CareerSource consolidation
The commission approved a draft Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for the consolidation of North Central Florida CareerSource offices, a move that came at the request of the state of Florida.
CareerSource Florida previously recommended to the governor’s office that several workforce areas be consolidated to minimize the duplication of services, improve consistency, and maximize resources to enhance outcomes for businesses and individuals. As a result, districts 7 and 9 were recommended for consolidation.
The proposed consolidation creates a new six-county local workforce development area (LWDA) that comprises Alachua, Bradford, Columbia, Dixie, Gilchrist and Union counties.
Under the MOU, the new board will be made up of one elected commissioner from each county, with Alachua County having two voting members. Alachua County’s members can designate their voting power to the other member or an alternate if one is absent. The other counties will also be given the option to appoint alternate voting members in their absence.
The new voting structure allows Alachua County to receive five (50%) out of 10 votes on the board, as it represents 66% of the total population of the six counties. Columbia County represents the second largest population at 16%. Liability will also be split 50-50 between Alachua County and the others. The proposal ensures that Alachua County must have buy-in from at least one other county before moving forward on decisions, and ensures it holds veto power.
Alachua County will serve as the administrative entity, fiscal agent and equal opportunity officer. The group’s chief executive officer will report to the new board but will be an employee of Alachua County.
The agreement will be sent to the other five counties for review and approval. If passed, the effective date of the interlocal agreement is July 1, 2024.
Wild Spaces Public Places in Newberry
The County Commission approved an application from the City of Newberry for a Municipal Partnership Program for Wild Spaces Public Places funds to construct a parking lot at Easton Newberry Sports Complex.
The agreement cannot exceed $133,333 (of Newberry’s $333,3333 in joint WSPP project funding). The lot is projected to cost $620,000.
In February, the County Commission approved two other applications for WSPP projects in Newberry, one of which goes toward the creation of a parking lot at Jimmy Durden Park.
Leadership Academy
The county recognized 15 employees who graduated from the year-long Alachua County Leadership Academy. The program includes six sessions, led by Training Manager Elisha Cash and third-party educators, and aims to develop skills for the county’s emerging leaders.
The commission also recognized County Manager Michele Lieberman and Assistant County Manager Tommy Crosby for their 10 years of service to the county and its citizens.
Proclamation
The commission proclaimed April 2024 as Water Conservation Month in Alachua County.
