Brevard County commissioners accepted the 2025 annual written reports from 34 county advisory boards on Oct. 28 and approved requests to excuse member absences.

Kathy (staff) presented the package of reports. Multiple advisory‑board chairs and members spoke: Barry Forbes (Housing Finance Authority) described difficulties in using tax‑exempt bonds for first‑time homebuyer programs given interest‑rate conditions; Kevin Gholson (Citizens Budget Review Committee) summarized the committee's work on health insurance and road maintenance; members of the Commission on Aging and other boards urged improved outreach to seniors and described plans for a county‑wide aging survey and a proposed aging plan. Several speakers asked the board to reconsider aspects of ordinance 22‑13 (term limits, meeting frequency, and restrictions on time/location), arguing limits can hinder institutional knowledge and volunteer recruitment.

Commissioner Duane (Delaney) said she would bring a future agenda item for discussion on ordinance changes and improving advisory‑board accessibility, including posting minutes and audio recordings online for boards that do not have video. The board voted to receive the reports and excuse absences as requested.

Why it matters: advisory boards provide technical review and community input across planning, housing, budgeting and environmental programs. Commissioners signaled willingness to examine administrative changes to encourage participation and make the advisory process more transparent.