City tentatively approves millage 3.41% above rollback rate

By JAMIE WACHTER jwachter@lakecityreporter.com While the Live Oak City Council tentatively set the city budget and millage rate for the 2025-26 fiscal year, it did so while eyeing workshops to devise a comprehensive plan for the future. In a 30-minute meeting that included only the two tentative items — the city’s final budget and millage hearings are set for 5:30 p.m. Sept. 23 at City Hall, 101 SE White Avenue — the council unanimously set the millage rate at 9.25 mills and unanimously approved the $49.896 million budget. Council President Matt Campbell missed the meeting dealing with a family emergency. The millage rate is a slight decrease from the current rate of 9.2623 mills but is 3.41% above the 8.9452-mill rollback rate, or the rate that would generate the same amount of ad valorem tax revenue for the city as the current rate. According to Finance Director Joanne Luther, the 9.25-mill rate is expected to bring in an additional $110,000 to the city’s coffers as compared to the rollback rate. City Manager Larry Sessions said his goal is to decrease the millage rate every single season in order to help provide some relief to city taxpayers. He said the slight decrease this year should help keep most people’s taxes about the same. “If I can gradually cut it down a little, you know I’m not making big cuts, but just a little,” Sessions said. “It’s not really a positive; it’s just not going to go up.” Prior to the council’s vote on the budget, President Pro Tem Tommy Jefferson made another plea to get additional funding included in the budget to pave Spruce Street. Jefferson requested that a small portion of that street, around 800 feet, get paved during the council’s final budget workshop to go along with projects planned for Brown Avenue and Broome Avenue in District 1, which he represents. At the workshop, Public Works Director Jerald Lee told Jefferson that Spruce Street wasn’t included because it would only benefit three property owners on the dead-end street. Jefferson, though, said it shouldn’t matter how few people would gain from the work. “My fight is we should be concerned about all our citizens within this entire City of Live Oak and the community,” he said. “Though the small amount they may be, they’re still important. “How can we get this money into the budget?” Sessions told Jefferson that since that workshop, he has been informed that there are other issues involved with paving that roadway as well. According to engineers, the wastewater force main that runs along that street is only buried around one foot deep. So the city has been advised not to do any major work without relocating the pipe deeper. “We’re probably going to break the force main and cause sewage to run down on everybody,” Sessions said, adding that a cost estimate for that work could be obtained and provided to the council. Councilwoman Vanessa Brown Robinson said she would like to see the city stop trying to piece-meal solutions together when it comes to picking and choosing various projects around the city. She said the only way to properly move the city into the future is to hold workshops in which comprehensive planning can occur. Mayor Frank Davis, while noting that he has no voting power, said he agreed that the council should devise a plan to help guide it on future decisions. “I believe people expect the mayor to speak up to look into the affairs of the city,” Davis said. “I would like to hope we would have a better-articulated plan on where we’re headed.” Jefferson said he agreed that planning was good, but wanted to no when that would occur. “We are the driving force behind what happens in this city,” Robinson said. “We are the ones that determine when. We can’t put it off on anybody else.” Sessions, meanwhile, told the council that he would prefer they come and discuss projects they’d like to see included in future budgets with him in 1-on-1 discussions. That way he has those noted and can work with staff on including them in the budget. When Jefferson said he’d had those previous 1-on-1 discussions but they never go anywhere and “it seems to get lost in the mind,” Sessions disagreed. “Since budget started, you have not been in my office,” he said. Replied Jefferson: “Whether I’ve been in your office or not, I’ve told you on several occasions that I refuse to have any more of these 1-on-1s because people tend to get absent minded when I bring it up again.

LIVE OAK CITY COUNCILE WANTS TO CHANGE THE NAME OF THE OLD CITY HALL BUILDING

By JAMIE WACHTER jwachter@lakecityreporter.com The historic Live Oak City Hall building and home to the Suwannee County Chamber of Commerce may soon have a new name. The Live Oak City Council provided consensus to City Attorney Todd Kennon to draft an ordinance to rename the 1908 structure after former Councilman John Yulee Sr. Yulee, who passed away in August, served on the council for 16 years and during that time was instrumental in saving the historic building. “Each of you are in a position to not only offer words but to take action,” Live Oak resident Gary Caldwell said in support of the idea, which was brought up for discussion by Councilwoman Gladys Owens. “John did not serve in his position for recognition…But it is our responsibility as citizens, as councilwomen, as councilmen, to show our appreciation for those who gave such of their time and dedication as John W. Yulee did.” Only Councilwoman Vanessa Brown Robinson voiced disagreement with naming the building after Yulee among the council. Both Council President Matt Campbell and Councilman David Alford said they didn’t personally know Yulee, but still supported the idea after hearing from multiple residents during Tuesday’s council meeting. “Your testimony spoke volumes about who he was,” Alford said. Councilman Tommie Jefferson noted that it wouldn’t be the first time a former civic leader had been honored with a naming recognition in Live Oak, pointing to John Hale Park. “I think this would be a tremendous thing and a great honor to honor someone who has done so much for this city,” Jefferson said. In addition to Caldwell, Robert Ford and Shanae Wilson spoke in favor of honoring Yulee for his service to the community. Mayor Frank Davis also spoke glowingly about the way Yulee went about his business as a councilman. Davis served alongside Yulee on the council before becoming mayor. “He was kind a mentor to me, he probably didn’t even realize that,” Davis said. “I watched him and listened to him. If Mr. Yulee was for something that indicated to me I voted right.” Ford grew up with Yulee, graduating from Douglass High School one year before the former councilor. He said Yulee’s contributions to the city are easily noticeable and a testament to the legacy he has left behind. In addition to helping renovate and save the old City Hall building, Yulee also cast the deciding vote to move forward with the Heritage Park and Gardens project around the Crapps mansion. He also was a driving force for adding “In God We Trust” to the city seal. “I respectfully submit that naming the old City Hall building in his honor would be both fitting and just,” Ford said. “The old City Hall stands today because of Mr. Yulee’s vision and efficacy. It serves as a symbol of city pride and historical continuity. I submit that this tribute would reflect on Mr. Yulee’s tireless dedication and will inspire future generations. “It would stand as a lasting beacon of gratitude, remembrance and inspiration…A measure of a life is not in its duration but in its donation. Councilman Yulee donated his life to the City of Live Oak.” Wilson said the honor would also be fitting for Yulee because he was a public servant, a soldier, a law enforcement officer and a community activist. “John W. Yulee Sr. developed a passion for serving the community, which he regarded as an extension of his family,” she said. Not everybody, though, was in favor of honoring Yulee by naming the building after him. Former Councilwoman Lynda Williams said that while she too was friends with Yulee, she believed naming the old City Hall after him would be “opening a can of worms.” Williams said when she sat on the council, she had to tell other people that the city ordinance didn’t allow for naming buildings and streets after them. The city does have an ordinance — 1322 — that outlines the criteria for the council to consider in naming a street or building after somebody. The guidelines for that public recognition includes: ■The honor should only be bestowed upon those with a history of serving with the community; ■ Any naming or renaming should be done by ordinance with the two public hearings on the matter; and ■ The city appropriately notice the hearings. Still, Williams said she didn’t think it was right, instead requesting that the council instead dedicate a wall of fame or honor and list names of local legends there as their recognition. “There are so many people who need their names on things, who would like to have their names on things,” she said, noting there have been some who served on the council for 37 years — Bennie Thomas —  and who have not been recognized in the same way. “I love him and his family. That’s not what I’m fighting. “Look at other ways to do this.” The city intends to hold those public hearings on the renaming at its October and November meetings.

By JAMIE WACHTER on Wednesday, September 3, 2025Subhead

Assessment on garbage up $15; fire raises $31.

