[{"_1":2,"_111":-5,"_112":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6590499,"mediaKeyId","5528624-9fdbbe1a752693647b8b8be64b149de1","parentId",5528624,"title","Council rezones 24.8-acre Hernando County site for planned government services, sets conditions","audioSeconds",1591,"startMs",3536000,"endMs",5127000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5528624-9fdbbe1a752693647b8b8be64b149de1&start=3536&end=5127","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5528624-9fdbbe1a752693647b8b8be64b149de1/thumbnail_3536000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6590499/Brooksville/Hernando-County/Florida/Council-rezones-248-acre-Hernando-County-site-for-planned-government-services-sets-conditions","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6590499-df09c4552befea2d710b829313b85ed2/orig.mp4?Expires=1770448626&Signature=aT2SkBlO8YfNwgklqF6OQNa6WZcRyJSUpek85jnSksjY3CoVdCSNJ37HZp3WgT-9IcrSOJLMrMfLoAr0hVHRsWjCDTNWILIu-qAud6Ugx1zxsLsNrSuDFispCCHDDnvnViYmk7TYtPXHf3V9lqT-QmC7Jqc48w6-3DNvbgGUmHcVS7jlT4b3PcDL8TyN7tjNDiSiJDkvetclRpL1sXhTwtmku9ENK9Z6F66Ei-jGJzKvDjg-VD7L3JYsSIo~aUogTKGURsFHkO6W3wjkyf2J0jPOHCNvdwhP9rsxUiHWmpLj3kirwf7DnhBkHWDWvFbUdv5zB3KY2knA5V9UHSj9CA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Brooksville","date","2025-08-04T00:00:00Z","article","The Brooksville City Council unanimously approved a rezoning on Aug. 4 that changes the land classification of about 24.8 acres at 19450 Oliver Street from agricultural to Planned Development Project ' Government Services (PDP-GS).

The application was filed by Hernando County and presented at the hearing by Eric Van de Bogard, construction projects coordinator for Hernando County. County representatives said the site currently houses an animal shelter and associated facilities and that the petition would formalize the property's land-use status and allow a modest expansion: a new kennel addition with about 31 kennels, a wash and laundry area, an isolation/intake building and a small cat facility.

Applicant and developer representatives, including Matt Suggs of Homes by WestBay, said the primary vehicular access will remain off U.S. 41 and that while the main entrance would remain open, gated sub-neighborhoods could be possible within private portions of the development. City staff and the applicant said utilities within the development would be city-owned while roads could remain private.

Council members and staff raised several concerns before approval. David Hanley, the city's community development director, said the entire 24.8-acre parcel was included because no internal parcel lines or survey existed to legally subdivide it now and because the planned Governor Boulevard alignment will bisect the property in the future. Several council members asked staff to limit open-ended uses.

The council voted to approve the rezoning on the condition that staff return for second reading with clarified and binding language that:

- Defines what the city will accept as \"government services\" for this PDP-GS designation;
- Specifies a maximum building height consistent with the proposed single-story kennel structure (council asked staff to ensure the approved maximum is well below the 45-foot allowance in the code); and
- Increases buffer widths and other perimeter protections between the facility and surrounding residential areas.

Public health and wildlife issues drew a brief public comment. Nina Mate, who identified herself as a Brooksville resident and Department of Health employee (speaking for herself), explained the role of \"sentinel chickens\" used by state and county public health officials to monitor mosquito-borne illnesses, saying the birds are kept in coops and tested regularly.

Planning staff said the request had been heard and recommended by the Planning and Zoning Commission and that the ordinance will return for second reading and final action on Aug. 18 with the conditions council requested.

