Hardee County Board of County Commissioners

MINUTES Hardee County Board of County Commissioners BUDGET WORKSHOP July 15, 2025, at 8:30 AM COMMISSIONER CHAMBERS 412 WEST ORANGE STREET, ROOM 102, WAUCHULA, FL 33873

Hardee County Board of County Commissioners July 15, 2025 2 1. INVOCATION, FOLLOWED BY THE PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE 2. CALL TO ORDER Attendee Name Title Status Arrived Timothy E. Wells Commissioner Present Noey A. Flores Vice Chair Present E. Donald Chancey, Jr. Commissioner Present Russell A. Melendy Chair Present Kenneth A. Miller Commissioner Present Terry Atchley County Manager Present Victoria L. Rogers Clerk of the Circuit Court & Comptroller Present Sarah Johnston County Attorney Present Doug Baber Assistant County Manager Present Christopher Simpron Assistant County Manager Present Holly Smith Administrative Services Manager Present Brandy Crawford Executive Assistant Present Joley Pleger Deputy Clerk Present Chair Melendy called the meeting to order at 8:30 a.m. 3. COUNTY BUDGET PRESENTATION County Manager Atchley thanked the entire team, which included county staff, the five constitutional officers, and their staff, clarifying there were over 1,000 hours invested in creating and presenting this budget to the Board. County Manager Atchley provided a statement to the Board, noting he was not before the Board just to share “the numbers,” but to affirm the shared responsibility to preserve the stability, the service quality, and future readiness of Hardee County. County Manager Atchley noted the budget was not about excess, but about essentials, which reflected the disciplined, deliberate work of the team to align every dollar with the County’s most urgent needs, i.e., public safety, infrastructure, and long-term resilience. The approach to the budget process included a clear understanding that every tax dollar came from the citizens the County serves, and every tax dollar has been treated with the respect it deserves. County Manager Atchley detailed the importance of and verified the presented budget was not “a wish list,” but was absolutely “a must do list” that supported the County’s workforce; delivered on mandates; prepares the County for emergencies and positioned the County to complete for new opportunities while maintaining the fiscal responsibility and transparency to citizens. Assistant County Manager Baber, Budget Manager, Diane Moore, and General Services Director, Lorie Ayers, presented following to the Board: A. Fiscal Year 2025-2026 Recommended Budget Presentation – “Our Future Looks Bright”: • Introduction to the Budget Document: o An overview of the Fiscal Year 2026 Budget - as this overall budget has increased, it is crucial to understand why it will yield positive results for our community:  Strategic investments – this budget allows us to invest in areas critical for long-term growth, such as infrastructure improvements, workforce development, and economic development initiatives  Grant leverage – the substantial increase in grant funding empowers us to stretch our resources further  Responsible budgeting – this budget prioritizes responsible spending while ensuring we have the resources needed to deliver essential services and maintain a high quality of life for our residents  The Fiscal Year 2026 Budget represents a thoughtful and strategic approach to our community’s future o Fiscal stewardship:  Hardee County submitted the Fiscal Year 2025 Budget for consideration for the Distinguished Budget Presentation Award from the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA)

Hardee County Board of County Commissioners July 15, 2025 3  The award was received for meeting the nationally recognized guidelines for an effective budget presentation  BOCC budget process timetable: □ July 10 – budget distributed to the Board □ July 15 through 16 – BOCC Budget Workshop □ July 17 – TRIM (Truth in Millage) maximum millage rates approved □ September 9 – tentative millage rates and tentative budget approved □ September 23 – adopt final millage rates and budget • Ad Valorem and Budget Summary: o Fiscal Year 2026 Budget overview:  Proposed budget - $195,773,656  Team Hardee – 224.55 FTE’s (full-time equivalent)  Taxes – 8.3950 aggregate millage rate  5-year budget comparison:  The total proposed Fiscal Year 2026 Budget sits at $195,773,656: □ Grants - $111,870,273 – this substantial increase in grant funding allows us to invest in crucial projects without placing an undue burden on our local taxpayers □ Constitutional Officer requests - $20,776,926 – these expenditures ensure we fulfill our obligations to essential services □ Total BOCC operating budget - $63,126,457: • This core budget reflects our commitment to maintaining efficient daily operations while allowing for strategic investments in our workforce and infrastructure, as previously discussed • Includes restricted funds and enterprise funds - $32,780,530 (these expenditures ensure we fulfill our obligations to essential services)

Hardee County Board of County Commissioners July 15, 2025 4 • Constitutional Officers:  Sheriff’s Office budget history: □ 2021 - $11,115,000 □ 2022 - $11,650,395 or 4.81 percent □ 2023 - $12,672,987 or 8.78 percent □ 2024 - $14,419,771 or 13.8 percent □ 2025 - $15,161,107 or 5.14 percent □ 2026 - $16,853,230 or 11.2 percent

Hardee County Board of County Commissioners July 15, 2025 5  Clerk of Courts budget history: □ 2021 - $661,870 □ 2022 - $702,230 or 6.10 percent □ 2023 - $781,300 or 11.25 percent □ 2024 - $810,711 or 3.76 percent □ 2025 - $859,375 or 6 percent □ 2026 - $1,035,411 or 20.5 percent  Supervisor of Elections budget history: □ 2021 - $491,947 □ 2022 - $539,843 or 9.74 percent □ 2023 - $591,418 or 9.55 percent □ 2024 - $613,424 or 3.72 percent □ 2025 - $669,751 or 9.18 percent □ 2026 - $786,052 or 17.36 percent

Hardee County Board of County Commissioners July 15, 2025 6  Property Appraiser budget history: □ 2021 - $807,320 □ 2022 - $800,941 or 0.79 percent □ 2023 - $926,622 or 15.69 percent □ 2024 - $1,014,622 or 9.50 percent □ 2025 - $1,274,371 or 25.6 percent □ 2026 - $1,225,545 or -3.83 percent  Tax Collector budget history: □ 2021 - $531,986 □ 2022 - $547,486 or 2.91 percent □ 2023 - $610,805 or 11.57 percent □ 2024 - $711,012 or 16.41 percent □ 2025 - $819,335 or 15.24 percent □ 2026 - $876,568 or 7 percent Chair Melendy called for Commissioner questions. Commissioner Flores requested the budget book tab numbers be announced, which would allow the Board to follow along with presentation more easily. Assistant County Manager Baber explained the tab numbers were referenced on the slides, and each tab number would be announced with each section review.

