Gilchrist County 06.15.26 BOCC Meeting

The Gilchrist County Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) held a meeting on June 15, 2026, where several procurement and budget-related matters were discussed. The board approved two federal and state grants totaling approximately $153,350 for the purchase of two 70 kW portable diesel generators to be staged at the Emergency Operations Center. They also approved the purchase of a new utility vehicle (side-by-side) funded by leftover state emergency management grant funds, with the current vehicle being transferred to Otter Springs. Additionally, the board approved a $50,000 medical director services contract for EMS response, replacing the previous provider Shands. The board discussed the acquisition of property for a new solid waste facility, including a $4.2 million state grant to assist with construction, and deliberated on the $25,000 per acre asking price for a preferred site on Highway 340. The board reaffirmed their prior approval to move forward with the purchase option and due diligence. They also authorized issuing a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) to explore potential savings on their insurance coverage with the Public Risk Management (PRM) consortium. Other topics included appointing members to the Value Adjustment Board and canvassing board, with a motion to table the canvassing board appointment due to potential conflicts of interest related to political neutrality. The meeting also featured public comments on a proclamation designating October 14 as Charlie Kirk Day of Remembrance, which the board approved despite some community opposition. Finally, the board discussed potentially moving future meetings to evening hours to increase public participation.