Speakers in the record include Eric Van de Bogard (Hernando County construction projects coordinator), Matt Suggs (Homes by WestBay, developer representative), David Hanley (Community Development director, City of Brooksville), Steve Goldman (city planner, qualified as an expert witness), Nina Mate (resident, Department of Health), and council members who spoke during the hearing.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Brooksville - City Council Regular Meeting August 04, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","Brooksville's City Council voted 5-0 Aug. 4 to rezone a 24.8-acre county-owned parcel on Oliver Street from agricultural to Planned Development Project ' Government Services, approving a county plan to formalize and modestly expand an animal shelter while requiring staff to return with tighter definitions and buffers.","taxTitle","Brooksville, Hernando County, Florida","taxId",52021,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6590504,"Brooksville council renews Cigna plans with modest savings; delays higher employer contributions",733,1439000,2172000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5528624-9fdbbe1a752693647b8b8be64b149de1&start=1439&end=2172","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5528624-9fdbbe1a752693647b8b8be64b149de1/thumbnail_1439000.jpg","/articles/6590504/Brooksville/Hernando-County/Florida/Brooksville-council-renews-Cigna-plans-with-modest-savings-delays-higher-employer-contributions","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6590504-b8d2b297fa4f3f3673239f63d64f11e2/orig.mp4?Expires=1770448626&Signature=dsfm5J1NJpag9UJ8Ay9CkVvqvjyceEPl-qVTJfZKHKPXF9NTkUVwak-CwV0FSiii98t3LCx9JS5-6E5w~z9~OxfLdut18m7DnbxVIdpOaOWFqXdUJWQW7zV1YBXblm7RYZ4MSptcZFHyD2TugIt39dLCEyqB0yMF2C-GAmHLJnniXlujw~0zpDAbpfKhbvb5Lb6Ra4DEXL~tqp6XPsHXgK7C7ZLmvd87ZMM~-S9UqFlTR0Ku~drQqyLp~EctYuSOP2fFzGt~3E4yOrM3dO8572dyO1JADG7Qq5meJdvSem8I9HeHgJJW9WyXIfreraeuhfezgawU2iIvS3NrnLpu7w__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Brooksville City Council on Aug. 4 voted 4-1 to renew the city's employee medical and dental coverage with Cigna, following a competitive request for proposals and negotiations led by city staff and the Gehring Group.

The move locks in a 2% reduction in medical premiums and a 10% reduction in dental premiums for the coming plan year, officials said. Human Resources Director Kyle Martin and Athena Erchard, senior benefits consultant with the Gehring Group, presented claims trends, plan design details and the RFP process to the council before the vote.

The renewal preserves the city's current partially self-funded structure, Erchard told council. She said the city's most recent rolling 12-month claims (July 2024'June 2025) show a per-employee-per-month cost of about $638, a 3% decrease from the prior year. Medical claims fell while pharmacy costs rose; Erchard said 25% of the city's total spend was from catastrophic claimants (claims exceeding the stop-loss level).

Council also discussed a staff proposal to increase the city's share of premiums for certain dependent tiers: employee-plus-children contribution from 64% to 75% and employee-plus-family from 46% to 50%. After debate about the city's pending budget and timing for open enrollment, the council voted to approve the Cigna renewals but to defer any change to employer contribution percentages until the budget process is further along. City staff said the renewal as approved results in an overall projected budget decrease of about $32,284 based on current enrollment.

Kyle Martin said the renewal preserves continuity of care for employees and allows HR to proceed with open enrollment on schedule. Council members asked detailed questions about pharmacy trends, the plan's tiered prescription design and how expected claims are calculated; staff said administrative fees account for a portion of the plan cost and that generics are dispensed in Florida unless a physician writes \"dispense as written.\"

The motion to approve the renewal while holding changes to employer contribution percentages passed 4-1.

Next steps: HR will open enrollment and finalize employee communications; council and staff said they can revisit employer contribution percentages before the plan's Oct. 1 effective date if the budget process concludes differently.

Speakers quoted or referenced in this report were identified from the meeting transcript and include Athena Erchard (Gehring Group senior benefits consultant), Kyle Martin (Human Resources director), the City Manager (name not specified in the transcript), Mayor Tanner (Mayor), Vice Mayor Bronson (Vice Mayor), Council member McKeithen (Council member), and Council member Hallow (Council member).","The Brooksville City Council voted 4-1 Aug. 4 to renew the city's medical and dental plans with Cigna after a competitive RFP, securing a 2% reduction in medical premiums and a 10% reduction in dental rates. Council deferred a proposed increase in employer contribution percentages until the budget is finalized.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6590490,"Votes at a glance: Brooksville City Council, Aug. 4, 2025",2982,90000,3072000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5528624-9fdbbe1a752693647b8b8be64b149de1&start=90&end=3072","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5528624-9fdbbe1a752693647b8b8be64b149de1/thumbnail_90000.jpg","/articles/6590490/Brooksville/Hernando-County/Florida/Votes-at-a-glance-Brooksville-City-Council-Aug-4-2025","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6590490-243ba417818bc3f4b752f106e525bb78/orig.mp4?Expires=1770448626&Signature=ZqXwmmt36nHmCNyny77I1VZ2cbjUcnvjQS07TQMV~rZh4lfdEjO3RX-Qao-f03KFCuhCRa6L25rANYzLw1Damh213bxColvF6XgzDzOK0OvzGMvviuV7GMpAH7vf0JkInozD2BwL-tqBHJ1eQqx3In-xWujb~jCuHdFEK9Wv8uIfLfgeU0AkxvHI9UVzwr9MZ2VEboKNhd7dRqsz35TrVBB1KMzh~oCMJt7oTt1y5l-j~z1FUU6YMBuI2eCRiBaHQlhc1r4nqLr5oab07wSP6BRdGPVJpkBll3LYJ8ejNTSGVcvxKCADgZ3mCmMwF6~8nZxM4zFMKh0xW-1bIjcU8Q__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Brooksville City Council's Aug. 4 meeting produced several formal actions, summarized here with outcomes and immediate next steps. Items with further required action or second readings are noted.

