[{"_1":2,"_99":-5,"_100":-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],{"_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",6506455,"mediaKeyId","5682284-ce2ed0ddef675882a2802c8913458543","parentId",5682284,"title","Clay County staff outline plan to bring park mowing in‑house; commissioners ask for implementation and budget options","audioSeconds",5009,"startMs",1626000,"endMs",6635000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5682284-ce2ed0ddef675882a2802c8913458543&start=1626&end=6635","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5682284-ce2ed0ddef675882a2802c8913458543/thumbnail_1626000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6506455/Clay-County/Florida/Clay-County-staff-outline-plan-to-bring-park-mowing-inhouse-commissioners-ask-for-implementation-and-budget-options","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6506455-85bf3dea4a90ecbb2675522f52d63257/orig.mp4?Expires=1770393554&Signature=JFK8UgLw7XpMZmlwuQAbUGw0mMvPyG6ZTx~t7dJyUF4q2vYlvC~UJDMQCbkBhaYdKZpmr0EIv9fDpTw3VhoWRdpIf83yqpm3CZMhhs16DSxl4pFbESmNcMPhmpu0DLab-m14HlNxRHtKZmMDjztpTgltbljFtkaYpYhSMQsJM8oEq0w~7sckHbonN41n45JAPXhbl0cG~3V7f5caq1XyWPRA9zvQMsFbgMsNcb-6HGCcOysE2oodoAWrX87C6OT9ujzHtS5MbY~lQvSesabeDguZyVBCDMfxoIGKvHbBE33eiq8yQtsJk4IRL3SP-xELv9z5CY22yTslrWDVLtcfuA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Clay County","date","2025-08-26T00:00:00Z","article","County staff presented a cost and operations analysis Tuesday that showed Clay County could save money by insourcing mowing and other routine park maintenance now performed under contract, and the Board of County Commissioners directed the county manager to return with a detailed implementation and transition plan.

The commission auditor's office and the county’s grounds maintenance team outlined a multi‑year estimate that would add one precision mowing crew (a lead mowing technician and three mowing/maintenance technicians), initial equipment purchases and recurring operating costs. Staff estimated a year‑one in‑house cost of about $383,258 and projected annual savings of about $194,721 in years two through seven, producing a cumulative seven‑year savings of roughly $1,292,002 before higher replacement costs appear in year eight.

The analysis presented to commissioners separated current contract costs from the in‑house projection. Staff said current annual contract costs for lawn mowing and field maintenance total about $507,121.25, covering 26 facilities by Florida Lawn Medics (community parks and select special properties) and AgriPro at the Regional Sports Complex (which also performs agronomic spraying under a separate line). To bring the contracted mowing in‑house for the listed properties, staff said they would need to add one crew, a truck, a trailer and three zero‑turn mowers in year one. Staff also included equipment replacement profiles, noting a spike in costs in year eight when several seven‑year assets would need replacement.

“We estimate year‑one in‑house costs of about $383,258.21, a recurring annual cost of about $312,400 in years two through seven, and a large replacement year in year eight that produces a negative differential for that year,” the grounds maintenance director, Eric Jones, told the board. Jones said his crews currently perform safety inspections, trash pickup, playground repairs and other maintenance tasks in addition to mowing at athletic association parks; contractors primarily deliver mowing services.

Commissioners pressed staff on how many additional employees would be required, whether three new technicians would be enough to cover roughly double the number of properties listed for in‑house maintenance, and what service levels residents could expect during wet seasons. Commissioner Scromelow and others said they had fielded constituent complaints about parks and were concerned the county might be trading contractor reliability for understaffed county crews.

Staff answered that the in‑house crews would be organized geographically so each team covers an area of the county and that some specialized equipment and licensed applicators already exist in county crews. The presentation said the county currently has an athletic field maintenance team of six employees (including an irrigation technician and a recreational turf technician) and a grounds maintenance team of 11 employees, eight of whom mow the parks currently kept in‑house.

Several commissioners raised process concerns: some said they were surprised by the timing and level of board notification, and others asked that the county avoid abrupt contract terminations without a phased plan. County staff reiterated that the AgriPro contract was extended only through December 2025 and that the Florida Lawn Medics contract expires May 31, 2026; staff said those contract end dates create natural transition points if the board wants to move portions in‑house.

After extended discussion about timing, staffing, service quality and budget impacts, the board reached a working consensus — without a formal vote to terminate contracts — to direct the county manager to return at the next budget briefing with operational options. Commissioners asked staff to present a transition plan that would show what could be brought in‑house now, what should remain contracted (an “a la carte” model), hiring timelines, equipment timing, and the budget impact for the upcoming fiscal year. The county’s budget staff said adding both personnel and continuing contract dollars simultaneously would require identifying offsets elsewhere in the budget.

