# Board of Commissioners Workshop

The Board of Commissioners workshop, held October 27, 2026 (the meeting metadata is dated October 28), was discussion-only, with no votes or formal actions taken. The board reviewed preliminary design and siting for a new public safety complex for emergency management, the sheriff’s office, and fire services. The presenter cited approximately $12.2 million in available project funding, including $2.5 million for construction, $272,000 for design, $6.75 million from prior appropriations, and an additional $2.5 million in federal funds. The estimate is intended to cover the building, design, architectural work, and site preparation; no construction contract or vendor award was considered. Commissioners questioned the proposed hospital-area site, including access, flood risk, available acreage, and room for future growth, and discussed alternatives near the airport and Industrial Drive. Staff agreed to investigate airport property restrictions and report back. A special-needs hurricane shelter is also planned nearby, but was described as a separate facility.

The board also discussed whether to maintain or remove coastal bird racks. Rebuilding was estimated at $30,000–$40,000 per rack, and commissioners expressed concern about cost and liability; staff will explore whether removal could be included in a marine-debris removal application. Separately, commissioners debated potential fire-service funding pressures if Amendment 3 reduces revenues. A fire assessment and its procedural deadlines were discussed, along with possible alternatives such as budget reductions or other funding sources. No assessment was approved at the workshop; discussion concluded with direction to consider a fire-only resolution at a future meeting.

**Jurisdictions:** sled
**Industries:** Construction & Infrastructure, Public Safety
**Topics:** Physical Infrastructure, Grants & Funding
**Published:** October 28, 2026

### Sources
- [Board of Commissioners Workshop](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TpY6I3DOXfQ) - mis director