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• Suwannee County Commissioner Maurice Perkins made a motion to only increase the solid waste assessment $15 as a way to lessen the burden on taxpayers. (JAMIE WACHTER/Lake City Reporter)

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Suwannee County property owners will be paying more for solid waste and fire protection, but not as much as previously expected.

During its meeting Tuesday night, the Suwannee County Commission unanimously approved the fire assessment and solid waste assessment for the upcoming fiscal year, which begins Oct. 1. Both fees are increasing from their current states, but the commission did cut the increase on the solid waste charge.

Currently, the solid waste assessment is $235 per single family dwelling annually and the board had previously set a tentative increase to $265.

However, in the final vote Tuesday that increase was dropped to $250.

“I’d like to try to absorb part of that in the general revenue,” Commission Chairman Travis Land said in proposing that lower figure. “Until we know where you’re going for a long period of time, I want to try to keep the rate as low as we can so we don’t charge anymore than we absolutely have to.”

The difference will be paid for out of the county’s general fund, which is already subsidizing the cost to transport the garbage from the county to a Waste Management landfill in Folkston, Ga.

Commissioner Franklin White, doing some quick calculations on the dais, said that even that incremental increase would lessen the impact on the general fund from $500,000 to $240,000.

“I’m all for seeking ways to help relieve some of the burden,” Commissioner Maurice Perkins said in making the motion to set the new fee at $250.

The fire assessment, meanwhile, is increasing from $120 per single family residence to $151, as requested and tentatively approved.

Land noted that fee had been $100 for years before increasing to $120 four years ago following a new rate study.

Carolee Howell told the commission to provide that increase, which was requested by Fire Chief Dan Miller. She said it figured out to just 8 ½ cents per day while noting the importance of fire protection as well as the rescue ambulance service that Suwannee County Fire Rescue provides for the county as a whole.

“Our fire chief has done everything he can this past year to find other avenues to bring in resources,” she said. “He has done a monumental job and I don’t think we need to snub him by saying, ‘No.’”

Moses Clepper, though, spoke against both increases, saying while most would have no problem with the annual increases, it would impact the less fortunate, who are already having to tighten their belts. He requested the county do likewise.

“We need to tighten up, this is just one way you could,” Clepper said.

Still, the fire assessment was passed as requested with Commissioner Don Hale saying he didn’t like increasing any fees but felt it was necessary.

“I just don’t know how we keep up with the growth,” he said. “I’ll support it because I have been on the other end of it and had a family member that needed those trucks to come.”

By JAMIE WACHTER on Wednesday, September 3, 2025Subhead

Multiple members have to attend meeting to receive extra time.

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• Bo Hancock, a Suwannee County resident, said the public has the right to say what they want at public meetings as the County Commission made changes to how it handles public comment. (JAMIE WACHTER/Lake City Reporter)

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Despite criticism that they were trying to silence the public, the Suwannee County Commissioners unanimously approved amending a portion of their policies for public comment at meetings.

During Tuesday’s meeting, the board supported an amendment to how public comment would be permitted to a representative of a group or faction. Under the county policies, a group’s representative is granted seven minutes to speak while typically comments are limited to three minutes.

The change still will allow a group representative the extra time to speak, but multiple individuals from the group have to be present and alert the commission that they are allowing the representative to speak on their behalf.

The change comes after Moses Clepper spoke at a board meeting in August and requested the additional time as he was speaking for the group, We the People of North Central Florida. When questioned about the group, Clepper said it was a private organization. Harry “Kin” Weaver Jr. said he also was a member at that meeting.

Both Clepper and Weaver spoke out against the proposed change Tuesday, as did Bo Hancock, who told the commission that it should name the resolution making the amendment the “Moses Clepper Resolution.”

“I don’t agree with everything that Moses says but he has a right to say it,” Hancock said. “I want to make that point clear.”

Weaver said he agreed completely with what Hancock said. Weaver said anybody could suddenly find themselves as unpopular with the sitting board members and otherwise find themselves ostracized from speaking.

“We need to listen to all,” he said. “I’m for free speech, irregardless of who it is, as long as we have decorum.”

Land said the change would not lead to less public comment. Instead, he said it was intended to help streamline the way he runs the meetings as the board’s chairman.

“No where does it say we’re not going to have public comment,” he said.

The board did make one tweak to the desired change, which originally was going to limit the group’s speaker to one specific agenda item. Instead, they will be able to address multiple agenda items in case there are multiple items on the consent agenda they wish to discuss. The public is allowed to speak on any item on the general business portion of meeting agendas in addition to their time during public comment.

Clepper, who previously spoke on the item during public comment, said state law said the board is not able to limit the public’s right to address county business.

“This is another shameful attempt to infringe on citizens’ First Amendment rights,” Clepper said.

Hancock, much like Weaver cautioned the board about going too far, saying the change could lead them on a “slippery slope.”

By JAMIE WACHTER on Wednesday, September 3, 2025Subhead

County Commission denies company’s special exception on zoning request.

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• Stephen Douglas, a co-owner of Suwannee Iron Works, speaks during a public hearing Tuesday night in front of the Suwannee County Commission on the company’s request for a special exception to the county’s zoning and Land Development Regulations. Seated next to Douglas is Emily Pierce, one of the company’s attorneys. (JAMIE WACHTER/Lake City Reporter)

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A long-standing Suwannee County business was denied a special exception to continue operating Tuesday night.

Suwannee Iron Works, which has been in business for 40 years, was seeking a special exception to operate their metal manufacturing business off County Road 49 in O’Brien on a property zoned agriculture-1. The special exception, which was unanimously denied after approximately three hours of evidence and testimony provided during a public hearing, was needed in order to legally operate in that zoned area according to the county’s Land Development Regulations.

“It’s just gut-wrenching to me,” Commissioner Franklin White, who made the motion to deny the request, said. “It’s just sad you have to sit here and decide which one lives and which one dies, because that’s basically what’s going to happen.”

The special exception was the first step in multiple items needed for the business to continue operating, its attorney Emily Pierce with Rogers Towers Attorneys at Law told the commission. Even with their approval, Suwannee Iron Works still needed to get building permits, electrical permits and a certificate of occupancy to be able to continue operations. A code enforcement violation led to the county issuing a cease to operate order in July. Third Judicial Circuit Judge Mark Feagle granted the county’s injunction on that order earlier Tuesday, shutting down the company’s operations.

During the marathon public hearing, the commission heard public comments from 22 individuals, including family members of Raymond and Diane Howard, who live adjacent to the Suwannee Iron Works property and made the noise complaint which led to the code violation and shut down, as well as owners and employees of Suwannee Iron Works.

Those comments followed testimony from Ron Meeks, the county’s development services director, who said the company’s operations didn’t meet the criteria necessary for a special exception. Suwannee Iron Works was seeking it as a manufacturing and storage company under an area that also included explosives. Meeks said his interpretation of the county’s LDRs is that manufacturing and storage was explicitly for explosives, noting there also was a section for pulp and paper manufacturing.

“With most of our county being zoned agricultural, it’s kind of hard to isolate one piece of property and treat it differently than you would any other piece of property,” Meeks said. “If you approve a special permit, you’re saying that usage can go pretty much anywhere in Suwannee County.

“I’m just worried you’d set a precedent moving forward.”

George “Tommy” Reeves, who was handling the case for Suwannee County, also told the commissioners, who were acting in a quasi-judicial capacity, repeatedly that their decision boiled down to the simple fact: the company did not meet all the criteria.

Pierce disagreed, while also telling the board that her clients were willing to accept conditions on the special exception, including hours of operation and construction of an earthen dam to lessen the noise impacts as well as possible clouds of paint that the Howards said drifted onto their property and ruined one vehicle. She also said the company would be willing to relocate elsewhere in the county.

