Here are some topics from the last Board of County Commissioners meeting. If you want to know more about what was discussed and decided, you can read the agendas and minutes as they get posted. You can watch the meeting in full on our Facebook page or website.
Working to protect our water quality
The recently passed House Bill 1379 encourages local governments to update their comprehensive plans to support the transition from septic to sewer systems. Clay County and CCUA are working together on a plan to identify projects that will reduce pollutant discharge by converting failing septic systems to centralized sewer systems to protect water quality in areas like Doctors Lake and the lower St. Johns River. The bill also provides state funding through Water Quality Protection Grants for advanced wastewater treatment facilities, and CCUA has submitted a $5 million grant request under this bill. The presentation starts at 16:11 if you would like to learn more.
Solid waste collection and disposal costs have increased
The fees for solid waste collection and disposal have not kept pace with inflation, resulting in a 60 percent increase in costs due to higher prices for fuel, equipment, insurance, labor, materials, parts, and utilities. Disposal fees have not increased in 29 years and collection fees have increased by less than 10 percent in the last 17 years. To offset the increased costs to the county, commissioners approved an annual rate increase of $96 for residential solid waste disposal and $228 for solid waste collection, which will appear on the 2023 tax bill. This increase is based on the value of the services provided by the county and not the value of the resident’s property. Please visit our website for information on exemptions for veterans and those facing financial hardship. If you would like to learn more, watch the discussion starting at 1:05:37 or you can read the article in our Newsroom.
New emergency facility coming to Fleming Island
A new stand-alone emergency room and medical office building is coming to Fleming Island. This facility will be located on County Road 220 west of Claude Road and will offer drive-up emergency services that don’t require a visit to the hospital. The medical office building will also offer medical appointments with physicians. Commissioners approved the rezoning of the 9.6-acre parcel to allow this type of low-traffic use, which is compatible with surrounding residential zoning. The emergency facility will be open 24 hours a day, seven days a week to serve residents. The discussion starts at 3:17:22 if you would like to listen.