1) Approval of agenda — Approved, 5-0.

2) Years of service / Star Awards — Ceremonial recognitions presented; no policy action.

3) Employee benefits renewal (Agenda item G1) — Motion to renew medical and dental plans with Cigna at negotiated rates (medical -2%; dental -10%) and to defer changes to employer contribution percentages until the budget process concluded. Outcome: Approved, 4-1. Staff to proceed with open enrollment and may return with employer contribution proposals prior to Oct. 1 if desired.

4) Consent agenda — Approved, 5-0. (Packet items not specified individually in oral record.)

5) Ordinance 1,001 (first reading) ' Brooksville Community Development District legal framework (CDD) — First reading and vote: Approved on first reading, 4-1. Council discussion focused on private roads vs. public takeover, easements for emergency access and possibility of gates; item will proceed to second reading as scheduled.

6) Ordinance 1,000 (rezoning of 19450 Oliver Street) ' Rezone ~24.8 acres from agricultural to PDP-GS (Planned Development Project ' Government Services) — Approved on first reading with conditions, 5-0. Conditions: staff to return with defined \"government services\" language, clarified maximum height, and increased perimeter buffer language for second reading on Aug. 18.

7) Ordinance 1,002 (land development code amendments for animals) ' Proposed changes to animal regulations and definitions — Motion to deny first reading: Denied, 5-0. Council cited concerns about consequences such as roosters and increased free-range fowl; the proposed amendments will not advance.

8) Selection of \"Great Brooksvillian\" honorees (K1) ' Screening committee forwarded three names. Council moved to assign the three nominees to successive years (2025'2027) rather than debating a single-year pick; motion approved, 5-0.

9) Waiver request for code enforcement fines (K2) ' South Brooksville Avenue properties (estate of George Rodriguez) — Council directed staff to negotiate with estate counsel and a prospective buyer to explore partial recovery options or payment-at-closing that would allow sale and rapid rehabilitation; staff to return Aug. 18. Motion approved to pursue negotiations; no final waiver entered.

10) Resolution 2025-12 ' Hernando County Local Mitigation Strategy update (FEMA) — Adopted, 5-0. Required five-year update to preserve FEMA grant eligibility.

11) Resolution 2025-13 ' Requested closure of Broad Street (US 41) and Jefferson Street for Oct. 25 event (Halloween How / Sheriff's office safety fest) — Adopted, 5-0. City to forward resolution to FDOT for state-road closure approval.

12) Resolution 2025-14 ' Requested closure for Fancy Flea / antique market Oct. 31'Nov. 1 — Adopted, 5-0. City to forward resolution to FDOT.

13) Addendum: Bryant Miller Olive (specialized pension legal services) ' Addendum to existing legal services agreement to draft and negotiate firefighters' supplemental benefit/share plan — Approved, 5-0. Council approved a short-term addendum at the firm's existing hourly rate to enable timely creation of an ordinance implementing the share plan required by the collective bargaining agreement.

14) Other procedural votes (consent, minutes, routine motions) — Various items passed as listed on the consent agenda and by voice vote during the meeting (mostly 5-0 results).

Speakers on record for vote items included Mayor Tanner, Vice Mayor Bronson, Council members McKeithen, Earhart, and Hallow; staff presenters included Kyle Martin (HR), Athena Erchard (Gehring Group), David Hanley (Community Development), and city attorneys. Items returning for action or second reading are Ordinance 1,000 (rezoning) and Ordinance 1,001 (CDD) with conditions; the code enforcement waiver item will return Aug. 18.

