The Flagler County Commission met on September 15, 2025, addressing several key issues, including beach replenishment funding concerns, animal control services, and multiple community proclamations during a meeting that stretched nearly three hours.
Beach Funding Studies Cause Commissioner Concerns
The most significant discussion centered around ongoing beach replenishment funding challenges and missing critical studies. Commissioner Pennington expressed frustration about proceeding with funding decisions without complete information.
“I can’t make this decision without knowing what the MSBU study is, who benefits, what households would fall into it,” Pennington said. “I also would like to know if reach three is critically eroded because that would change the funding in that reach, and we could be over-taxing some portion.”
Pennington argued the commission needs two key studies before moving forward: an MSBU (Municipal Service Benefit Unit) apportionment study expected in early December 2025, and a critical erosion study for reach three expected in early 2026. She warned against what she called potential “misfeasance” in committing to funding numbers without proper justification.
The commission had previously established an MSBU for beach funding, but set the current rate at zero dollars. County Administrator Heidi Petito explained that the original $160 figure mentioned in previous discussions was merely a placeholder calculation.
“The $160 was a placeholder, and it goes back to the apportionment question,” Petito said. “If you took that amount and it was roughly just under 2 million or right around 2 million and you divided it by the number of parcels, that’s where that placeholder came from.”
Flagler Beach Declines Joint Meeting
The commission learned that Flagler Beach has declined to participate in joint meetings about beach funding. Petito reported that Flagler Beach officials felt the meeting request was “too vague” and wanted more specific information about any new funding plans before agreeing to meet.
Chair Andy Dance questioned how the county could proceed with reaching two beach projects, which are 85% located in Flagler Beach and Beverly Beach jurisdictions, without municipal cooperation on funding mechanisms.
“How do we put $30 million into reach two with neither of the municipalities that are in reach two on board with a maintenance agreement with the county and MSBU funding source?” Dance asked.
Beverly Beach has agreed to a joint meeting scheduled for October 13 from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m.
Public Voices Concerns About Beach Taxes
Multiple residents spoke during public comment about beach funding concerns. Laura Stillman, a barrier island resident, shared the story of neighbors in their 70s who built their “forever home” in the 1990s and are now struggling with increasing assessments and the potential MSBU.
“That island has people who are extremely wealthy and not wealthy at all. Those who are still struggling every day,” Stillman said. “This MSBU is going to hurt many barrier island residents.”
Robin Petta advocated for a half-cent sales tax as a more sustainable funding mechanism, noting the dramatic beach erosion she has witnessed over nine years of living in the area.
Animal Control Contract Approved
The commission unanimously approved a one-year contract with the Flagler County Humane Society for animal control services, sheltering, and spay and neuter programs. The contract includes a 3% increase in animal control costs and an 18% increase in sheltering services.
Key changes in the new contract include Level 2 background checks for animal control officers, prohibition of employing anyone convicted of animal cruelty, and enhanced reporting requirements with monthly case file reports.
Wendy Tracy spoke about overcrowding concerns at the current shelter, noting that a projected 6,000 new homes in Bunnell could bring approximately 4,200 additional pets to the community.
“Just yesterday, they put out an SOS for volunteers to try and get the dogs out for walks. That’s a shame,” Tracy said, urging expedited decision-making on animal welfare issues.
Ambulance Billing Write-offs Spark Debate
The commission pulled consent agenda item 7O for discussion after questions arose about writing off over $10 million in uncollectible ambulance billing accounts dating back to 2018. The Fire Chief told commissioners that ambulance services typically only collect about 60% of what they bill due to Medicare and Medicaid payment limitations.
A significant portion of the uncollectibles resulted from a cybersecurity breach at Change Healthcare, the county’s former billing company. The county has since switched to Digitech, which Chief indicated has doubled the collection rate.
Commissioner Richardson questioned why the write-offs had accumulated for so many years instead of being addressed annually. County Attorney Rodriguez was directed to investigate potential legal options against the previous billing company.
“This is absurd to me,” Richardson said about the large accumulation of uncollectible debt.
The write-off was ultimately approved as necessary for accurate financial reporting.
Community Proclamations Highlight Local Causes
The commission approved four proclamations during the meeting. October 2025 was proclaimed Breast Cancer Awareness Month, with Commissioner Hansen emotionally noting that both his wife and daughter are recent breast cancer survivors thanks to local medical care.
Dr. Jessica Marshall, Flagler County’s only female general surgeon, addressed the commission about breast cancer awareness, emphasizing that it affects one in eight women and that the biggest risk factors are simply being female and aging.
The commission also proclaimed September 17-23 as Constitution Week, September 2025 as Service Dog Month, and September 19, 2025, as PMIA Recognition Day, honoring prisoners of war and those missing in action.
Other Business and Future Meetings
County Administrator Petito reported that the county will transition to a new 911 dispatch system on September 28, with meet-and-greet sessions scheduled for dispatch staff. She also noted that the Industrial Development Authority board wants to expand its role to serve as an economic development advisory board.
Commissioner Carney requested that future meeting calendars avoid scheduling on September 11 and major religious holidays, calling for more sensitivity to these observances.
The commission also approved a resolution vacating part of an old subdivision plat in the Favoretta area, allowing a property owner to build on consolidated lots that meet current zoning requirements.
The meeting concluded after nearly three hours, with commissioners agreeing to postpone further beach funding discussions until the necessary studies are completed in early 2026.
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