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HIGH SPRINGS – High Springs City Commissioners worked through a packed agenda Monday, Sept. 8, 2025, approving a series of measures ranging from setting the tentative property tax rate and adopting a budget to supporting local events and community projects.

Millage Rate and Budget

In the first of two required hearings, commissioners unanimously approved Resolution 2025-K, setting the city’s tentative millage rate at 6.99 mills for Fiscal Year 2025-26. The increase from 6.74 mills follows months of budget workshops. The final vote on the rate is scheduled for Sept. 22.

On first reading of Ordinance 2025-05, the commission also adopted the proposed General Fund budget of $8.08 million for the fiscal year beginning Oct. 1. The budget was shaped through public workshops held in May, June and July.

Utility Rates

Commissioners adopted Resolution 2025-M adjusting utility fees. The changes include higher costs for temporary hydrant meters, revised sewer base rates, updated impact fees and a reconfirmation of the $50 water disconnect/reconnect fee. Notices of the rate changes were sent to customers on July 31.

Priest Theatre Roof Project

The commission awarded a contract to Hoffman Construction, Inc. for repairs to the historic Priest Theatre. The bid of $550,828 includes roof replacement and structural work, with an additional $18,280 to replace the parapet wood apron on the front elevation. Officials said the project should be completed before hurricane season intensifies.

Operation Douglass Warriors

Veloria Kelley and Donald Ham of Douglass Historical School Society, Inc. requested the City’s support and approval of a project honoring the City’s veterans and celebrating the legacy of the now defunct Douglass School by creating a permanent memorial for those qualified veterans who attended Douglass.

“We have dubbed this project ‘Operation Douglass Warriors (ODW),’ and it will celebrate veterans who have served both during peacetime and wartime,” said Kelley. The event will also preserve and celebrate the rich history of Douglass School, which provided educational opportunities for African Americans in High Springs from 1930 until its closure in 1970 due to integration.”

Commissioners unanimously backed the Operation Douglass Warriors project and agreed to waive event costs for a dedication ceremony scheduled Nov. 15.

Special Events and Alcohol Ordinance

Marine Corps League submitted an application for a Special Event known as Hot Rodding for Heroes Car Show to be held from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 6, 2025. The permit lists a live DJ and indicates the event will take place on a public road near the High Springs Brewery.

The application requests street barricades and asks the City to permit visitors to carry beer in plastic cups into the show area.

Following a brief discussion, Commissioners unanimously approved the event and agreed to suspend the alcohol ordinance for this event.

Fire Services Agreements

Commissioners extended the city’s interlocal agreement with Alachua County Fire Rescue for fire suppression and emergency services through Sept. 30, 2026. They also voted to abandon a previously discussed letter regarding the county’s Fire Services Funding Agreement.

Winn-Dixie Support

In another action, commissioners reaffirmed support for the local Winn-Dixie grocery store and formally opposed any proposed conversion of the site to an Aldi. A letter will be sent to the grocery chain expressing the city’s position.

Grants and Engineering Services

City Manager Jeremy Marshall presented details of a $700,000 Community Development Block Grant for flood and drainage improvements. Commissioners approved issuing a request for qualifications for engineering services to carry out the work. The city will contribute $50,000 in matching funds.

KCT Agreement

Finally, commissioners approved Resolution 2025-0, authorizing a consulting services agreement with KCT Consulting Services for engineering and other professional services required to accomplish geotechnical, structural, stormwater, roadway, traffic, resiliency, water, wastewater, reclaimed water, landscape and park design, buildings and other Public Works/Public Utilities related projects within the City’s service area.

The measure passed 4-1, with Commissioner Katherine Weitz casting the sole dissenting vote.

The next city commission meeting is scheduled for Monday, Sept. 22, 2025.

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Email cwalker@

alachuatoday.com

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