The county administrator reported progress on running utilities to the shelter site (city committed $2.5–$4 million in lines), updates on the Jefferson Smith Civic Center and other community centers, compactors arriving at collection sites, and permit progress for a livestock building.

After an update from the county attorney, the board authorized formation of a negotiating committee (subject to Sunshine Law) and appointed four members to meet with Columbia County about operations of the North Florida Water Utility Authority; motions passed 5–0.

The county attorney told commissioners Suwannee County is among many Florida counties sued over local ordinances extending residency buffer zones for convicted sex offenders beyond the state’s 500-foot rule; insurer coverage is uncertain and county plans to join coordinated defense while preserving county-specific arguments.

County and North Florida Water Utility officials reviewed a Raftelis rate study and proposed interim rates. Staff said keeping the county contribution near $520,000 reduces rate increases to retail customers; the item will be addressed again during upcoming budget workshops and returned for action.

After an RFP with three bidders, Suwannee County's insurance committee recommended renewing with Florida Blue and setting an employee cost-share of $26 per pay period to cover part of a projected rise; committee sought to protect existing benefits while sharing market-driven increases.

Suwannee County's sheriff told commissioners the office is seeking roughly $14.0 million from the board after rising retirement and health-insurance costs and vehicle-replacement needs lifted the department's request; jail commissary and inmate-welfare funds have offset some capital costs.

At a budget workshop, commissioners reviewed Department of Revenue figures showing a possible $6.1 million reduction in ad valorem revenue in year one and $8.4 million in year two if Amendment 3 passes, prompting a decision to avoid new recurring hires and hold outside-agency funding largely flat.

The board approved contracting Public Resources Advisory Group to act as municipal/financial advisor as the county explores issuing bonds to complete the wastewater treatment plant; staff said PRAG will analyze county revenue streams and the fee is $25,000 payable if bonds are received.

After residents raised concerns about a tenant plan on a Suwannee Valley parcel, Commissioner Land and public commenters urged a county workshop to study data-center impacts, zoning and infrastructure before any future proposals proceed.

Shannon Roberts told commissioners the North Florida Water Utility Authority approved an alternate interim budget and a reduced interim rate increase intended to lower county impact; he said the authority kept county contributions at last year's level while adding staff and contract resources to reduce compliance risk.

County Attorney Mr. Morrison told the Suwannee County Board of County Commissioners that section 28 of Senate Bill 180 creates a statewide restriction that likely prevents the county from imposing moratoria or other restrictions on development tied to the storm‑affected properties, and advised caution on locally adopted bans.

A consultant told the Suwannee County commissioners the county maintains a foundational emergency-management program but has 50–60 findings — including inconsistent documentation and unclear EOC roles — and recommended a phased 0–18 month roadmap; the new director said staff are implementing early steps and hired an EM coordinator.

Public commenters urged Suwannee County to consider a moratorium on large data centers over concerns about water and energy use, but the county attorney told commissioners a state statute limits counties’ ability to adopt new moratoria or more restrictive development regulations until Oct. 1, 2027, pending litigation in Leon County.

Suwannee County’s attorney told commissioners on June 2 that Chapter 2025‑190 (Senate Bill 180) prohibits counties listed in certain federal disaster declarations from adopting moratoria or more restrictive comprehensive‑plan or LDR amendments affecting development before Oct. 1, 2027, and warned of liability for violations.

Multiple residents urged the Suwannee County Board on June 2 to remove or pause a Flock Safety camera system and to scrutinize data‑center and surveillance impacts, citing privacy, constitutional and electricity‑supply concerns during a lengthy public‑comment block.

The Suwannee County Board of County Commissioners voted 5–0 June 2 to approve special permit SP‑26‑06‑01 for a 240‑foot self‑support communications tower off County Road 349, after neighbors voiced worries about radiation, visual impact and equipment noise while proponents said the tower fills a T‑Mobile coverage gap.

Suwannee County commissioners voted 5‑0 to renew a one‑year interlocal agreement (originally adopted in 2014) that governs distribution of county gas‑tax proceeds among the county, Brantford and Live Oak, and invited city representatives to a workshop to review the underlying data.

County commissioners accepted a substantial anonymous donation (figures referenced around $3.8 million), directed funds be held in a CD at Ameris Bank, authorized the comptroller Barry Baker as signatory, and approved donor conditions that the full amount be used for a single permanent public project.

After public concern about the regional water utility’s finances and management, Suwannee County commissioners voted 5‑0 May 19 to continue participation in the North Florida Water Utility Authority and directed staff to review budget implications in the upcoming budget cycle.

County staff updated the board May 5 on the Hampton Inn & Suites project, saying the county and Live Oak used rural infrastructure grants and road improvements to allow the new hotel; the owner and county officials said the project will boost local lodging capacity and tax revenue.

Suwannee County commissioners heard a presentation Feb. 17 from the Suwannee River Water Management District on the Water First North Florida reclaimed-water aquifer-recharge project, which would deliver about 40 million gallons per day and is still in early siting and design. Dozens of residents pressed officials about contaminants, PFAS, nitrate limits and whether counties have any formal vote on the state-led plan.

Suwannee County officials and statewide partners announced a major community development block grant disaster recovery (CDBG‑DR) award to fund a regional shelter serving multiple North Florida counties, with planning and project management led by county staff and grant firm Ovid Solutions.

Board approved using core settlement funds to create five community paramedic positions (approx. $468,000) to expand mobile integrated health services; motion carried contingent on county attorney approval.

Chief Miller briefed the board on a CORE initiative using opioid settlement dollars to expand community paramedics; the county was earmarked $775,000 in year one, asked to allocate about $467,000 to five full‑time positions, and commissioners gave consensus to proceed pending finalized contracts and a written sustainability plan.

The board voted 4‑0 to buy the Fisher property on US‑129 South (listed at $11,750 per acre; roughly 94 acres cited in public comment), authorizing the chairman to execute closing documents and directing county staff to use CARES/ARPA funds rather than a line of credit to fund the purchase.