“We can’t move forward at all, we can’t operate tomorrow or the next day or the next day until we get all these things and step 1 to all of that is getting this special exception,” she said.

The company’s owners also said they were willing to work with the county on whatever conditions were desired. Ernie Caparelli, a co-owner and president of the company, said Suwannee Iron Works was willing to move and work with Suwannee County to keep it in the county. However, the company also would be willing to move elsewhere.

“We’re not asking for the world but if this ends badly for us, this ends badly for 100 people,” said Stephen Douglas, who also noted that with 100 employees that Suwannee Iron Works was the county’s 12th largest employer. “Give us a chance. We’re trying. We really are. We worked damn hard to get here and we’re trying to survive. If we could just get the opportunity to, I would appreciate it.”

However, other members of the public said the company’s success — which Caparelli said was surprising to both the county and themselves and caused them to outgrow what they originally were given permission to do but was the result of “unfortunately I’m a pretty good business person” — didn’t overshadow the fact that it didn’t follow the necessary steps to begin with.

Bryan and Linda Rucker both said they had to follow the county’s LDRs to begin their business in Suwannee County which included selling some properties because it would not be allowed.

“My biggest complaint is this an after effect of, ‘Oh, we spent a couple of million dollars and now we want to ask for forgiveness and by the way, can we move our business,’” Brian Rucker said. “I could have chose to do it the route they went but I didn’t. I did it the legal way.”

Jason Mowrer, who operates a welding shop after going through the planning and zoning process two decades ago, said he was not allowed to expand that operation because it was not permitted. However, Suwannee Iron Works is currently operating what Meeks’ staff report said was a 100,000-square-foot facility and property, although Pierce said was only a 28,000-square-foot building.

“If you allow them to continue, I’ll be back to expand,” he said. “You going to tell me no? How can you tell me no if you tell them it’s OK. I’ll be back to get mine, I promise you.”

That, too, was a point Reeves made in his closing arguments to the commissioners. Reiterating that it didn’t meet the criteria for a special permit, Reeves said the county would be on a slippery slope if it granted the request by Suwannee Iron Works.

“If you grant this one, what are you going to do turn down? What are you going to deny?” Reeves said.

The commission, ultimately, agreed. That despite multiple attempts by most of the board in trying to find what they admitted was a “win-win” in the case that would allow the company to continue operating while seeking a resolution that worked for everybody. Andrew Bass, a business owner in the county, asked them to try to do that as well, noting his business is a result of that kind of cooperation involving the county, himself and a previous neighboring property owner who objected. Bass was able to operate after moving to the county’s catalyst site.

By JAMIE WACHTER on Wednesday, September 3, 2025Subhead

Raftelis finally has ‘momentum’ on assignment for Utility Authority.

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• Matthew Ori, a senior consultant with Raftelis, talks to the North Florida Water Utilities Authority board on Wednesday about the status of the rate study being performed by the group. (JAMIE WACHTER/Lake City Reporter)

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LIVE OAK — A rate study is on the horizon for the North Florida Water Utilities Authority.

A pair of representatives from Raftelis, which was hired to put together the rate study by the NFWUA board in January for $130,000, told the directors at their Wednesday meeting that there is “momentum” currently on finalizing the study. The study initially was expected to be completed in eight months.

Matthew Ori, a senior consultant with Raftelis, said he was looking to conduct weekly conference calls with a “committee” from the group in order to keep that momentum rolling. Shannon Roberts, the NFWUA director, said he thought that group would involve himself, NFWUA Attorney Grady Williams and county staff, and most likely Columbia County Manager David Kraus and Suwannee County Assistant County Administrator Jason Furry.

“We’ve got some momentum now,” said Henry Thomas, a senior vice president with Raftelis. “We want to keep that up so we can get to the finish line.

“I’m reluctant to commit to (when will we reach the finish line) just yet, but in a couple months we should have the final cases for you to look at.”

That momentum, he said, has been the result of Roberts fully taking the reins of the NFWUA three months ago. Since then, the group has finalized its Suwannee County independent study and is trying to wrap up its independent look at Columbia County. Roberts said one additional piece of detailed financial data is needed to help Raftelis on that component.

Once that is completed, Ori said the group will then do a combined study for what it recommends the NFWUA set as its rates.

According to Ori, after the rates have been established, Raftelis will then also dive into miscellaneous fees like tap fees and connection or capacity fees that should be charged on future hookups.

Ori and Thomas also said the company planned to do periodic check-ins with the authority in the future to make sure the rate study was still being effective, especially on projections on inflation and other factors.

“Our recommendation is every two-three years, a temperature check,” Ori said.

Thomas said those checks could come earlier than the two-year check-in initially proposed by Ori due to the start-up nature of the fledgling utility.

During those future calls, Ori said all parties will help answer some other questions for Raftelis as it devises the rate study, including what to do with and debt owed on the utilities. There is no debt on Suwannee County’s utilities, which were all grant funded. Columbia County, meanwhile, owes a small amount of debt on its utilities in Ellisville, Kraus said.

There is additional debt on the wastewater treatment plant at the North Florida Mega Industrial Park, but that utility is currently operated by the City of Lake City as part of a two-year contract.

“Discussions I’ve been involved with is any debt the counties have right now is they would keep paying on that debt,” Chairman Rocky Ford, a Columbia County commissioner, said.

By JAMIE WACHTER on Wednesday, August 27, 2025Image

• Live Oak City Manager Larry Sessions (right) and Councilwoman Vanessa Brown Robinson were in Arcadia last Thursday to receive a ceremonial $4.5 million check from the State of Florida. The funding will go toward water system improvements and home repairs for low-income families. (COURTESY)

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LIVE OAK — Help is on the way for Live Oak’s water system.

Last Thursday, Live Oak City Manager received a $4.56 million ceremonial check from Gov. Ron DeSantis to address both potable water issues in the city as well as rehabilitate or repair houses for low-income families.

The funding to Live Oak was part of $38 million in awards to 19 small and rural Florida communities through the Florida Small Cities Community Development Block Grant program that DeSantis made in Arcadia.

“Our state’s small and rural cities drive key industries, support Florida families, and keep our economy moving,” DeSantis said in a press release announcing the awards, which also included $1.5 million each for Hamilton and Lafayette counties for home repair programs for low-income families.

“These funds will support neighborhood revitalization, housing rehabilitation, and infrastructure development in 19 communities throughout Florida.”

The major infrastructure development in Live Oak will consist of replacing a well as part of the city’s water system. Sessions said the city’s third well hasn’t worked in seven years, leaving the city vulnerable.

“We need a well bad, if we lose our second well, we don’t have enough pressure and we’ll be boiling water,” Sessions said. “We’ve been living on the edge for seven years and I didn’t know it until I got here.”

The $3 million CDBG funding will be used toward constructing a new well on the southeast side of the city. Once it is constructed, Sessions said it not only will improve system resiliency but also will help address other issues within the city’s water infrastructure, including increased water pressure and a looped system that will improve water quality.

“I’m going to move where the well is, I’m going to put it on the whole other side of town, change the geology that’s in the ground, hopefully, so the same thing doesn’t happen,” he said. “It will help pressure coming from two sides instead of one.”

The city’s wells currently are on the north side of the city near Interstate 10.

“It’s headed in the right direction,” Sessions added about the city’s water infrastructure, noting it will cost more than $3 million to do all the upgrades necessary.

The other $1.56 million the city received will go toward repairing or rehabbing 21 homes for low-income households.

Sessions said the city will now work on developing an application process as well as a grading scale in order to fairly utilize those funds. But the funds are greatly appreciated.

