HIGH SPRINGS – High Springs city commissioners set election and candidate qualifying dates, established proposed fire assessment rates for the coming fiscal year and approved agreements related to wastewater infrastructure and law enforcement cooperation during their June 11, 2026, meeting.
Commissioners unanimously approved a resolution setting the city’s next municipal election for Nov. 3, 2026. Two seats on the City Commission will be on the ballot: Seat 1, currently held by Andrew Miller, and Seat 2, currently held by Wayne Bloodsworth Jr.
Candidates seeking office will be able to qualify beginning at 7:30 a.m. on July 20. The qualifying period will close at 6 p.m. on July 23. City officials said prospective candidates may schedule appointments with the City Clerk’s Office to complete the qualifying process.
The commission also unanimously approved Resolution 2026-O, establishing preliminary fire assessment rates for the fiscal year that begins Oct. 1.
Under the resolution, the maximum residential fire assessment rate would be set at $383 per parcel. Nonresidential assessments would be based on square footage, with maximum rates of 36 cents per square foot for commercial properties, 11 cents per square foot for industrial and warehouse properties and 24 cents per square foot for institutional properties.
Commissioners were advised that establishing lower rates at this stage of the budget process would limit the city’s ability to increase assessments later if additional revenue is needed to meet final budget requirements. No members of the public spoke on the item before the commission approved it by unanimous roll-call vote.
In other business, commissioners approved a settlement agreement related to wastewater infrastructure improvements serving the County Road 236 project area.
The city is constructing improvements to its wastewater system, including lift station upgrades and related infrastructure needed to serve development in the area. City Attorney Danielle Adams told commissioners that property associated with the project will be deeded back to the city upon completion of the work. The agreement was approved unanimously without public comment.
The commission also approved a standard mutual aid agreement between the High Springs Police Department and the Gainesville Police Department.
Police Chief Antoine Sheppard said the agreement allows the two agencies to provide operational assistance to one another when needed. He noted that the arrangement carries no direct cost because each department provides support on a reciprocal basis.
Commissioners also discussed updating city fees, some of which officials said have not changed in approximately 30 years.
Among the fees under review are business tax fees, mandatory annual fire inspection fees for businesses and cemetery fees. City commissioners weighed the potential benefits of increasing fees to help address revenue shortfalls while also considering the impact on residents and businesses.
City Manager Jeremy Marshall said he had a clear understanding of the commission’s direction and would prepare a proposal for consideration at a future meeting.
Marshall also announced that the city’s budget hearing is scheduled for Sept. 10. Commissioners discussed possible dates for a future workshop on the city’s Land Development Code, with June 23 mentioned as a possible date, although no final decision was made.
The next regular meeting of the High Springs City Commission is scheduled for June 25 at 6:30 p.m.
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