Hardee County Board of County Commissioners July 15, 2025 7 Commissioner Flores requested further explanation concerning the referenced four percent increase in each constitutional officer’s budget. Assistant County Manager Baber explained each of the constitutional officers, excluding the Sheriff’s Office, were advised to include a four percent COLA (Cost-of-Living Adjustment) for their employees and further explained an employee merit raise would be discussed later in the presentation. • Judicial Agencies Budget: o Guadian Ad Litem o Medical Examiner: o Public Defender o State Attorney o Circuit and County Court • Strategic Plan: o Strategic Plan vision and mission:  Vision – to have a strong community of integrity where people want to be  Mission – building a vibrant and resilient environment focusing on the health, safety, and welfare of the community  Strategic Plan core values: □ Engaged – focus on the community and strive to provide continuous transparent communication □ Innovative: • Create and capitalize on opportunity • Be responsive and persistent • Employ our expertise and knowledge □ Intentional: • Bridge necessities with resources for today and tomorrow • Dedicated to achieving our mission and vision for the future □ Leadership – promote effectiveness and efficiency and foster mutual understanding and respect  Strategic Plan focus areas: □ Housing □ Education-workforce □ Public services and government □ Healthcare □ Economic development □ Land use, transportation, and infrastructure

Hardee County Board of County Commissioners July 15, 2025 8 □ Recreation/open space/environment • Economic Scan: o Fiscal outlook and budget strategy:  Total proposed budget - $195.7 million  Strategic investments in infrastructure, workforce, and economic development  Increased grant funding to reduce taxpayer burden  Proposed millage rate – 8.395 mills (9.83 percent increase over rollback rate)  Hardee County employment:  Median Hardee County homes values:  Inflation: □ Headline CPI (Consumer Price Index) is rising at a moderate rate of plus 2.4 percent year-over-year □ Food inflation – 2.9 percent average □ Energy inflation - 6.8 percent □ Core CPI (housing, apparel, medical care, recreation, and communication less food and energy) – 2.8 percent □ 12-month percentage change – Consumer Price Index (CPI) May 2025: • All items – 2.40 percent • Food – 2.90 percent • Energy – 6.80 percent • All items less food and energy – 2.80 percent  Social Security COLA increases 2019-2025:

Hardee County Board of County Commissioners July 15, 2025 9 □ Average total increase is 28.28 percent □ Average COLA increase is 4 percent  Unemployment:  Workforce and economic development: □ The Development Group currently recruiting new CEO (Chief Executive Officer) – received over 85 applications to date □ Strategic planning focused on resilience, health, safety, and innovation  Hardee County taxable values:  Real property vs. tangible property taxable value:

Hardee County Board of County Commissioners July 15, 2025 10 Commissioner Flores requested further explanation of the term “centrally assessed properties.” Budget Manager Moore explained the property is assessed by the State and examples are publicly owned utilities or railroads.  Hardee County new construction taxable value:  Community redevelopment areas: □ City of Wauchula - $980,602.00 for 2026 □ City of Bowing Green (two areas) - $133,478.00 for 2026 □ Total - $1,114,080.00  Community redevelopment payment history: • Personnel Improvements: o Organizational chart o Investing in our greatest asset – Hardee County BOCC employees:  Hardee County continues to commit to a critical investment in the very foundation of our success – in our employees

Hardee County Board of County Commissioners July 15, 2025 11  The Hardee County Board of County Commissioners has consistently delivered exceptional service to our community  But this success would not be possible without the dedication, skill, and hard work of a talented workforce o Wage compression and minimum wage increase:  Hardee County made this leap last year to bring all our employees up to $15 per hour  We are proud to report that we are ahead of the game because we want our employees to know they are our highest priority  We were able to fix wage compression last fiscal year, and made sure all employees were at least $1 over a new employee being hired for that same position  On November 3, 2020, Florida voters approved a constitutional amendment to gradually increase the state’s minimum wage each year until reaching $15.00 per hour in September 2026 o Four percent COLA (Cost-of-Living Adjustment) recommended increase:  The primary goal of a COLA increase is to protect employees from the erosion of their real wages due to inflation  As prices for goods and services rise, a COLA increase adjusts compensation upward to reflect these higher costs  On October 1, 2025, each employee will receive a four percent increase o Merit and cost-of-living adjustment:  Three percent merit - $207,953  Four percent COLA - $543,069  Fire department contract: □ Two percent COLA - $56,295 □ Step - $64,986  Performance-based merit increases: □ Continuing in Fiscal Year 2026, each employee has the potential to earn up to a three percent merit increase on their anniversary date or last date of promotion as a part of their performance review □ Example: • John and Mary are both utility field works, Mary comes to work every day, does her best to complete her tasks, and is a top performer • John on the other hand calls in constantly and underperforms • So, Mary will get the three percent merit increase, while John may get a lower percent increase or a zero percent merit increase □ This type of merit system has proven to increase productivity and reward employees for their exemplary performance Commissioner Miller noted not all employees would receive the full three percent increase and questioned whether there would be funds left over, i.e., was the plan to spend all of the merit funds or just a portion of the funds. Assistant County Manager Baber explained he had factored into the budget one-half of a year at 1.5 percent across the board; therefore, there should not be any excess funds due to the merit increase being effective for each individual employee’s employment date.  Full-time equivalent (FTE) count: □ New positions: • There were over 20 new positions requested by various departments during the budget process • After careful consideration, only 13 of those new positions were added to the budget • Additionally, two part-time positions were increased to full-time positions • Fiscal Year 2026 budgeted positions: o Building – one permitting technician o Facilities – two maintenance technicians and one custodian o Information technology – one technician o Procurement – one buyer o Parks & Recreation – one grounds keeper and one custodian o Public Works – four maintenance workers o Solid Waste – one heavy equipment operator o Veteran’s Services - .5 part-time to full-time Veteran’s Officer