“I already had a call saying, ‘I’ve got to be on that list,’” Sessions said. “They’re big things. They will help.”

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Sessions: Better communication will lead to better productivity By JAMIE WACHTER jwachter@lakecityreporter.com LIVE OAK — As the city looks to finalize its fiscal year 2025-26 budget, Live Oak City Manager Larry Sessions wants his staff removed from the “witness stand.” During the Live Oak City Council’s second budget workshop Tuesday afternoon, Sessions admonished the council for not meeting with him 1-on-1 ahead of the sessions to discuss thoughts and issues they had on the proposed spending plan. Those meetings, Sessions said, would help make the public meetings more productive by allowing staff to be prepared for the line of questioning. “You should communicate with us to start with so we’re prepared to give you good answers and not standing up here, basically, on the witness stand,” Sessions said about halfway through the hour-long workshop. “In the future, I’d like some communication from yawl to let us know what you’re thinking. In the past, that’s how it’s been done. You discuss it 1-on1 with me about individual issues, I write them down and get with my staff and we can get together on figuring out where we can put money and do things. “We accomplished nothing at the last workshop and we’re going in the same direction today. We’re not communicating properly. This is not the proper place to figure stuff out, this is the place to work it out.” Councilwoman Vanessa Brown-Robinson, who admitted she was guilty of the infraction herself, agreed with Sessions. She added that she would meet with him to go over other items she was looking for in the city’s proposed budget ahead of its Sept. 9 tentative budget hearing. The city does not have another workshop planned to go over the budget before that hearing. Late in Tuesday’s workshop, Finance Director Joanne Luther was provided consensus from the council that it planned to stay at the previously approved maximum millage rate of 9.25. That rate is 3.4% above the rollback rate of 8.9452, or the rate that would generate the same amount of tax revenue for the city as the current rate. By going with the 9.25- mill rate, the city expects to generate $110,000 more than it would with the rollback rate. “With full confidence I can tell you that we can balance the budget within reason with some of the things we’ve heard tonight,” Sessions said. “If you start throwing around $1 million, it gets harder, but from what I’ve heard tonight, I don’t see a problem balancing the budget.” Prior to his remarks to the council, Councilman Tommie Jefferson was questioning both Sessions and Public Works Director Jerald Lee about including an additional street in District 1 into paving projects for the upcoming year. Jefferson’s district is currently slated to have work done on both Brown Avenue and Broome Avenue. However, he wanted what he called a small part of Spruce Street also repaved. Lee said he had not added that street to the proposed plan because that work would only benefit two residents that live on it. Instead, Lee said he focused on the other streets that have several dozen individuals living on them. Jefferson continued to plead that Spruce Street needed to also be done, although there was no discussion Tuesday during the workshop how much that addition would end up costing. Council President Matt Campbell, following that discussion, added that he felt the council needed to take a more holistic approach to street repairs and improvements in the city. Campbell said the council, rather than worry about streets in the individual districts, needed to focus more on making sure the highest-traveled streets were targeted first. “I would just urge us to not only look out for individual districts but the city as a whole,” he said. “I know we all have pet peeves within our own districts…so, hopefully, we focus on usage going forward.” Also during the workshop, the council provided consensus to increase the funding for the Suwannee County Police Athletic League program at the Douglass Center from $6,000 to $8,000, the request submitted by the organization. That increase is offset by a smaller amount requested this year by the Suwannee County Historical Museum. “They do a lot for the kids with a little bit of money,” Robinson said. City Clerk John Gill is also set to get a raise in the new budget. He had requested a $5,000 raise, just the second non-cost-of living-adjustment increase he has received in his 15 years as clerk. Robinson said she’d like to bump that increase to $8,000. Robinson also asked about the audit of the city’s financial policies and procedures that the council requested in June following a cyber-attack that cost the city $450,000. Luther said it was included in the budget as part of the $260,000 for auditing services to the finance department line. The city, though, has recovered the bulk of that lost funding, Sessions informed the council through an insurance claim. Sessions said the Florida Municipal Insurance Trust repaid the city $350,000. “It’s not everything but it’s a big help,” Sessions said.

Furry named interim county administrator he will lead operations after Scott’s retirement until permanent hire made. By JAMIE WACHTER jwachter@lakecityreporter.com LIVE OAK — When Greg Scott retires next month, Suwannee County already has named its leader Suwannee County Assistant County actions once Scott retires and until a permanent hire is made, On an interim basis. While the county is utilizing the Florida Association of County Managers to help conduct a search for its next county administrator, that hunt will likely extend beyond Scott’s last day of Sept. 26. To help fill the gap, the County Commission unanimously appointed Assistant County Administrator Jason Furry to run the county operations for now we will not have Mr. Scott’s replacement in place by the end of September,” Commission Chairman Travis Land said during the board’s Tuesday meeting, noting it came following discussions with the FACM. “I think we need to appoint someone as FURRY continued on as  Administrator Jason Furry will serve as acting interim administrator fol lowing Greg Scott’s retirement near the end of September. Acting interim so we can continue to conduct business while we’re going through that interview process, otherwise there may be a gap there.” According to the FACM’s recruitment guidebook, the timeline to recruit a new county administrator includes four to six weeks of advertising and pre-review of the position as well as up to six weeks to con duct the search and provide a short list of finalists to be interviewed. The interview/selection process can take an additional 3-4 weeks, accord ing to the timeline. The position has not been advertised yet. Scott “I just think we’re going to have a gap there,” Land said, noting that it could lead to issues as far as personnel matters or with the county’s purchasing policy, etc. Scott has served as the county administrator since December 2022. Furry, who replaced Scott as the parks and recreation director in 2022, was named the assistant county administrator earlier this year. Furry has worked for the county for 31 years, all spent in parks and recreation before being promoted to the county administrative office in May. “I think we need to appoint our assistant county administrator to pick up the ball,” Land added

By JAMIE WACHTER on Friday, July 11, 2025Subhead

Scott departing after 36+ years working for county.

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• Suwannee County Administrator Greg Scott is planning to retire in September after working for 36-plus years for the county. (FILE)

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LIVE OAK — Suwannee County is looking for help to fill its county administrator’s shoes.

Greg Scott, who has served as the county’s administrator since 2022, plans to retire in September. At its 5:30 p.m. meeting Tuesday at the Judicial Annex, 218 Parshley Street SW in Live Oak, the Suwannee County Commission will consider utilizing the Florida Association of County Managers to aid in a search to replace Scott. Chairman Travis Land is requesting the discussion on hiring the FCAM at a cost of $5,000.

“As County Administrator is arguable the most important position in County Government, experience in searching for and hiring the position would be extremely beneficial,” Land listed as a consideration fo the discussion. “That money is well spent to ensure the County hires the right person as its next County Manager.”

Scott said Thursday that retirement will allow him time to spend on himself and his family. Scott has worked for the county for 36-plus years, serving as the parks and recreation director and airport manager before becoming the interim county administrator in December 2022 and then having the interim tag removed two weeks later.

“Basically, I need to do things for myself. God’s talked to me twice,” he said with the most recent being open heart surgery in April. “He’s not going to give me another chance to make a decision to slow down.”

Since that latest health scare this spring, the county hired Jason Furry as its assistant county administrator to help lighten the load on the administrator. Furry was part of the team effort to take on responsibilities while Scott was out that also included Administrative Manager Mandy Frederickson and Public Works Project Manager Brenda Flanagan. In addition to serving as county administrator, Scott also is the county’s public works director. Flanagan, as the project manager, is responsible for a lot of the day-to-day operations in public works.

Scott, in eyeing September as his departure date, said that was intentional. It gives him time to help the county departments and commission through the budget cycle for the upcoming fiscal year and provide the county a clean slate on the administrator salary going into that year, which begins Oct. 1. Additionally, the three months notice gives the county time to conduct its search for the right candidate.

