During their August 26 meeting, the Clay County Board of County Commissioners reviewed their proposed legislative priorities and appropriations requests for 2026, preparing for a September 30 delegation meeting with state lawmakers.
The board discussed a palm card detailing the rankings, which they and other county supporters will use in Tallahassee to pitch their priorities during the 2026 legislative session.
Commissioners’ top priorities are:
Transition to a Sustainable Tax System
With a potential 2026 referendum to eliminate property taxes, the county seeks a tax system adaptable to changing economic conditions, such as a shift to sales tax, to avoid revenue shortfalls during recessions. This priority aims to maintain fiscal stability while supporting essential services.
Local Control Over Tax Dollars
Board members stressed the importance of retaining local authority over the allocation of tax revenues, particularly for property taxes that fund critical services like public safety and law enforcement, which consumed much of this year’s budget.
Consolidation of Public Service Answering Points
The County proposed consolidating its four 911 call centers—currently split between law enforcement and fire services—into a unified system under a coordinating board with stakeholder oversight. This move aims to streamline emergency response times and improve efficiency.
Increased Funding for the Judicial System
With Clay County set to receive two additional judges, the board highlighted the need for state funding to cover logistical costs, estimated at $1 million per judge, to support court operations and related services.
Addressing Rising Homeowner Insurance Costs
Commissioners called for state action to mitigate escalating insurance costs, noting that current legislative measures have been slow to provide relief.
Appropriations Requests
Construction of a new multi-agency warehouse to support county and state operations, at a cost of $2 million.
Construction of a new fleet center to support and streamline operations for public safety, the sheriff, and the county, for $1.5 million.
Construction of a new public safety administration building for continuity of operations, $3 million.
Construction of a new 911 communications and emergency operations center to support county and regional operations, $2 million.
Support for supplying utilities to the public safety training complex, $2 million.
Construct next phase of the Moccasin Slough boardwalk and observation tower, $750,000.
Improvements at the Clay County Fairgrounds, $750,000.
Preserve the condition of the historic courthouse, $500,000.
Expand County Road 218 to four lanes, at a cost of $5 million.
Support for a pilot project to transition failing septic tanks to new septic tanks in areas where wastewater treatment is not available, $1 million.
