Mickey Starling
reporter3@greenepublishing.com
The Madison City Commission met on Tuesday, Aug. 8, with the Madison Lions Club making a generous contribution of $500 to the City of Madison. The money is designated to benefit the Madison Police Department. Lions President Tim Dunn presented the check to Chief Tyrone Edwards, who was grateful for the donation.
During public comments, Jessie Solomon asked the commissioners to approve the renaming of Boxwood Drive to Isaiah James Street. James was the first black deputy with the Madison County Sheriff’s Office. The commissioners unanimously approved the request.
Next, Chief Professional Engineer Leroy Marshall, with the Suwannee River Water Management Division, presented a PowerPoint demonstration concerning the Aucilla Watershed revision. Several area open house meetings for the public have been held for citizens to express any concerns they may have. Marshall is also available to discuss any issues by phone. He can be reached at (386) 647-3124.
Caleb Perla, with Powell and Associates, presented the financial reports from their 2022 audit, revealing the City of Madison held enough money in the fund balance (reserve funds) to cover about a month and a half of operating expenses. Perla expressed it would be ideal if three months of operating funds could be held in reserve. Commissioner Byron Poore responded that “This is last year’s argument, again.” Poore went on to state that the continued draining of the enterprise fund to prop up deficits in the general fund is leaving the city unable to fund future repairs or emergencies that may arise.
Later, City Manager Jerome Wyche reported on the potential benefits of receiving $2.2 million through a Florida Job Growth Grant, if approved. The grant, for which the county is applying, would fund the construction of a large facility for storing training equipment and materials. Classroom space will be provided by North Florida College. The program would provide industry-specific training that would help bridge skill gaps with potential employees. A timber harvesting training program is the focus of this grant. There is the possibility that the three-year program would continue well beyond that time period since a sustainability plan is already in place.
Next, Wyche asked the commissioners to vote on changes to some of the wording in a recently received $25,000 grant from Duke Energy. The wording changes were suggested by City Attorney Clay Schnitker. The commissioners voted in favor of the changes by a 4 to 1 vote, with Commissioner Poore dissenting. The grant requires the City of Madison to provide consulting services with Retail Strategies, LLC, for studying and implementing measures to enhance downtown businesses within the next five years.
Also, the commissioners scheduled budget workshops for Tuesday, Aug. 29 and Tuesday, Sept. 5, both meetings beginning at 5:30 p.m. The next meeting of the Madison City Commission is scheduled for Tuesday, Sept. 12, beginning at 5:30 p.m. All meetings are held at City Hall, located at 321 SW Rutledge St., in Madison.