“They can use my salary to do whatever they need to do,” he said. “Trying to look out for the county on my way out the door.”

When he leaves, Scott said he believes he is leaving the county better than it was previously.

“Change for the good,” Scott said. “We’ve approached things different. We have to things to work with, obviously budgets have increased, but we’re doing a more efficient job with what we do along the way too.” 

By JAMIE WACHTER on Wednesday, July 9, 2025Subhead

Workshop to discuss consolidation blocked by 4-1 vote.

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• Live Oak City Council President Matt Campbell received silence from the rest of the council when he asked if there was interest in a workshop to discuss merging the city and county fire departments. (JAMIE WACHTER/Lake City Reporter)

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LIVE OAK — The idea of a possible consolidation of fire departments was quickly extinguished Tuesday night.

Live Oak City Council President Matt Campbell requested the discussion of setting up a workshop involving all stakeholders to talk about merging the Live Oak Fire Department and Suwannee County Fire Rescue.

However, after 20 seconds of silence from the rest of the council at Tuesday’s meeting, Campbell called for a roll call vote to see if there was a consensus in setting up the workshop.

It turns out he was the lone council member who was willing to discuss the matter.

“To include all the stakeholders that would be involved if it is something we would look at down the road as the city fire department joining hands or joining, I’ve heard it called a lot of different negative things, taken over, absorbed, joining forces with, however you want to put it, with the fire department of the county,” Campbell said prior to the roll call vote.

Campbell said Tuesday, as he told the Reporter last week, that he was interested in having the discussion as a way to see if consolidating the fire service could free up funds for the city to address its aging infrastructure.

“It is a $1.9 million budget line item,” he said. “We’ve been kicking the infrastructure can down the road as long as I can remember here in Live Oak.”

Campbell added the city needs to find ways to devote funds toward infrastructure improvements and not be completely reliant on grant funds to address those issues as it does currently.

“Sometimes they pan out, sometimes they don’t,” he added. “Trying to be innovative, think outside the box here, I would be willing to sit down and listen in a workshop format to all stakeholders, whether it be city, county, city residents, county residents, insurance companies, county administrators, city managers.

“Instead of having the back and forth debate up here and then nothing ever happening, I’d just like to have a designated time.”

While the rest of the council didn’t agree to consider merging the fire service, Campbell wasn’t alone in thinking it was a good idea to pursue discussions on the matter. Wayne Hannaka with the Concerned Citizens of North Florida and Moses Clepper both supported the idea during public comment as well.

Hannaka, pointing to the fact that it has been discussed previously but never made it past initial discussions, said he believed Campbell’s idea was the right approach.

“This item has come up before, time and time again,” he said. “There were a lot of rumors that happened and a lot of misinformation that happened. The only thing I would ask the council to do is sit down at a workshop, get information and then make a decision.

“That has never happened in the past…Do that and then make a conscientious educated decision.”

Clepper urged the council to go even further.

“I’ve been pushing for consolidation, not just fire department, county-wide,” said the outspoken Suwannee County resident. “Don’t stop there. Go further up, full charter.”

However, the Professional Firefighters of Live Oak were opposed to the thought of a merger, posting a statement on social media on Saturday after the Reporter initially reported about Campbell’s proposal.

“We want to make our position unequivocally clear: The Firefighters of the City of Live Oak vehemently oppose this change,” the statement read. “We are dedicated men and women, many of whom have built our careers here, choosing to serve you day after day. For decades, some of us have committed our professional lives to Live Oak. This is more than a job; it’s our way of life, and we are deeply invested in continuing to protect this community.

“Beyond our personal commitment, we firmly believe that the services and protection we currently offer the city are unmatched and difficult to replicate.”

 SHERIFF ON THE HOT SEAT AT BOCC MEETING  

Board irked over communication problem on financial, EOC audits AUDIT Suwannee C Photos by JAMIE WACHTER/Lake City Reporter Suwannee County Commission Chairman Travis Land points at Sheriff Sam St. John and Deputy Emergency Management Director Heather Henderson-Scheu as they discuss the sheriff’s office and emergency management office’s response to audits during Tuesday’s commission meeting. Sheriff Sam St. John said the emergency management office, which is under his control, has complied with all the requests from Cherry Bekeart, which is audit provided to Suwannee County as a whole for being late on turning in its audit because one department hasn’t gotten its paperwork in. “I don’t mean to sound pissed off but I’m pissed off.” He was not alone. On both sides. After trying to explain what caused the problem leading to Tuesday’s confrontation, both Sheriff Sam St. John and Heather Henderson-Scheu, the deputy emergency management director, took exception to the commission’s continued pursuit of the issue. The board unanimously approved sending a pair of letters to St. John giving a 10-day window to get the information submitted or to appear at the July 15 BOCC meeting to further explain why it wouldn’t be provided. “Some of that, I don’t agree with at all,” St. John said about the reported issues with the emergency management complying with audit requests. “We are complying chairman. We’ve complied with everything they’ve wanted.” Henderson-Scheu said she felt she had provided all the information to Cherry Bekaert, the auditing firm the commission agreed to pay $108,000 in April to examine the operations of the county’s emergency management office, that she could. She said providing the home addresses of both her and Chris Volz, the county’s emergency management director, was not permitted under Florida statutes. “I’ve given her everything she has asked for and then some,” she said. After back and forth between Henderson-Scheu and himself, Land finally called for a board vote on how to proceed, noting they could otherwise be there all night. He added that if the ongoing difference of opinions between Henderson-Scheu and the auditors on if the information has been provided continues, the board may have to bring in another independent party to settle that dispute. “I don’t know where we from there, DOGE, the governor,” he said. Morrison said it would be referred up to the governor’s office. Several county residents believed it was already time to do that. “I’m appalled,” said Kin Weaver. “Call the governor. Let’s get it over with.” Bo Hancock said he felt setting additional deadlines was pointless as it had been proven that the sheriff’s office wouldn’t meet them since it hadn’t yet. He also said he wouldn’t stop just at seeking assistance from the governor’s office. “I think you need to contact the governor’s office and have him assign FDLE to come in and investigate the entire sheriff’s department as well as EOC,” Hancock added. “They’re stonewalling. They’re not going to do anything any different and I’m like you Travis, I’ve had enough of it.” In addition to the addresses, which County Attorney Adam Morrison explained was requested by the auditing firm as a way to make sure no fraud was being committed through the use of contracted vendors that could be associated with an employee, Cherry Bekaert said among the other roadblocks it has ran into include: n refusal to provide listing of all vendors that received funding from emergency management; n failure to provide specific policies and procedures for the Emergency Operations Center; and n refusal to provide access to WebEOC reports. The firm also said its efforts to talk to Michelle Emmons in the SCSO’s financial department had been refused. Henderson-Scheu said Emmons was busy trying to rectify the annual audit for the agency after a change of financial officers, so she was handling the audit for her department, which is overseen by the sheriff’s office. Land, though, noted the county’s request for that audit said it was to be the top priority for all county staff, asking Henderson what gave her the authority to determine otherwise. She said she didn’t, but St. John did. St. John, when asked if he had ordered Emmons to not speak with the firm, said he did not even when it was mentioned that Volz had said otherwise in an e-mail. “The only thing I know is he may have misunderstood what I said,” St. John said. The audit into the emergency management office began due to miscommunication and a misunderstanding involving Volz. He appeared at the board’s April 15 meeting to provide an update on emergency management which turned into accusations against County Administrator Greg Scott costing the county millions in grant funds by sabotaging the agency’s efforts for 17 months and then lying to the board. Scott was not at that meeting as he was recovering from an April 1 heart surgery. Land also wasn’t at that meeting. That wasn’t the only breakdown in communication between the SCSO and the commission. Land said all constitutional officers were instructed in January to have their financial information to Powell & Jones by March 15 to ensure a timely completion of the annual audit. St. John said Tuesday night that his office had just completed it Tuesday. He said the delay was caused by the previous agency financial director becoming overwhelmed with the responsibilities as well as the impact of the hurricanes last fall. “It was just kind of like a perfect storm that made it happen,” St. John said, noting there also then were issues with bank reconciliations on the department’s finances — which all came back accurate he later said — as well as issues with new software the county is using. Still, the board wasn’t pleased with the lack of help requested or just communication about a problem. “We talked about it before with the Mr. Volz situation that we have a communication problem. When in the hell are we going to fix that?” asked Land, who began the discussion quoting Thomas Jefferson. “It irks me that you or nobody from your office can tell us what the heck is going on over there until we go through all this mess to talk about it. Communication and we wouldn’t be here today. “Thomas Jefferson said this, obviously I’ve been doing some soul searching but Thomas Jefferson said, ‘In matters of style, swim with the current. In matters of principle, stand like a rock.’ Today guys, I’m asking this board to stand like a rock.”  