The discussion flagged other factors that will affect a final decision: recruitment and retention challenges for seasonal and entry‑level maintenance positions, capital equipment delivery lead times, and the county’s desire to maintain service levels at athletic fields and community parks. Commissioners also suggested exploring public‑private partnerships and volunteer or association funding for specific park improvements as a complementary strategy.

Staff promised to return with a more detailed transition plan and phased budget options before the board adopts its final budgets, and to preserve current contractor services as needed during the transition period.

Why it matters: The county’s parks and sports fields are visited weekly by thousands of residents, community athletic associations and youth programs. The board’s direction could change who performs routine maintenance, affect near‑term budget allocations and shift long‑term capital and operating costs for equipment and staff.

Speakers quoted or referenced in this article are limited to those who spoke during the discussion: Commission Auditor Heather (presenting the memo), Eric Jones, Grounds Maintenance Director; County Manager Howard (participating in budget discussion); Troy (budget staff); Jess (human resources); and Commissioners Scromelow, Small, Burke and others who spoke from the dais.

Next steps: County staff will return with an implementation/transition plan and costed budget options ahead of the board’s final budget adoption. The AgriPro mowing contract ends in December 2025; the Florida Lawn Medics contract expires May 31, 2026, producing natural milestones for phased changes.

","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Clay County - BCC Agenda Aug 26, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","County staff presented a cost and operations analysis Tuesday that showed Clay County could save money by insourcing mowing and other routine park maintenance now performed under contract, and the Board of County Commissioners directed the county manager to return with a detailed implementation and transition plan.","taxTitle","Clay County, Florida","taxId",12757,"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},6506446,"At a glance: Clay County commissioners approve minutes, legislative priorities, two rezonings and solid‑waste rates",4029,862000,4891000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5682284-ce2ed0ddef675882a2802c8913458543&start=862&end=4891","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5682284-ce2ed0ddef675882a2802c8913458543/thumbnail_862000.jpg","/articles/6506446/Clay-County/Florida/At-a-glance-Clay-County-commissioners-approve-minutes-legislative-priorities-two-rezonings-and-solidwaste-rates","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6506446-44bee0603d70cf8d09f4b06d126103f6/orig.mp4?Expires=1770393554&Signature=UsdOwaoBCGIhug9RH9CmS~fLcQeNqunBroi3bpnsNfFGe7mhdXfD-odSI9KcWIrjmu79~~QwKgofDeRTBP5astxLU~-OfJH7MmrTwrOkRPFKmY0kjfjejR6~x7FpkB6xQY6QcCsJHqXhPuucG3lqzwrXHn-2-agosM5nUGLvmbL7Eii-JGBZPN11FzesjdTgvFcfrtoXN5l9sleXSpqlGYe7vOZaZJXYAo8Ht0SHvgxFCkUU6EVkswt0PnMKbwKVsEbuHck~TdBSjoPf8XZ0gemc3b8uyCvtyKK4WMor~9g54uLWGTwwfGFzG8u0A9voHgYJhIUZcHC3m5EvgwY9Hw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Clay County Board of County Commissioners recorded several routine votes and land‑use decisions at its Aug. 26 meeting. Most passed by unanimous voice vote.

Key outcomes

- Minutes: The board approved the minutes from its Aug. 12, 2025 meeting by voice vote (motion carried 5–0). The clerk recorded the motion and second on the record.

- Consent agenda: Items 2 through 14 on the consent agenda were approved by voice vote (motion carried 5–0).

- Legislative priorities and appropriations card: The board approved the county’s legislative priorities and the accompanying list of appropriation projects (motion carried 5–0). Staff said the historic courthouse project was added on the back of the card; total funding requests did not change from the prior draft.

- Zoning/land‑use votes:
• ZON 25‑0016 (Item 22) — Rezoning of a roughly 39.06‑acre parcel on the north side of CR‑214 from single‑family residential (RB) to agricultural/residential (AR). The property owners (Kelly Moulton testified they intend to build up to four houses for family members) asked for AR to allow splits; staff and the planning commission recommended approval. The board approved the rezoning 5–0. Staff noted the change would allow heirs’ exemptions and additional splits that RB precludes.
• ZON 25‑0018 (Item 23) — Rezoning of three parcels (mix of BA2, BB and BB3) to Neighborhood Business District (BA). The property owner/applicant, represented by John Mahoney, confirmed access exists via an historical dirt road and that the parcels are being consolidated to a single zoning. The Planning Commission and staff recommended approval; the board approved the rezoning 5–0.