Hardee County Board of County Commissioners July 15, 2025 12 o Library - .5 part-time to full-time library assistant Chair Melendy questioned whether there was other funding sources available for any of the employee positions. Assistant County Manager Baber explained there were no grants that could be specifically utilized, the transportation trust funds cover the public works positions and facilities positions, and the building department’s fund is replenished by fee collection. Commissioner Chancey requested the employee numbers for the facilities department. Assistant County Baber noted there were 18 employees, which included four or five maintenance workers in the road and bridge department and for clarification eight new employees were requested; however, the goal is to hire four new employees. Commissioner Wells requested the number of facilities department employees excluding the custodians and the cost per new employee. Assistant County Manager Baber explained there is eight full-time employees that included supervisors and crew leaders and noted the two new positions would cost $32,800.00 per year for entry level positions. Commissioner Miller noted the cost of $32,800 would not be the total cost due to the benefits amount not being included in the estimate. Assistant County Manager Baber confirmed the total cost would be $45,000 to $50,000 when benefits were included. Commissioner Miller questioned whether the request for new solid waste department employees was determined by an increase in landfill usage by the public and whether the tipping fees were covering the cost of the landfill. Assistant County Manager Baber explained the estimate for received tonnage was approximately 3500 tons with two and one-half months left in the fiscal year, the tipping fee does off-set the cost, and a five percent increase for disposal is being requested, which will be discussed in further detail later in the presentation. Commissioner Miller further questioned whether the tonnage deposited in the landfill was increasing. Assistant County Manager Baber noted the numbers were 100 percent on the increase and provided the tonnage numbers from 2023 forward. □ Hardee County FTE history: Chair Melendy recessed the meeting at 9:34 a.m. Chair Melendy reconvened the meeting at 9:45 a.m. Assistant County Manager Baber corrected his earlier statement regarding the number of facilities department employees and clarified there were 10 employees not including the custodian positions. • Capital Improvement Projects Completed in Fiscal Year 2024-2025 (pictures): o Hardee County Library Teen Area o Hardee County Library Children’s Area o New upgrades:  Door signs at the annex building and courthouse  Upgraded TV’s and monitors for chambers conference room  New ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) compliant elevator installed o Parks & Recreation – Magnolia Manor o Parks & Recreation – baseball field o Pioneer Park o Hardee Lakes Park o Public Works

Hardee County Board of County Commissioners July 15, 2025 13 o Fleet Department – new equipment list: A/C machine, air jack for the big trucks, and two jacks o Procurement Department – new ladder for employee safety, new fan for climate control, and new shelving to replace broken shelves o Extension Office o Wildlife Refuge o Solid Waste – semi, dozer, and track hoe o New equipment – motor grader, half bat mowers, six-foot mowers, Kubota tractors, claw truck, and dump trucks o Hardee County affordable housing:  In the past two years, seven homes have been demolished and rebuilt with the assistance of our approved contractors and local non-profit organization, SendMeMissions, Inc., as a result of Hurricane Ian’s impact  First Time Home Buyer Assistance Program: □ Five completed closings in the last three years □ Income category – very low, low, and moderate □ Maximum award: • $25,000 – very low-income and low-income households • $20,000 – moderate income households □ Strategy assists first time homebuyers with down payment and closing costs to purchase a single-family site-built home or modular, manufactured, or mobile home for an applicant that obtains a first mortgage with state certified lending institution □ Terms – 10-year forgivable deferred loan  Demolition/Reconstruction: □ Income category – very low and low □ Maximum award – up to $180,000 □ The strategy will provide funds for demolition and replacement to eligible applicants whose home needs more than $70,000 for rehabilitation □ The home will be constructed on the same property □ Homes destroyed by fire, or another catastrophic event will also be assisted under this strategy □ Mobile and manufactured homes will be removed from the site and replaced with site-built home or modular, manufactured or mobile home □ Under current policy, no owner-occupied dwelling will be subject to condemnation from program determinations □ Only those dwellings occupied by eligible homeowners wishing to participate in this voluntary demolition action will be considered providing it meets the criteria □ Terms – 10-year forgivable deferred loan • Recommended Budget Summaries: o The budget structure:  Government accounting subdivides the budget into “funds”  Fund accounting allows a government to budget and account for funds restricted by law or policy  Each fund must balance, meaning that the revenues must equal the expenditures in each fund o Fiscal Year 2026 total recommended budget $195,773,656 million (revenues):

Hardee County Board of County Commissioners July 15, 2025 14 o Fiscal Year 2026 total recommended budget $195,773,656 million (expenditures): o Fiscal Year 2026 General Fund (001) – Revenues - $51,195,853 million:  This shows the revenue in the general fund as a percentage for ad valorem, local taxes, fees, state revenues, charges for services, fines and forfeiture, other earnings, and cash forward: □ Cash forward - $10,004,184 or 95 percent □ Other earnings - $631,870 or 1.2 percent □ Court related/fines and forfeitures - $15,300 or 0.03 percent □ Charges for services – $2,863,840 or 5.6 percent □ State revenues - $7,894,855 or 15.6 percent □ Fees - $959,475 or 1.9 percent □ Local taxes - $3,750,000 or 7.3 percent □ Ad valorem taxes - $25,003,329 or 48.8 percent  Ad valorem taxes – what does it fund:

Hardee County Board of County Commissioners July 15, 2025 15 o Fiscal Year General Fund (001 Fund) $51,195,852 million expenditures – by cost category: o Fiscal Year 2026 General Fund (001) $9,049,715 million expenditures – general government departments:  BOCC - $514,290  Procurement - $495,439  Legal Services - $200,00  Facilities - $2,636,389  County Manager - $428,867  Grants Management - $365,437  Community Development - $693,872  Miscellaneous - $1,983,895  Human Resources - $622,350  Management and Budget - $545,374  ITS - $563,802 o Fiscal Year 2026 General Fund (001) $7,053,958 million in expenditures – public safety:  Detention Facility - $1,253,604 or 18 percent  Building Department - $881,053 or 12 percent  Emergency Management $443,949 or 6 percent  EMS - $3,872,527 or 55 percent  Code Enforcement - $208,435 or 3 percent  Miscellaneous - $394,390 or 6 percent o Fiscal Year General Fund (001 Fund) $2,589,169 million expenditures – physical environment – economic environment – human services:  Human Services - $1,637,467  Economic environment - $321,828  County Extension - $491,513  Soil Conservation - $138,361 o Fiscal 2026 General Fund (001 Fund) $4,001,230 million expenditures – cultural and recreation:  Library - $456,666.00 or 11 percent  Parks & Recreation - $950,359.00 or 24 percent  Wildlife Refuge - $475,321.00 or 12 percent  Hardee Lakes Park - $1,067,904.00 or 27 percent  Pioneer Park - $841,814.00 or 21 percent  Museum - $146,366.00 or 4 percent  Miscellaneous - $62,800.00 or 1 percent o General Fund Fiscal Year 2026 capital requests – total proposed- $3,944,485:  Procurement: □ RF (roll forward) stockroom upgrade - $16,000 □ RF stockroom equipment - $11,000 □ Total request - $27,000  Information Technology Services (ITS): □ Firewall replacement EOC server room - $10,000 □ Synology NAS replacement x2 - $10,000

