BROOKSVILLE — It pays to lobby.
That was state Rep. Jeff Holcomb’s message Aug. 3, as he handed the City Council a symbolic check for $1.35 million, money for two city projects that made it through the Legislature and survived Gov. Ron DeSantis’ veto pen.
The appropriations include $600,000 for dredging and restoration of the Barnett Road drainage retention area and $750,000 for the Brooksville Pedestrian Safety and Walkways project, which covers crosswalks, sidewalks, striping and signals.
Holcomb said he was glad to pinch-hit for the city in Tallahassee. Brooksville is represented in the Legislature by Rep. Samantha Scott of House District 52 and Sen. Ralph Massullo of Senate District 11.
Lobbyists often get a bad rap, Holcomb said, but the city’s representation by Rubin, Turnbull & Associates showed the good side of the profession.
Holcomb is running for the Hernando County Commission again after one term in the state House.
Melissa S. Akeson of Rubin, Turnbull & Associates briefed the council on the recent session. The state’s $117.6 billion budget marked the fourth straight year of reduced spending, she said, and included nearly $810 million in line-item vetoes. Reserves stand at nearly $18 billion.
Council member Louis Hallal said the outcome shows why learning how the capital works matters, and why new council members need to make the trip.
Mayor Christa Tanner thanked Akeson and offered her, her assistant and others who worked on the city’s behalf one of the 170 challenge coins Brooksville had made for its 170th birthday.
Wastewater plant woes
The council voted 4-0 to waive the city’s normal procurement process so repairs can begin on a pump at the wastewater treatment plant.
One of the plant’s three pumps needs a $31,733.11 rebuild, to be paid from the repair and maintenance fund, which has a balance of $39,052.57. If a second pump fails, the plant would be in jeopardy, the council was told. Rebuilding the 30-year-old pump will take 60 days.
In other action
The council voted 4-0 to approve a less expensive employee medical insurance contract with UnitedHealthcare. Workers with children will see their monthly share drop from $353 to $220.
The city recognized Andrea Vieara, Alex Pennington and Earsel Waddy with STAR awards for job performance. Honored for years of service were Zach Ewing, Karen Larkins, Lisa Morris and Richard Smith, five years each, and Steve Aylward, 15 years.
On three 4-0 roll-call votes, the council approved items tied to turning fire protection services over to Hernando County.
The council voted 4-0 to move forward with a new security system for City Hall and its tenant.
The council postponed a facilities rental agreement with the Hernando Youth League for more discussion of pricing.