WHITE SPRINGS

Mayor Refuses Resignation Request

By JAMIE WACHTER jwachter@lakecityreporter.com WHITE SPRINGS — A week after storming out of a special town meeting to find an interim manager, the White Springs mayor refused to leave that seat as easily. During the council’s meeting Tuesday night, Vice Mayor Nicole Williams requested Mayor Tonja Brown resign her position as mayor while remaining on the council based on her actions at the June 12 meeting and other inappropriate steps the mayor has taken, Williams said. Brown refused. “I’m not stepping down,” Brown said. Williams had said if Brown refused, she would lead to have the council take a vote to remove her. However, the rest of the council desired to end the discussion on the matter. “We’ll table this and end it for now,” said Williams, who called Brown’s departure from the previous meeting as her “storming out like a child.” The move to end the discussion on removing Brown as the mayor came after Councilman Robert Gamsby said he thought it was an “extreme first step for disciplinary action.” Gamsby, who had previously requested the council begin holding weekly meetings in order to keep the meetings shorter and more timely instead of the marathon sessions the council has been enduring, said he would like to see additional training and the council try to work through the issues first. He added that with Elmon “Lee” Garner set to begin Monday as the town’s interim manager, that would also alleviate some of the issues. Currently the town has no clerk or manager. “She’s been jumping on grenades coming in the front door,” Gamsby said of Brown. “She’s made some mistakes. I have too. We all have. Let’s try to fix it and then move forward.” Gamsby said for the town to properly move forward with any such step, it would need to investigate Williams’ claims and have documentation to make that decision. Williams said those mistakes have i n c l u d e d calling a staff meeting and threatening to fire a town employee, potentially creating a hostile work environment, as well as allegedly opening town mail not addressed to her. But Williams also said she was “very disappointed” in Brown’s behavior at the special meeting when she left shortly after opening the meeting. Brown tried to immediately adjourn the session, saying she wasn’t ready to interview candidates and that the packet of information provided to the council was not organized. The rest of the council said Tuesday that it had organized packets, which also had been online for two weeks. “As the vice mayor, a member of the White Springs Town Council and a citizen of this beautiful town, it is my duty to protect the town, its citizens and its interests,” Williams said. “White Springs has suffered significant damaged and we’re diligently working to repair our town’s reputation and rebuild our community’s relationship. “I am regretfully, yet respectfully, asking you to resign your position as town mayor. This, in my opinion, would be in the best interest of the town and the council, allowing us to move forward with integrity and cohesion.” INTERIM MANAGER ARRIVING Garner arrives in town Monday to begin his stint of up to six months as the town’s interim manager. Garner was the council’s backup choice for the interim position behind former Fort White Town Clerk Connie Brecheen. Brecheen, though, declined the position Friday. Garner brings with him 39 years of city management experience, including a five-month term as interim manager in Palatka in 2019. He most recently has served as the manager in Sneads for three-plus years. The council plans to hold a welcome reception for Garner on Tuesday at 5:30 p.m. at the Suwannee Hardware & Feed, 10572 Bridge Street, in conjunction with a Hamilton County Chamber of Commerce event at the White Springs landmark.  

County seeks SAFER grant to expand fire service

tbritt@lakecityreporter.com LIVE OAK — Suwannee County Fire Rescue is poised to go through a whirlwind of changes in the near future by adding new trucks, upgrading fire stations, building at least one new station and plans to add more than a dozen more firefighters, while keeping the fire assessment fee as low as possible. D u r i n g T u e s d a y n i g h t ’ s Suwannee C o u n t y Commission meeting, Suwannee County Fire Chief Dan Miller gave a 20-minute presentation laying out his plans. Key among Miller’s plan is to apply for a federal SAFER Grant, which can be used to fund additional personnel for three years at a reduced cost to the county and would only equate to a $31 fire assessment fee increase for residents. Miller said it’s been a great year for SCFR in past 12 months including changes like building a new station north of town, looking at redistributing assets, personnel reorganization and internal promotions. “its lots of moving parts,” he said. “The next step in this is we’re going to need to open the new station, so I need more positions. In order to get the positions, we’ve got to pay for them. So, instead of burdening the citizens with more tax and more increase on them, we’ve developed ways over the year on how to generate other revenue streams. Approximately $1.3 million is needed to fund 15 new positions. Miller said the partnership with Air Methods on Suwannee Air Rescue will be a big revenue generator. He’s also suggested adjusting some ambulance rates and medicare costs to increase funding, plus an interlocal agreement with the Town of Branford will all bring in additional funding. “The SAFER Grant is a way of getting funding for three years to cover the expense of those added positions,” he said following Tuesday evening’s commission meeting. “In year four, whatever department gets it, you have to cover that expense 100%. With other revenue streams we were able to generate, the cost to the citizen is a $31 increase. “The Safer Grant would be a shot in the arm. It would allow us to get the positions, but that’s just Step 1.” While Miller noted that just having the open positions won’t guarantee an influx of job applications, he did said having 15 more people in his department will make a huge difference for the county. “That breaks up into three battalions, an extra five people per day. Currently we have 20 people on a day, so we’ll go from 20 people to 25 in staffing, daily,” he said. “Two more ambulances and another fire truck staffed is what we’ll be able to do with that 15.” Miller, who has been in the position for 11 months, noted that the department’s newest truck has already arrived and firefighters equipping the unit, which is a 105-foot long ladder truck which costs $1.3 million. Another truck has been planned for the fire station in McAlpin next year. “McAlpin is getting a brand new fire station — ground up built fire station,” Miller said. “Pending the budget gets approved, my plan is to start construction on that hopefully by the end this year,” Miller said. “They’re currently in a double-wide mobile home that we have to evacuate and close down every time a storm comes by. It was a temporary structure that’s been temporary for how many years now?” Plans also call for additional personnel at the Dowling Park station and a new living area. The station in Wellborn is also slated to get improvements. “We’ve added people to that station this year, added a truck there and we need to put an awning in the back to park the truck under so it’s protected and do some remodels,” Miller said. The new Suwannee County Fire Rescue Station on the north end is expected to be completed this year, by Oct. 1, after the building was retrofitted to serve as a fire department. The new Station 6 will serve 75 square miles of Suwannee County, inclusive of 2,044 structures, 148 road miles and 3,137 parcels. The structures and property in the coverage area has a $338,870,153 value. “It will be ready to open in September or October, but I don’t have the people to open it,” Miller said. “If I’m not able to secure the funding or the SAFER Grant or the (revenue) increase, we’ll have to figure out a way to get the 15 positions somewhere. “The administration and commission in Suwannee County is just amazing,” Miller continued. “They truly care about the citizens and they want to make sure every tax dollar is accounted for. It’s awesome.” Suwannee County commissioners unanimously approved Miller’s request to apply for SAFER Grant funding. The application deadline is July 3. 