Hardee County Board of County Commissioners July 15, 2025 16 □ Ford transit cargo van - $65,000 □ Server replacement - $13,000 □ Total request - $98,000  Facilities: □ Civic center refresh - $30,000 □ Civic center digital sign - $75,000 □ Civic center upgrade lighting - $15,000 □ Civic center commercial fridge - $15,000 □ Civic center freezer - $15,000 □ Civic center lift - $15,000 □ Tow behind lift w/generator - $75,000 □ A/C replacement county-wide - $325,000 □ RF floor replacement - $17,161 □ Total request - $582,161  Facilities Detention: □ Floor paint recurring - $10,000 □ AC replacement - $200,000 □ Walk-in cooler - $30,000 □ RF equipment replacement - $29,380 □ Total request - $269,380  Building Department: □ Office remodel - $30,000 □ New truck for new employee - $50,000 □ Scanner/printer lease - $10,000 □ Total request - $90,000  Emergency Management: □ Three portable emergency message boards - $32,000 □ Total request - $32,000  Emergency Medical Services (EMS): □ Lifepack 15 (three at $50,000 each) - $150,000 □ Laryngoscope replacement (six) - $20,000 □ RF signage and Tanker 1 refurbish - $87,200 □ Total request - $257,200  Soil Conservation: □ Carpet/flooring update - $10,000 □ Air conditioner - $40,000 □ Total request - $50,000  County Extension: □ Office updates/upgrades - $10,000 □ Bathroom breezeways - $50,000 □ Window replacement - $25,000 □ Exterior rehab - $20,000 □ Resurface parking lot - $50,000 □ Kitchen upgrades - $10,000 □ Total request - $165,000  Marketing: □ Gateway signs - $80,000 □ Total request - $80,000  Veterans: □ Vehicle/rideshare program - $50,000 □ Total request - $50,000  Human Services (HS) Miscellaneous: □ A/C handler contract Health Department - $250,000 □ Roof repair Health Department - $300,000 □ Total request - $550,000  Library: □ Update library circulation desk - $30,000 □ Permanent children’s programming area - $10,000

Hardee County Board of County Commissioners July 15, 2025 17 □ Teen study area - $10,000 □ Adult area - $10,000 □ Books - $31,600 □ Total request - $91,600  Parks & Recreation: □ Parks beautification - $25,000 □ Wooden walkways – Hardee Park - $15,000 □ Fence – Magnolia Manor Park - $40,000 □ Baseball field improvement – Hardee Park - $45,000 □ Baseball field scoreboards – Hardee Park - $50,000 □ Restrooms – Magnolia Manor Park - $30,000 □ Safety fence – Hardee Park - $150,000 □ RF Hardee Park asphalt - $50,000 □ Total request - $405,000  Wildlife Refuge: □ Animals - $15,000 □ Otter enclosure update - $5,000 □ Raccoon enclosure - $25,000 □ Total request - $45,000  Hardee Lakes Park: □ Shop replacement - $150,000 □ Disc golf course - $25,000 □ Road improvement - $50,000 □ RV site pad installations - $50,000 □ Wooden walkways bridges - $10,000 □ Kubota UTV - $23,000 □ Dump trailer - $35,000 □ RF RV sites pad installations - $100,000 □ Total request - $443,000  Pioneer Park: □ Parking lot renovation - $180,000 □ Playground - $100,000 □ Digital road sign - $75,000 □ Sound system Nickerson-Ullrich Barn - $15,000 □ RF pool pavilion remodel - $12,144 □ Total request - $382,144  Museum: □ Modification to floors and walls - $20,000 □ Replace glass case tops - $12,000 □ Two teleprompters - $5,000 □ Signs and lights for village - $15,000 □ Bench seating for village - $5,000 □ Fence around carved bear and train - $10,000 □ RF museum remodel - $10,000 □ Total request - $77,000 Chair Melendy called for Commissioner questions. Commissioner Flores requested more information concerning the wooden walkways at Hardee Lakes. County Manager Atchley explained the walkways were the wooden walkway bridges over the small ditches located around the Mosaic Pavillion. Commissioner Flores further requested whether there were future plans concerning the main boardwalk that is in bad condition. County Manager Atchley advised the agency’s direction so far has been to allow the boardwalk to remain for now and the hope is to gain permission to go in and rebuild the boardwalk in the future. Commissioner Flores noted the format of the capital requests have changed and now they were provided in a large list. Specifically, the budget notes explaining the capital requests were becoming vague and Commissioner Flores noted more information was needed when reviewing the budget; however, he did think the presentation was very well done or put together. Assistant County Manager Baber explained the information details were entered in the ADG financial software,

Hardee County Board of County Commissioners July 15, 2025 18 which could be easily accessed and the previous budget notes contained old information that needed to be “cleaned up.” The plan going forward was to include up-to-date information in the budget notes. Commissioner Flores reiterated the importance of the Board having budget notes/information when reviewing the budget. Commissioner Chancey requested further explanation regarding the roll forward items. Assistant County Manager Baber explained if the budgeted funds were not expended this fiscal year, then the funding amount was included in the cash forward line-item and not set out as a request in the new budget. Commissioner Miller noted the current capital estimate was $4 million, looking forward, the average capital request was $6 million per year, and increasing to $12 million in 2026/2027. He questioned whether the increase was a result of projects being continually pushed forward. Assistant County Manager Baber clarified $11 million was “cut” from the department’s capital requests to reach the $3.9 million current request and the “cut” requests were rolled forward to the next fiscal year. Commissioner Miller questioned whether a “return on investment” was calculated into the capital assessment, i.e., savings on equipment repairs, and fuel, etc. Assistant County Manager Baber noted the County has been “playing catch-up” since his employment began, there has been equipment with a $50,000 repair cost, and the “the return on investment” was absolutely management’s approach to capital spending. Commissioner Miller suggested the budget information the Board reviews include the “why” for the capital request. o Transportation Trust (102 Fund) revenues:  Revenues - $24,865,438 million: □ General government taxes - $2,225,000 □ State grants - $12,507,423 □ Interest and other earnings - $15,450 □ Other sources - $286,700 □ Licenses/permits/fees - $31,500 □ State shared revenues - $3,337,080 □ Sales - $50,000 □ Federal grants - $4,225,296 □ Charges for services - $55,000 □ Miscellaneous - $257,000 □ Fund balance - $2,041,851 □ Less 5 percent - $166,862  Expenditures - $24,865,438 million by cost category: □ Fund balance - $231,000 □ Contingency - $100,000 □ Capital - $18,541,219 □ Operating - $2,168,368 □ Personnel - $3,824,851 □ Road and Bridge Department capital request - $1,647,500: • Bridge deficiencies - $125,000 • Streetlights - $50,000 • Pavement Management Plan - $400,000 • New Gradall - $640,000 • Side arm mower - $200,000 • 4-inch piston pump - $5,000 • Plate compacter - $7,500 • D3 dozer - $190,000 • Traffic counters - $25,000  Infrastructure capital projects: □ Bridge replacements – North Hollandtown Road and Polk-Hardee Line CR 664 - FDOT (Florida Department of Transportation) work in progress □ Hurricane Ian repairs – eight bridges under consolidated bid package – funded in disaster (tab #36) - $550,493.11 □ Utilities and Facilities Master Plan – RFQ 25-005 for architecture and engineering services – funded in Wauchula Hills Enterprise - $850,000  Fleet Maintenance capital request - $36,000:

Hardee County Board of County Commissioners July 15, 2025 19 □ Shop welder - $7,000 □ Plasma cutter - $10,000 □ RF electrical doors and flooring - $19,000  Capital Projects capital request - $25,000: □ Transit device - $5,000 □ Ground penetrating radar (GPR) - $20,000  Transportation Trust Fiscal Year 2026 capital request overall - $1,708,500: □ Road and Bridge - $1,647,600 or 96.43 percent □ Fleet - $36,000 or 2.11 percent □ Project management - $25,000 or 1.46 percent Chair Melendy called for Commissioner questions. Commissioner Flores requested more information concerning a transit device. Assistant County Manager Baber explained the transit device would help with surveying, working with grades, and would be shared with other departments. The ground penetrating radar would be used for locating property pens, which currently requires contracting with a land surveyor, and costs approximately $7,000 to $8,000 per request. o Fiscal Year 2026 Fine & Forfeiture (103 Fund) $2,063,811 million revenues:  Criminal justice - $10,000  Court surcharge - $32,000  Traffic surcharge - $125,000  County Probation fees - $52,000  Pre-trial release - $16,000  Interest - $2,000  Transfer from General Fund - $1,091,613  Cash forward - $202,680  Cash forward restricted - $502,518 o Fiscal Year 2026 Fine & Forfeiture (103 Fund) $2,063,811 million expenditures:  Courthouse security - $23,800 or 1.15 percent  Courthouse facilities - $879,829 or 42.63 percent  Court systems ITS - $317,159 or 15.37 percent  County Probations - $273,505 – or 13.25 percent  Miscellaneous - $544,518 or 26.38 percent  Contingencies - $25,000 or 1.21 percent o Fine & Forfeiture capital requests – overall $378,335:  Courthouse security X-ray machine - $22,000  Courthouse facility: □ Court Room B floor replacement - $25,000 □ Security door lock system - $50,000 □ Railing replacement - $15,000 □ Facility upgrades - $50,000 □ Carpet in Clerk of Courts Office - $25,000 □ Sidewalk replacement – $25,000 □ Electrical upgrades for landscaping - $10,000 □ A/C replacement courthouse - $50,000 □ RF courthouse A/C units $52,888 □ Total request - $302,888  Courthouse system ITS: □ State Attorney machinery and equipment - $10,000 □ Public defender building - $7,947 □ Circuit county court machinery and equipment - $20,500 □ Total request - $38,447  County probation – remodel $15,000 Chair Melendy called for Commissioner questions. None noted. o Fiscal Year Fire Control (107 Fund) $13,551,516 million revenues:

Hardee County Board of County Commissioners July 15, 2025 20 o Fiscal Year 2026 Fire Control (107 Fund) $13,551,516 million expenditures: o Fire Control capital request:  Fire assessment study - $25,000  Engine-3 pump overhaul - $50,000  Total request $75,000 o Fiscal Year 2026 Mining (109 Fund) $713,834 revenues:  Cash forward - $201,334 or 28 percent  Mining fees - $510,000 or 72 percent  Interest - $2,500 or 0.35 percent o Fiscal Year 2026 Mining (109 Fund) $713,834 expenditures:  Personnel - $374,037  Operating - $243,116  Transfer to General Fund - $50,000  Contingency - $25,000  Fund balance - $11,681  Reserve for machinery - $10,000 Chair Melendy called for Commissioner questions. Commissioner Miller noted there were past issues with reimbursable fees, questioned whether the services budget should be increased, and thought there might be potential for exposure, which would require future amendments. Assistant County Manager Baber noted the budgeted contingency could be increased, some of the reimbursable fees were still in the unknown category and thought an amendment to increase contingency countywide by $500,000 should be considered.

Hardee County Board of County Commissioners July 15, 2025 21 o Fiscal Year 2026 E911 (110 Fund) $708,189:  E911 is funded from cellular phone bills  Provides County E911 with the opportunity to make system upgrades  Provides training for the E911 staff  These are restricted dollars – they can only fund E911 activities  State shares - $175,000 or 24.71 percent  Interest - $2,500 or 0.35 percent  Fund balance - $342,075 or 48.30 percent  State grants - $188,614 or 26.63 percent o Fiscal Year 2026 Disaster (111 Fund) $7,128,384:  Expenditures: □ Public safety - $7,003,384 □ Transfer to TT (Transportation Trust) - $125,000 □ This fund is restricted to Hurricane Ian and Hurricane Milton repairs □ Federal grants - $2,163,755 or 30 percent □ State grants - $72,500 or 1 percent □ Fund balance - $4,892,129 or 69 percent o Fiscal Year 2026 Tourist Development Council (TDC - 112 Fund) $487,500:  Revenue: □ General government tax - $85,000 or 17.44 percent □ Fund balance - $391,000 or 80.21 percent □ Interest - $11,500 or 2.36 percent  Expenditures: □ Personnel services - $38,095 □ Operating - $50,000 □ Capital - $80,000 □ Contingency - $319,405  Capital request: □ Hardee County entry sign - $80,000 Chair Melendy called for Commission questions. Commissioner Miller questioned whether the upcoming Pioneer Festival had requested funding. Assistant County Manager Baber advised community events was a budget line-item, there was a conversation about a request for approximately $5,000, but no formal request has been made. Any community event would need to expend the funds and then submit a request for reimbursement from the TDC. Chair Melendy recessed the meeting at 11:00 a.m. Chair Melendy reconvened the meeting at 11:10 a.m. o Fiscal Year 2026 Grants (135 Fund) $76,730,403:  Grant management cycle: □ Pre-award phase – research, proposal development, and application submission □ Award phase – application review, negotiation, and acceptance

