #2025-R-81 approving the FY 2025-2026 final millage rates, as  
presented.  
Under discussion, Commissioner Dallari shared his thoughts and comments on the  
budget.  
Districts 2, 3, 4, and 5 voted AYE.  
District 1 voted NAY.  
Motion passes 4 to 1.  
Motion by Commissioner Dallari, seconded by Commissioner Lockhart, to adopt  
appropriate Resolution #2025-R-82 approving the FY 2025-2026 final budget, as  
adjusted, of $1,215,087,959.  
Under discussion, the Commissioners shared their last few thoughts and comments.  
Districts 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 voted AYE.  
XIV. ADJOURN BCC MEETING  
There being no further business to come before the Board, the Chairman declared the  
meeting adjourned at 7:30 p.m., this same date.  
APPROVED by the BCC:  
_____________________________  
Chairman  
_____________________________  
Date  
ATTEST:  
_____________________________  
Clerk of Court and Comptroller  
AS Clerk to the BCC