By JAMIE WACHTER on Wednesday, June 18, 2025Subhead

Budget includes $3.7M for Lafayette; $2M in Hamilton.

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LIVE OAK - The regional storm shelter eyed for the north side of Live Oak has more than $4 million in state funding scheduled to help firm up those plans.

The state’s $115.1 billion budget passed by the Florida Legislature on Monday evening after failing to pass the budget during its normal 60-day session, leading to an extension into the middle of June, includes $4.86 million in projects for Suwannee County, $3.785 million geared for local items in Lafayette County and $2.085 million for Hamilton County.

The budget now heads to the desk of Gov. Ron DeSantis, who holds line item veto power, ahead of the July 1 start to the new fiscal year.

“We’re excited,” Suwannee County Administrator Greg Scott said. “Especially in somewhat of a lean year for the region.”

The bulk of the funding headed to Suwannee County is for the planning of the regional storm shelter, which was awarded to the county last year with funding from the state to help with the purchase of 390 acres of land just north of the Interstate 10 and U.S. Highway 129 interchange.

This year the legislature awarded $3,304,635 toward the master planning and design of the shelter, which the county expects to request for an additional $20 million toward the construction in future years.

An additional $1 million was appropriated for the utility design plan for the shelter.

That funding would provide the engineering and design on extending both water and wastewater utilities from the city’s system to the shelter site.

“It will work out just like it is supposed to,” Scott added. “We have to be gracious for what we get. The good Lord will bring it to us when it’s time.

“It’s headed in the right direction.”

The other funding for Suwannee County is to benefit the Live Oak Fire Department with the purchase of a new fire truck. The LOFD received $558,054 for an E-One fire engine, half of what the department requested.

The LOFD’s current fire engine is 34 years old and “beyond ready for retirement life,” according to a funding request filed by Shoaf. The new engine would help with safety, emissions, serviceability and and reliability.

County still supports utility group Regional approach favored by state agencies for funding. By JAMIE WACHTER jwachter@lakecityreporter.com LIVEOAK — The North Florida Water Utilities Authority is still full-speed ahead. Following 90 minutes of discussion about the authority, which consists of Suwannee and Columbia counties, Tuesday night, the Suwannee County Commission moved on to other business. Commissioner Don Hale had requested the discussion to gather additional information and have questions answered about the independent district and its potential impact on the county moving forward. Hale told the Reporter last week that he was possibly looking at a six-month pause on the NFWUA’s operations, notably hiring Shannon Roberts out of Suwannee County’s administration to serve as its initial director. There was no talk from the commission about slowing down the NFWUA on Tuesday night. “It’s like I always said, ‘It’s an investment,’” said Suwannee County Commission Vice Chairman Franklin White, who is a member of the NFWUA board.

The lengthy discussion began with Hale laying out several concerns, including what impact the authority ty would have on current grant-funded infrastructure projects at Suwannee County’s Catalyst Site, what would happen to the current contractors conducting the required testing at the county’s utility plants, the rate study the authority is having performed and what the impact is on the seed money the two counties are currently putting into the NFWUA to fund its operations and what the county’s plan is to replace Roberts, who oversees the county’s grant writing and grant administration process. On replacing Roberts, who was hired Wednesday morning by the NFWUA as its director, County Administrator Greg Scott said while Roberts will be missed, he was confident the county would be able to move forward success fully in still obtaining and administering grants. “We have other grant writers who are available that we can tap into,” Scott said, including some of the engineering firms that have continuing contracts with the county as well as a lobbyist that is contracted to help the county. “Shannon will be missed, but I feel very confident that with Shannon’s help continuing on through the utility and the staff we have in place and contractors we can make things happen. Not really concerned at all with that.” Land added that he would like to see the county move away from an in-house grant writer and utilize outside firms to handle that work. He said additional manpower from those firms should lead to a quicker turnaround on projects being completed. “I can get vertical and get in business quicker,” Land said. Roberts provided the board and the packed room at the Judicial Annex with an overview of the benefits of the two counties forming the authority, especially its focus on a regional approach to utilities, something that state agencies prefer and are more likely to provide funding for, he said. He added that the NFWUA would be a trusted partner with both counties — and any future members — when it comes to economic development projects. He said that growth is vital to the success of the authority in obtaining more clients. He said he hoped to pattern its working relationship with the counties to that of Suwannee Valley Electric Cooperative. “I don’t know of a single economic development project in this county where (SVEC CEO) Mike (McWaters) and his team have let us down by refusing to or not having infra structure delivered to support a project,” he said. Both Roberts and Rocky Ford, a Columbia County commissioner who chairs the NFWUA board, added that the goal for the authority is to remove politics from the utility operations, something it hopes to do down the road by having fewer elected officials on its board. They also admitted that mistakes have been made in previous decisions since the authority was created a year ago that have caused delays in finding its footing. “The executive director role probably should have been filled earlier because that individual can help drive that process,” he said. Several members of the public, notably Wayne Hannaka, voiced their concerns with the authority and the amount of money being spent on its opera tions currently. Hannaka suggested an alternative path forward instead of the regional utility and that would be the county letting the City of Live Oak operate its utilities. City Manager Larry Sessions said the city could handle that on a small scale but not on a larger scale moving forward like the NFWUA hopes to eventually do. Sessions, who is also a member of the Suwannee River Water Management District governing board and agreed that a region al approach is supported by state groups, said he could envision the NFWUA becoming much larger. “I could see this utility, if it gets off the ground, having about 10 counties in it, giving it a little clout in Tallahassee,” he said, listing off Suwannee, Columbia, Hamilton, Lafayette, Baker, Dixie, Gilchrist, Madison, Taylor and Union county as the area situated between Jacksonville and Tallahassee that could benefit from working together. “I think there is strength in numbers. I think if you’re going to have the utility, make it bigger. But in the end, combining forces, we’re all going to be better.” Still, Hannaka said he didn’t see the authority as a wise move forward. He asked the commissioners, as businessmen, would they invest in a business that doesn’t have a track record, doesn’t have a business plan or a strategic plan, no assets, no funding other than what the two counties provide and few customers. “I don’t think you would,” he said. Land, though, later disagreed. “Would I invest in this utility myself? I’d do it because my grandkids would be happy one day, I guarantee you that,” Land said 

By JAMIE WACHTER on Friday, March 21, 2025Subhead

Newly created position will focus on project management.

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LIVE OAK — Help is on the way for Suwannee County’s administration.

The Suwannee County Commission unanimously approved creating an assistant county administrator position to work alongside County Administrator Greg Scott at the end of its meeting Tuesday.

That position will be advertised internally first, Scott said, before he would look to bring in someone from outside the county’s operations.

There is no timetable for when a hire will be made, but Scott doesn’t expect it to alter the county’s current budget.

“I’m motivated to try and find the right person, quickly if I can,” Scott said Thursday about the process of finding that assistant administrator. “If I can find the right one that can grow and learn what I know and then do better than me where they’re the natural fit as the next administrator, then I’ve done a better service for the county to do the legwork ahead of time.

“It’s exciting times for us, I think. We have a lot of opportunity ahead of us. We get the right people on board, it will really streamline things.”

Scott noted if the hire is made internally, the budget impact would be minimized by the person’s current salary. He also added that there are funds available with Jimmy Norris’ recent resignation as economic development director.