- Solid waste rates and assessments:
• Annual rate resolution — Solid waste disposal assessment (residential disposal): the board adopted the resolution to hold the residential disposal assessment at $96 (motion carried 5–0). Staff clarified the disposal assessment covers curbside residential collection revenue and that the disposal fund also receives tip fees and franchise hauler fees; current projected capital spending will draw on reserves for some projects in FY2026.
• Annual rate resolution — Solid waste and recovered materials collection assessment (residential collection): the board adopted the resolution to hold the residential collection assessment at $262 (motion carried 5–0). Staff noted the sanitation contractor’s contract contains a CPI adjustment tied to the industry CPI and said an approximate 3% increase is likely when the August CPI is published.

Items continued or withdrawn

- Item 17 (Comp 2054 — Brandonville master plan community) was continued to a future meeting (planning commission continuation noted). Several other planning items (items 18–21) were withdrawn prior to public hearing.

Why it matters: The zoning approvals will affect land‑use and future development patterns in the locations described; the solid‑waste rate decisions preserve existing assessments for the coming fiscal year and maintain fees on the tax roll at last year’s levels.

Speakers and staff who appeared or were cited for these items include Clerk Green (minutes), Megan (legislative/priorities briefing), staff for Planning and Development (Dodie) and solid‑waste staff (Milton and Courtney). All recorded motions passed by voice vote and were marked in the meeting record as carried 5–0.

","At its Aug. 26 meeting the Board of County Commissioners approved procedural minutes, its legislative priorities card, two rezonings, and two solid‑waste annual rate resolutions. Several items were continued or withdrawn; the board approved those items listed below by voice vote.",{"_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},6506449,"Commission approves award for Green Cove Springs Library roof; local contractor to receive contract with $30,000 budget transfer",285,1453000,1738000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5682284-ce2ed0ddef675882a2802c8913458543&start=1453&end=1738","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5682284-ce2ed0ddef675882a2802c8913458543/thumbnail_1453000.jpg","/articles/6506449/Clay-County/Florida/Commission-approves-award-for-Green-Cove-Springs-Library-roof-local-contractor-to-receive-contract-with-30000-budget-transfer","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6506449-3fbd7cbf714392c9b9b922dda7315d72/orig.mp4?Expires=1770393554&Signature=oqLid72q1sODuedPPABlT4Nd63JRF3nq-7gNm2aRX5B~cBMmEtrL-ak0pIqyUPHqCnVbKudEQD5GpN4VL65R14x1K7Qpr8ZK2OVZb2DyfTN0MQh3GvTYk1AvxYv~zgItDP5RTyNbDsFPlr1vRiURN70O4MqsIckmLGSomzSSdX7UIx-DFq3X2pOV8UAPBOLxqcHjsES2vTHH-qSZH~f0M4DEnxwVUwCEDjzJXV04tpGlz3hRxdTWeWtpsyKlyM-JJIlSwQV1i3jE--BMOERoSGZK5sCL5u6L2KKT3NP06j5JTHJ-jeMiv~AEbUNNKOIUGlLzQDFiMpKBCKxza~qr~Q__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Board of County Commissioners approved a bid award Tuesday for a roof replacement at the Green Cove Springs Library and authorized a $30,000 budget transfer to cover the amount over the project’s budget.

Karen (procurement staff) recommended awarding the project under the county’s local preference policy to a local contractor identified in the presentation as Legacy in Action at a contract price listed in the public presentation. Staff said the bid amount required a $30,000 budget transfer because the low responsive bid came in slightly over the line item in the adopted budget.

“I mean, the 1 thing I wanted to comment about is going through the first budget cycle. It pains me to touch reserves ever,” one commissioner said before the vote, reflecting the board’s general reluctance to use reserves for routine maintenance but acknowledging the need for the roof repair. Another commissioner noted the recommended vendor agreed to match the lowest bid, reducing the shortfall; staff confirmed equipment and repairs at the library required timely action to stop ongoing leaks and related damage.

The board moved and seconded approval; the motion carried 5–0.

Why it matters: The library roof project was already out to bid because staff were responding to active leaks. Approving the award and a modest transfer from reserves will allow the county to proceed with repairs without deferring maintenance, county officials said.

Speakers quoted or referenced: Karen (procurement/purchasing staff); an unnamed commissioner who asked whether the request would draw on reserves (the staff answer: only $30,000 required and the remainder budgeted); the board’s motion and vote were recorded by the clerk.

Next steps: Staff will implement the contract award under the local preference and complete the budget transfer to cover the $30,000 overrun; construction schedules will be coordinated by county facilities staff.

","The commission approved awarding the Green Cove Springs Library roof bid to a local contractor using a local preference, and authorized a $30,000 budget transfer to cover an overrun. The motion passed 5‑0.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Clay County staff outline plan to bring park mowing in‑house; commissioners ask for implementation and budget options

At a glance: Clay County commissioners approve minutes, legislative priorities, two rezonings and solid‑waste rates

Commission approves award for Green Cove Springs Library roof; local contractor to receive contract with $30,000 budget transfer