North Florida officials discuss economic development relationship

Published 1:00 pm Wednesday, April 11, 2018

LIVE OAK, Fla. — Changes to the economic development relationship between Suwannee County and the City of Live Oak was the main topic of a joint workshop Thursday.

The workshop between the Suwannee County Board of County Commissioners and Live Oak City Council at the Suwannee County Coliseum followed the city passing Resolution 18-04 in February, which reduced the amount the city will contribute to the economic development program. That led to theBOCC to discuss its relationship with the city regarding economic development at its final February meeting as well.

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County chairman Ricky Gamble asked the city councilors if the contribution amount of $6,250 is the final amount.

“Our budget time is vastly approaching and we want to make sure you have that number nailed down by then,” Gamble said.

Commissioner Clyde Fleming added: “If we work hand in hand, I think we can get some things accomplished but if the city doesn’t feel like they are getting their bang for the buck, then there is a problem.”

Fleming said when he originally approached the city about the economic development position, he told the council members that they wouldn’t be able to utilize the services without paying half of the salary.

“We continue to be very supportive of economic development and we always want to be part of the program,” City Manager Ron Williams said. “We wanted to redefine the relationship and I think we’ve done so in a manner that I believe works for both of us.”

Council member Frank Davis said he felt the economic development contributions should be based more on population of the city.

Council member David Burch said the problem is a lack of communication between the city and county.

An example he provided was when the county made Economic Development Director Alvin Jackson the director of the Tourist Development Council as well.

Gamble agreed that the commissioners dropped the ball on informing the city of those additional duties for Jackson.

Council President Bennie Thomas asked that Jackson provide a monthly report to the council showing what he has been working on.

Commissioner Larry Sessions said giving the city a monthly report on what Jackson is working on could be problematic because many of the people Jackson works with require confidentially.

“You just want to be kept in the loop,” Gamble said.

Gamble also asked the city about their permitting process.

He said they try to get businesses through the process in 90 days if possible.

Williams said he couldn’t say how long it takes for businesses to go through the permitting process but would be happy to direct staff to look at the county’s policy and possibly implement some of the changes.

Bulk Rate Utilities Customer

The commissioners also discussed the possibility of becoming bulk rate utilities customers for the city.

“The quickest way for us to get where we want is to become a bulk rate customer,” Gamble said.

The commissioners are working to provide water and wastewater at the Interstate 75 and County Road 136 interchange near White Springs.

The county will receive $3.125 million from the state to provide water supply and fire protection to the I-75 and CR 136 interchange. The county also received $3.3 million funding for a wastewater treatment plant at the interchange from the 2017-2018 Fighting for Florida’s Future budget.

The commissioners are interested in becoming bulk rate customers of the city’s utilities instead of having to build their own wastewater facility.

Commissioner Ronnie Richardson said a big concern of his for becoming a customer is funding for repairs and possible expansion if capacity of the wastewater facility is reached.

“Why should’t we just build our own,” Richardson said.

Fleming echoed Richardson’s concerns.

“Can the city have the capacity to run services throughout the whole county when there are issues in the city,” Fleming said.

I think it goes back to being mutually beneficial and cooperating with each other,” Davis said.

Gamble said they needed to know if the city has any interest in the county becoming a bulk rate customer.

“If you don’t have any interest, then the rest of what we are talking about is irrelevant,” Gamble said.

“We are interested,” Thomas said. “It is just a matter of the city manager and the council coming together.”