Hardee County Board of County Commissioners July 15, 2025 22 □ Post-award phase – implementation and management, monitoring and reporting, evaluation, and closeout Chair Melendy called for Commissioner questions. Commissioner Miller requested more information concerning whether additional staff was needed to manage grants of this magnitude, i.e., procurement, expenditure, and reimbursable cash flow. Assistant County Manager Baber explained County Manager Atchley created the Cash Flow Task Force team, which oversees the projects and contractors, the Grants department was administering over $8 million in 2021, and the same number of employees are administering over $111 million in 2025. There is a request for another procurement employee to handle the purchasing aspect regarding the grant funds and the need for more grants department personnel is currently being assessed. Commissioner Miller noted his concern about whether there was a need for more staff to administer the grants. Commissioner Wells requested more information concerning the number of grant projects that had been completed. Director Ayers explained that approximately $7 million in grant funding has been expended and completed. Commissioner Wells questioned whether there were any anticipated issues with the cash flow. Director Ayers noted she did not foresee any issues based on her 20-year cash flow experience and the establishment of the Cash Flow Task Force. Commissioner Wells requested the buyer position’s salary amount. Assistant County Manager Baber noted the pay range salary started at $55,000 and the total would include 30 percent to 35 percent more for employee benefits. o Fiscal Year 2026 Vandolah (401 Fund) $415,828:  Revenue: □ Charge for services - $155,000 □ Interest - $5,000 □ Cash forward - $255,828  Expenditures: □ Contingency - $65,397 □ Cash forward - $32,910 □ Capital - $150,000 □ Operating - $57,946 □ Personnel services - $109,575  Capital request – tank coatings for $150,000 o Utilities Department:  Utility rates will remain the same  Mission statement - Hardee County Utilities Department’s (HCUD) main objective is to improve county residents’ quality of life by ensuring the health and safety of provided water and wastewater treatment as well as encouraging economic development through the ongoing expansion of water and wastewater infrastructures. This department includes the Vandolah Wastewater Treatment Facility and the Wauchula Hills Water and Wastewater Treatment Facilities Commissioner Wells questioned whether any grants were received for the utilities department. Director Ayers explained there were grants received for projects and maintenance. There was discussion concerning capacity for the Vandolah plant and Wauchula Hills plant. Commissioner Miller questioned whether the recent utilities rate increase was beginning to contribute to the maintenance costs and capital items and whether there would be a return of funds or the utilities department could be considered to be “cash positive.” Assistant County Manager Baber noted the County did not increase rates for 20 years, which was resulting in a $70,000 loss per month, and with the influx of cash from the rate increase the Utilities Department has been able to contribute to the general fund rather than needing a transfer of funds from the general fund.  Fiscal Year 2026 Wauchula Hills (402 Fund) $9,457,604: □ Revenues:

Hardee County Board of County Commissioners July 15, 2025 23 □ Expenditures: • Physical environment - $8,509,766 or 89.98 percent • Other uses - $300,988 or 3.18 percent • Contingencies - $300,000 or 3.17 percent • Fund balance - $ 346,850 or 3.67 percent □ Capital request: • Bio solids treatment plant - $250,000 • Truck with crane - $170,000 • Kamstrup smart water meters - $250,000 • Spare motor - $12,000 • Total - $682,000  Fiscal Year 2026 Solid Waste (403 Fund) $5,278,773: □ Revenues: □ Expenditures: • Physical environment - $3,274,755 or 62 percent • Other uses - $787,000 or 15 percent • Contingencies - $100,000 or 2 percent • Reserves - $600,000 or 11 percent • Fund balance - $517,018 or 10 percent □ Capital request: • Tanker - $140,000 • Loader - $365,000 • Rubber tracker skid steer with forks - $100,000 • Outdoor generator - $5,000 • Total - $610,000 Commissioner Miller questioned whether the landfill closure fund was a requirement. Assistant County Manager Baber explained that the closure fund’s current balance is $2 million; the yearly contribution is $100,000; the goal is to place the funds into an interest-bearing account, and the interest earned this year was approximately $60,000. So, $100,000 was contributed along with the $60,000 that was earned in interest. Commissioner Miller requested the current balance of the funds and the minimum amount for the required funds. Budget Manager Moore noted the last closure fund report determined the fund balance was sufficient; however, there was a question about whether the life of the cell needed to be reduced. Assistant County Manager Baber clarified the former engineer who performed the assessment evaluation and calculation appeared to have shortened the cell’s life, which equated to a $260,000 transfer to cover cell life reduction. With the addition of the new engineering firm, Kimley-Horn, staff believed an error in the calculations of the former