For full context, council discussion and recorded motions, see the transcript excerpted into separate topic articles in this package.","Summary of formal actions taken by the Brooksville City Council on Aug. 4, 2025, including ordinance votes, consent items and resolutions; full details and next steps listed below.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6590495,"Council directs staff to seek arrangements to clear code fines and speed sale of two blighted South Brooksville properties",1109,5787000,6896000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5528624-9fdbbe1a752693647b8b8be64b149de1&start=5787&end=6896","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5528624-9fdbbe1a752693647b8b8be64b149de1/thumbnail_5787000.jpg","/articles/6590495/Brooksville/Hernando-County/Florida/Council-directs-staff-to-seek-arrangements-to-clear-code-fines-and-speed-sale-of-two-blighted-South-Brooksville-properties","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6590495-71fa80bdd41a2b63be83976cceb86272/orig.mp4?Expires=1770448626&Signature=HrSLpMmZ6xN2n5tywpd~Qr9O44cakN2Bgz0FtzNKgNl8hm9sXT0Pc9iNseY0oNYwjdStRCdKtLB7EddvuyztBwrHF-xdYfpUH7Rt-c~Cx1JXcJp3u1vP2SZIFptbwdms06jwx17c75GCEQsLFK5CasXhlfNp~mk0nn4Vt7wMxjM4g540LADqiRlKG-mNVBVAS0Q1L0VaKABXVFg0Psrxd14LGwrYJfBO5MZoqcJw1I6jtMFzlWQ5qRkJ63pwomQsAh4jiELhxQwVZDPD0OyWwW8EWgZU7JrXg~j6CxljbDg~jPzHj~4cPRZ8FD2QyDjDPFLHEfrGVIYRN6iRDvqWSA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Brooksville's City Council on Aug. 4 directed city staff to work with the personal representative for the estate of the late George Rodriguez and a prospective buyer to seek an agreement that would allow the sale of two code-violating properties on South Brooksville Avenue while preserving some ability for the city to recoup enforcement costs.

Attorney Daryl Johnston, representing the personal representative for Rodriguez's estate, described a sequence of events in which the property had squatters removed late last year, the estate later identified a buyer willing to rehabilitate the properties and the title search disclosed roughly $39,000'$43,550 in outstanding code fines imposed by the special magistrate. Johnston said the estate's remaining net proceeds after mortgages, taxes and administration were insufficient to both close the estate and fund cleanup; the buyer proposed a rehabilitation budget in the range of $150,000 to $200,000.

Johnston asked the council to consider waiving or reducing code fines so the sale can close quickly and the buyer can start cleanup and rehabbing. Council members expressed interest in finding a middle ground. Several members said they wanted the city to recoup at least some amount if possible, and one councilor suggested a mechanism to collect a payment at closing. Others emphasized the urgency of halting ongoing fines that accrue while the property remains noncompliant.

Council directed staff to: (1) negotiate with the estate and the buyer to identify options that would allow closing and immediate cleanup while preserving a way for the city to recover some enforcement costs; (2) explore whether a portion of the outstanding amount could be paid at sale closing; and (3) return to council at its Aug. 18 meeting with recommendations. The council motion passed without recorded opposition after staff and the owner's attorney agreed to continue talks.

Daryl Johnston and David Hanley (community development director) provided the principal factual record in the hearing. Johnston said Rodriguez died in July 2024 and that estate administration and unlawful-detainer actions to remove occupants had delayed repair and marketing of the property. Hanley provided the staff calculation of outstanding fines and the history of code enforcement actions. Council members said they preferred a negotiated settlement that speeds rehabilitation over a protracted foreclosure or further penalties that would slow recovery.

Speakers referenced in this account: Daryl Johnston (attorney for the estate), David Hanley (Community Development director), Mayor Tanner, and council members.","Councilors asked staff Aug. 4 to work with the estate representative and a prospective buyer to explore options that would allow sale and cleanup of two distressed properties on South Brooksville Avenue; staff will return Aug. 18 with proposed terms or alternatives.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Council rezones 24.8-acre Hernando County site for planned government services, sets conditions

Brooksville council renews Cigna plans with modest savings; delays higher employer contributions

Votes at a glance: Brooksville City Council, Aug. 4, 2025

Council directs staff to seek arrangements to clear code fines and speed sale of two blighted South Brooksville properties