BY MARK J. CRAWFORD
Telegraph Editor
STARKE — Without some course correction, Bradford County may be looking for someone else to handle comprehensive planning and related matters.
On Nov. 15, commissioners postponed renewing an agreement with the North Central Florida Regional Planning Council, alleging the agency’s performance has been subpar.
The county pays council staff $23,500 annually for comprehensive planning services, which includes helping draft, amend and interpret comprehensive plans and land development regulations; preparing concurrency management reports on proposed changes; and assessing and development plans.
Lately, the agency has been nonresponsive, according to Zoning Director Randy Andrews and Commissioner Chris Dougherty.
“I talked to the county manager about this, and I think that maybe we need to explore some other options there,” Dougherty said, asking that approval of the agreement be removed from the agenda.
Dougherty said Bradford has been paying the agency a lot of money, but services are taking “an extremely long time.”
“We need to find out what’s going on there,” he said. “I can tell you I went by there today, and it’s like Ghost Town.”
Dougherty said a sign on the door states the office is closed due to COVID and will reopen on Dec. 1, but his understanding is the date keeps changing.
Commissioner Kenny Thompson said the county needs to look at other options.
“We ain’t getting no bang for the buck,” Thompson said.
Commissioner Carolyn Spooner said they should invite Executive Director Scott Koons to address these concerns.
“It’s been my experience they’re always willing to come and meet and make some resolution,” she said.
Commissioner Danny Riddick works with the planning council. He said only recently has the board begun meeting in person after many online sessions during the pandemic. He said there had been a drop in participation because of COVID.
“We do need to meet with Scott Koons, because I think when they are in full swing, they do us a great service,” Riddick said.
Bradford is one of 12 counties in the North Central Florida Regional Planning Council service area. Many of the municipalities in the area also rely on its services, including technical assistance for economic development, tourism promotion, transportation planning public safety compliance, needs assessment and grant applications.
According to Zoning Director Andrews, the county hasn’t had much to ask of the council, but still isn’t receiving a great response.
Dougherty suggested County Manager Scott Kornegay look at the projects that have been completed considering what the Bradford has paid the planning council. He said they might find that a consultant could perform the same work at a lower price.
Commission Chair Diane Andrews agreed they have a responsibility to be good stewards of public funds.
A separate agreement with the regional planning council for the monitoring of hazardous waste generators was approved. The fee was $7,882.