Hardee County Board of County Commissioners July 15, 2025 24 engineer was discovered and a correction can be made. The current cell has 17 more years of life, which is going to require more funds to be contributed. Commissioner Miller noted the County’s liability and questioned whether DEP (Department of Environmental Protection) had a formula the County is required to meet. County Manager Atchley advised the fund is a “moving target” that is analyzed annually, which determines the annual contribution amount to cover the increasing liability. Commissioner Wells requested the cost of the last cell closure. County Manager Atchley noted he did have that information readily available, but believed funds were pulled from the closure fund at the time, and the closure fund is assessed annually to determine the current contribution amount requirement. o Proposed fee schedule changes:  Parks and Recreation: □ Agricultural Training Center – rental fee $250 and refundable deposit $150 □ Vender fee (food trucks and crafts) - $25.00 Commissioner Flores questioned how the vendor fees for any events would be collected. Tourism Marketing Manager, Lacey Webb, explained the private event coordinator would be responsible for establishing and collecting their own vendor fees and the County’s vendor fee would be collected by staff for any internal event the County hosts. Assistant County Manager Baber clarified the vendor fee is being added to offset the event costs.  Solid Waste: □ Tires - $250 per ton □ Concrete - $20 per ton □ Special handling permit - $250 per ton □ Car tire – less than 16 inches - $5 each □ Car tire with rim -$10 each □ Commercial semi tire - $10 each □ Commercial semi tire with rim - $15 □ Other tires with rims - $250 per ton plus $5 per rim Commissioner Flores questioned whether staff had the ability to remove the rim from the tire and whether revenue was collected for the metal. Assistant County Manager Baber advised that most everything that is removed or taken from the landfill is a cost to the County. Commissioner Wells noted most places do not charge for clean concrete; however, he could “see” either disallowing the concrete with rebar or wire or charging for contaminated concrete. Assistant County Manager Baber provided information concerning concrete at the landfill: 3000 tons of concrete with rebar, which is unusable, on-site, the grinding machine rental fee is approximately $46,000 per month, and the per ton fee would help off-set the cost. • Special Assessments: o Fire Control Special Assessments:  There are three fire/rescue stations positioned in Hardee County consisting of Bowling Green, Wauchula, and Zolfo Springs  There is a total of 13 personnel per shift and four administration personnel  Total full-time employees – 45  2024 fire rescue statistics (Fire and EMS calls only): □ Total calls for service for Hardee County Fire Rescue – 4,471 □ Advance Life Support (ALS) – 2,715 □ Basic Life Support (BLS) – 513 □ Total emergency medical service calls – 3,228 □ Fire related calls – 310 □ Motor vehicle accidents – 427 □ Total acreage burned by brush fires – 3,659  Fire protection special assessments in Hardee County fund rising costs of fire services, including medical supplies and rescue equipment  The proposed five percent increase will result in a household increase of $11.15 annually, which is $0.93 cents a month  Fire Control proposed rates:

Hardee County Board of County Commissioners July 15, 2025 25  Resolution 2025-61- rates for Fiscal Year 2025-2026: □ Residential – $234.31 rate per dwelling □ Non-residential property use categories – rate per square foot: • Commercial - $0.10 • Industrial - $0.16 • Institutional - $0.57 • Vacant land - $1.04 o Solid Waste Disposal Special Assessments:  This assessment subsidizes the cost of providing landfill services to residents  Requesting a five percent increase in Solid Waste Disposal Assessments  Supports equipment replacement and opening of a new landfill cell  Current disposal residential assessment - $109.54  Proposed disposal residential assessment - $115.02  Annual increase - $5.48  Monthly increase - $0.45  Total solid waste tonnage:  This assessment is pasted onto our contracted collection company and per our contract they receive a cost-of-living adjustment each year  Current collection residential assessment - $149.50  Proposed collection residential assessment – $153.59  Cost-of-Living Adjustment - $2.89 percent  Annual increase - $4.09  Monthly increase - $0.34  Resolution 2025-62 – a tentative rate of assessment equal to $268.61 for each dwelling unit for solid waste collection and disposal services • Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) 5-Year Forecast: o Two crucial elements that will propel Hardee County towards building a stronger future:  Investing in our capital infrastructure

Hardee County Board of County Commissioners July 15, 2025 26  Implementing a robust 5-year strategic plan  This CIP will also open many doors that have been historically closed due to not having this plan in place  Let’s seize this opportunity to create a future where our community thrives, where our infrastructure supports growth, and where our strategic vision guides us towards a brighter tomorrow Chair Melendy recessed the meeting at 12:02 p.m. Chair Melendy reconvened the meeting at 1:30 p.m. Assistant County Manager Baber continued with a recap of the budget presentation: • Recap: o Newly requested rolling stock and big equipment items: Chair Melendy called for Commissioner questions. Commissioner Miller requested more information concerning the truck with crane that would be used for pulling submersible pumps and specifically requested data for how often the submersible pumps were pulled, along with how many wells the County owned that would justify the purchase. County Manager Atchley explained the truck with crane would not just be used for wells, but would also be used for numerous lift stations throughout the community. Commissioner Miller questioned how the pumps were being pulled currently. Assistant County Manager Baber noted staff “made do with what was available.”

Hardee County Board of County Commissioners July 15, 2025 27 Chair Melendy noted the purchase of new equipment makes the employees more productive and should foster a reduction in equipment maintenance costs. Chair Melendy recognized the importance of the Gradall to road maintenance, which was very important to citizens, and questioned whether data existed on the life expectancy of a Gradall. County Manager Atchley advised the piece of equipment with proper care and maintenance would have a 15-year to 20-year life expectancy. Assistant County Manager Baber noted there was a 2006 Gradall that had a maintenance cost of $158,000, and the current Gradall in the shop for repairs is at end-of-life due to the fact parts are no longer attainable for the needed repairs. Commissioner Miller noted the Gradall was a precision excavator for ditches and did not grade roads. Commissioner Flores noted safety was an important factor when acquiring the proper equipment for employees to utilize. Commissioner Wells requested more information concerning the side-arm mower. County Manager Atchley confirmed there were three side-arm mowers; however, one was inoperable but fixable. Both operable side-arm mowers are constantly running, are old, and at end-of-life. Commissioner Wells acknowledged the need; however, he noted the roof replacements and air conditioner replacements have been “kicked down the road” long enough and were of the utmost importance. Commissioner Wells requested information on what was being done to set-aside funding for building maintenance and noted the previous lack of planning concerning County building maintenance. County Manager Atchley reminded the Board of the process that begun with last year’s budget that was a request for a $750,000 commitment to a repair/maintenance fund that was unfortunately reduced to $250,000 and the commitment to add $400,000 is currently being presented for Board consideration. Commissioner Wells questioned whether borrowing funds was an option. County Manager Atchley noted there is a $250,000 line-item for the health department building that begins the funding process toward the $6 million that is needed for roof replacement, typically building repair and maintenance are not grant or appropriation eligible, and in the near future the Board may wish to consider bonding opportunities to get “caught up” that would stop wasting dollars on repair and maintenance. Assistant County Manager Baber provided maintenance information on the side-arm mower that currently has a request for replacement, i.e., the side-arm mower is a 1999 New Holland model with year-to-date maintenance fees of $141,168. Commissioner Wells explained the cost of yearly maintenance as long as the equipment is safe for use needs to be compared against spending $200,000 on a new piece of equipment or utilizing the $200,000 somewhere else. Assistant County Manager Baber explained the goal was to prioritize, the side-arm mower under discussion was in the shop for repairs more than it was available for use, and a third side-arm mower “helps a lot” with the mowing rotation schedule. Commissioner Chancey noted the decision appear to be whether the funding was going to be utilized more for purchasing the equipment and less for building and air conditioning maintenance and suggested a more even speeding balance between the two. County Manager Atchley noted three years ago there was no preventative maintenance for anything, the approach has been to move all of it along “a little bit at a time” to make sure as much is taken care of as possible across the board, and the goal for some building maintenance is to utilize other funding opportunities that is not directly from the citizens. Assistant County Manager Baber confirmed the whole budget had approximately $815,000 allocated for air conditioning units’ replacement. Commissioner Flores noted when he first became a commissioner the standing policy was to “put band aids” on everything, there was no plan for replacing anything other than purchasing more used equipment, and the consensus he has received from most citizens was they do not mind the taxes as long as they can see the return of provided services. He believed the equipment items under discussion were items that could be recognized as the return of services to the citizens and acknowledged the progress that has been made since the beginning of County Manager Atchley’s term. o Newly requested staffing:  Over 20 new positions were requested by various departments during the budget process  After careful review, 13 of the positions were approved and included in the final budget  Additionally, two part-time positions were converted to full-time  Fiscal Year 2026 budgeted positions: □ Building – one permitting technician □ Facilities – two maintenance technicians and one custodian □ Information Technology – one technician □ Procurement – one buyer □ Parks & Recreation – one grounds keeper and one custodian