Scott asked the board for permission to seek an assistant administrator as a way to make the county’s operation more efficient. He said too many of the projects the county is working on aren’t getting done as quickly as he’d like.

“We can get closer to projects and get them moving,” he said. “It would lighten the load on the day-to-day things that I have and clean up processes and get more efficient.”

On Thursday, Scott added: “I’m chasing rabbits all day and you can’t really get work done unless you have someone to do the work while you’re chasing rabbits…The problem we’ve always ran into, you’re always working on that thing and you don’t have time to do strategic planning or thinking.”

While Scott mentioned the assistant administrator would oversee some departments during Tuesday’s meeting, he said Thursday that most of the county’s departments are basically self-sufficient and don’t need much oversight.

Instead, he said he views the position’s focus as more on project management and project development, as well as monitoring budgets and providing assistance to any departments when necessary.

“Making sure we have the right consultants or the right staff making projects get done,” Scott said. “We’ve got projects stacked up for awhile and we can’t get out of our way sometimes.”

The commissioners were on board with that direction, noting the county’s growth will mean the need for more staff to provide services.

“Were getting to the size of organization and community growing and demand on that office…it’s something that needs to be discussed,” Commissioner Don Hale said.

In addition to seeking permission to add that position, Scott informed the board that he had officially made Charissa Setzer the county’s economic development coordinator. Setzer, who has been the marketing coordinator for the county’s Tourist Development office, which is combined with the economic development office, will oversee the day-to-day operations in economic development through the end of the legislative session or possibly even the end of the state’s fiscal year in June.

“She’s very capable of taking care of things,” Scott said, noting the county can make a decision later this spring or summer on how it wants to try to fill the economic development director position vacated by Norris earlier in March.

By JAMIE WACHTER on Friday, March 14, 2025Image

• Live Oak City Council President Matt Campbell said it is better for the city and, possibly, Suwannee County to find out about potential solutions to the traffic and parking problems in downtown than doing nothing. (FILE)

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LIVE OAK — The Live Oak City Council envisions a new look to downtown Live Oak.

At its Tuesday meeting, the council unanimously authorized City Manager Larry Sessions to talk with Suwannee County Administrator Greg Scott about a possible joint effort to purchase property downtown that could help lead to an extra lane in both directions on Ohio Avenue (U.S. Highway 129) as well as have discussions with the Florida Department of Transportation about those traffic changes.

“I don’t think it’s any secret there’s definitely issues with through traffic especially on 129,” Council President Matt Campbell said. “It’s been a battle, it’s fair to say, with DOT about eliminating the turn lane and making it not only a turn lane there on 129 and 90.

“I think it’s needed.”

Sessions said the traffic there and the turn lane is one of his top issues to discuss with DOT officials.

The discussion was requested by Campbell who said he wanted to see if perhaps two problems could be solved at one time through the joint effort.

Campbell said by possibly purchasing two properties along the west side of Ohio Avenue in between the Suwannee County Courthouse and the old post office, the buildings could be demolished to make way for additional parking in the downtown corridor.

That additional parking would offset a possible elimination of on-street parking along Ohio Avenue, which could make way for the extra travel lanes.

“I think we have some opportunities to alleviate all the problems,” Campbell said.

Campbell also noted that there could be some pushback from business owners who would lose the parking in front of their businesses. He added the additional parking could also make the vacant post office more attractive to potential buyers and developers.

Other councilors, while supporting Sessions having the discussions with Scott and looking into the cost of the purchases, also had concerns about the total cost of the project.

Councilwoman Gladys Owens noted in addition to a purchase price, there also would be the cost of demolition. Councilwoman Vanessa Robinson said purchasing those buildings would also tax those properties off the tax rolls, negating potential revenue from the city as well.

“I’m not sure it’s the best idea at this time,” she said.

Councilman Tommie Jefferson pointed out that the first phase of the Heritage Square project on the northern side of the railroad tracks in downtown included public parking alongside the Suwannee County Historical Museum.

Still, Campbell said he thought the proposal was worth considering to eliminate the traffic congestion that plagues the downtown area. The extra lane would allow additional traffic to move through the Ohio Avenue and Howard Street (U.S. 90) interchange where currently there is only one lane of through traffic in each direction as well as a turn lane.

“Anything I think we can do is better than sitting here and doing nothing,” he said. “It’s not going to fix itself.”

Resident Cheryl Pruitt thanked Campbell for the idea, noting traffic is horrible on U.S. 129.

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By JAMIE WACHTER on Friday, February 14, 2025ImageSmall Image

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LIVE OAK — Despite concerns from both residents and a pair of council members, the City of Live Oak is moving forward with bigger trash cans and an increased cost for pickup.

During its meeting Tuesday night, the Live Oak City Council approved by a 4-1 vote the second reading of an ordinance to increase the monthly fee for solid waste pickup $2.50 to $24.17 per month. As part of that fee, the city will provide all residents one 96-gallon trash can.

Commercial customers in the city who do not use dumpsters will also get just one of the larger trash cans for its base charge of $67.11, also a $2.50 increase. Previously, commercial customers were allowed four 32-gallon cans.

Vanessa Brown Robinson, the lone councilor to vote against the change, expressed that concern during board discussion.

“We’re giving them less and charging them more,” she said. “I’m concerned that we’re charging more for less.”

Gladys Owens, who did vote for the ordinance, also had concerns about that, particularly for businesses in the city. Owens said she’d like to see the city provide a second can to those businesses at an additional $2.50 charge.

The ordinance reads any customer — residential or commercial — that needs a second can will have to pay an additional $7.50 per month.

Eight city residents also expressed their concerns about the trash change, including the potential loss of capacity.

Janice Atkins said her daughter runs a daycare business in the city. She said with the less garbage can space for the business, it could lead to a stinky problem.

“Think of how many diapers will be on the ground with only one trash can,” she said.

Shanice Brown, who said she had experience with the more automated trash pickup service when she lived in Miami, told the council that with just one can, the city needed to expand its pickup. Currently, the city only provides pickup one time per week without an additional charge. Brown said there needed to be at least two pickups weekly.

“It’s not 1997,” she said, noting that many residents do shopping now through Amazon and have countless boxes to throw away. “Everything has trash.”

City Manager Larry Sessions, though, tried to tell the concerned residents multiple times that the city needed to move forward with the services it provides. He added that currently nobody knows how the process will work until the city gets started. According to the ordinance, it will go into effect March 1.

“This is all new to us,” he said, adding that city calculations determined less than 10% of all customers would possibly need a second can. He also said the city is providing the first can where previously people had to provide their own.

NEW P&Z MEMBER

The council also filled the final seat on its seven-member planning and zoning board during the meeting, selecting Adam Collins, an engineer for that spot.

Collins was appointed by a 3-2 vote with Robinson and Owens dissenting.

Robinson had made a motion to appoint Patricia Bennett to the board, which Owens provided the second. That potential appointment, though, failed by a 3-2 vote. Bennett is the bookkeeper of Bennett’s Glass.

Tommie Jefferson then made a motion to appoint Kenny Beasley. That motion died for lack of a second. Beasley works for the Suwannee County Road Department.

HALE CHANGE BACKED

The council also provided consensus to Jason Furry, the director of the Suwannee County Parks and Recreation Department, of supporting the possibility of demolishing and rebuilding the John Hale Community Center instead of renovating the facility.

The city has allocated $100,000 toward restrooms at the center. The Live Oak Pilgrim’s is contributing $75,000 in addition to the $808,614 Florida Commerce Multi-Purpose Community Facility grant that the county received for the project.

After the Suwannee County Commission approved the grant and discussed building a new building at its Feb. 4 meeting, Furry also said he felt it was a better option if the numbers make sense.

The current building was constructed in 1957.