The Lake Butler City Commission approved pursuing two state historic preservation grants during their regular meeting Monday evening, while also recognizing winners of the 2025 Christmas Parade float contest.
Lake Butler Hospital took first place in the parade competition, receiving a certificate and $200 prize for their decorated float. Union County Soccer Club placed second with a $150 prize, while Boy Scouts and Cub Scouts Troop 40 earned third place and $100.
The commission gave the green light to pursue grant funding for the Townsend Green building and the historic holding cell. Doug Sanders of Andy Easton and Associates, presenting the grant opportunities, explained that the state historic grant cycle opens in May and is highly competitive, requiring early preparation.
The Townsend building project, estimated at under $20,000 with a city match of just under $5,000, would complete window replacement and flooring repairs on both floors of the building. Commissioners expressed concern about the condition of the first floor after learning that people had fallen through sections of the flooring.
“We’ve had enough issues with people falling through the floor,” Mayor Melissa Hendrix noted during discussion about ensuring the first floor receives needed repairs alongside the second floor.
The commission also approved the city’s first budget amendment for fiscal year 2025-2026, effective January 1. Finance Director Dave Mecusker reported the budget increased by approximately $39,236 to $1.336 million, while keeping costs down and maintaining financial health.
One notable budget adjustment involved wastewater flood-sludge removal services, which showed a $50,000 increase after the contractor caught up on billing for previously unbilled October and November services.
Commissioner Annette Redmond reported on the January 10 Farm Share distribution, which served approximately 150-160 families with help from about 30 JROTC volunteers. Excess food was donated to a church program in Raiford that serves elderly residents and operates additional food distribution services.
City Manager Kim Hayes provided an update on a pending property sale, noting the potential buyer was arriving this week for well and septic tank inspections.
The commission authorized the mayor, city manager, and attorney to execute closing documents and handle routine transaction modifications without requiring additional board meetings.