Hardee County Board of County Commissioners July 15, 2025 28 □ Public works – four maintenance workers □ Solid waste – one heavy equipment operator □ Veteran’s Services - .5 part-time to full-time veterans’ officer □ Library - .5 part-time to full-time library assistant Chair Melendy called for Commissioner questions. Commissioner Chancey questioned whether the addition of staff to the facilities department would decrease the funds being paid to vendors, such as the air conditioning vendors. Assistant County Manager Baber explained the additional employees will be more for preventative maintenance, the recent air conditioning replacement job on the third floor of the courthouse was too large to be completed by the two-person air conditioning certified team, and the larger replacement jobs are contracted out. There was continued discussion concerning the plans for replacing air conditioning units county-wide. o Hardee County historical millage rates:  Proposed millage rate – 8.395  Advertised as a 9.83 percent increase  Roll back rate - 7.6433 or $2.2 million that will need to be removed from the budget There was discussion concerning: • An estimate for an example of the 9.83 percent proposed increase for a taxpayer who owned a $250,000 home • The effect of the allowable property tax exemptions on the ad valorem tax amount • Reducing the millage rate increase and setting the millage rate at 8.0192, which will remove $1.1 million from the proposed budget • The real financial struggle taxpayers and the County are facing for the upcoming fiscal year • The Governor’s push to eliminate real property taxes • The act of giving back to the community through the reduction of taxes • Fiscal responsibility and willingness to invest in the County when the State has been investing in the County and is positioned to continue to invest in the County • Viewing ad valorem taxes as payment for services the citizens receive • Question of reducing only the County’s budget or reducing both the County and the Constitutional Offices’ budgets

Hardee County Board of County Commissioners July 15, 2025 29 Commissioner Flores requested Sheriff Crawford provide more insight into his requested budget increase. Sheriff Crawford noted when he began his yearly budgeting process for 2026 his increase was 25 percent, which he reduced to 11 percent before the budget was submitted. For the past four years the E911 excess funding has been utilized for the E911 dispatchers’ funding and the previous year’s excess amount was approximately $250,000 to $300,000 or 35 percent. The substantial factors to the budget increase included the E911 excess funding not being available to be used this fiscal year, employee radios reaching end-of-life requiring replacement with a cost of $1.6 million, and the $1.00 salary increase. Other contributing factors to budget increase were the continual increase to the cost of food and medical supplies for the inmates, and Sheriff Crawford clarified there were not any “wants” only needs included in his budget. Chair Melendy reviewed the following: • The difficulty the County is facing based on the cost of everything increasing • The increase generated by the real property value increase, which was not due to the proposed millage rate • All of the interested parties, the Board, Constitutional Officers, County employees, etc., try to reasonably maintain and provide the citizens with the necessary services • The difficulty with being expected to operate the County at the same level as if no inflation had occurred County Manager Atchley noted he communicated with Hardee County Property Appraiser, Kathy Crawford, who confirmed Budget Manager Moore’s estimated $200 increase per household based on the $250,000 home example was correct and shared his closing remarks to the budget presentation. County Manager Atchley advised the Board would be required to approve a resolution to set a millage rate and staff’s recommendation was to approve the proposed millage rate, which would allow the Board and staff to work together to reduce the millage, if it was the Board’s intent to lower the millage rate. Staff was requesting the opportunity to prioritize the County’s needs, to allocate funding for the most beneficial items to move forward as efficiently as possible and be ready for the September 2025 Budget Public Hearings. Chair Melendy opened for Board comments. Commissioner Flores noted he had no issues with setting the millage rate at the proposed percentage due to the Board having time for further discussions and budget review to determine what reductions could be applied and commended staff for a very good presentation. Commissioner Miller agreed with the proposed millage rate, which could be reduced, noted he would like to see property appraiser data that detailed whose taxes would be impacted and what the average increase would be for a commercial property owner, homeowner, and the intangible property owners. Commissioner Wells noted he agreed with Commissioner Miller that the proposed millage rate was “a good high point” and there was time for further research and review. Commissioner Chancey commend staff for a very well-presented presentation and agreed with the other Commissioners’ statements concerning obtaining more data and setting the millage rate at 8.395 to allow time for further research and review before making a final decision. Commissioner Chancey did indicate he was more favorable to setting a final millage rate of 8.0192. County Manager Atchley announced Property Appraiser Crawford sent a message apologizing for her absence from the workshop, but she would analyze all the information and prepare and make available the estimates that would include the proposed millage rate, half roll back rate, and roll back rate millage rates. Chair Melendy inquired whether a motion or Board consensus was required. County Attorney Johnston advised no official action could be taken and the Board had expressed consensus in the previous comments. Assistant County Manager Baber reminded the Board the maximum millage rate and the special assessment fees would be presented at the next Board meeting to move forward with the County budget. 4. ADJOURNMENT With no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 2:51 p.m.

Hardee County Board of County Commissioners July 15, 2025 30 X Russell A. Melendy, Chair Board of County Commissioners X Victoria L. Rogers, Ex-Officio Clerk Board of County Commissioners