Roads Updates
County Manager Michele Lieberman provided the County Commission with an update on efforts to address road conditions and improve the county’s response to potholes and other pavement issues.
Lieberman said county staff and the commission hear residents’ concerns and recognize that improving roads is a complex, long-term effort. The commission has made road funding a priority, including a $500,000 budget amendment for pothole repairs.
The county has also:
- Increased pothole crews to four, Monday through Thursday, and two crews on Friday and Saturday.
- Changed repair methods to allow crews to patch more potholes in less time.
- Focused on repairing multiple potholes along a stretch of road rather than individual potholes.
- Implemented a work order system to report and track road issues and repairs.
- Added Friday call-in hours from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. and is preparing to activate a third-party call center due to demand.
- Reached out to neighboring counties and municipalities for additional crews.
- Asked existing contractors to assist with milling and resurfacing to address larger pavement issues.
- Used alternative materials when hot-mix asphalt is unavailable.
- Strengthened employee oversight to verify completed work and material use.
Residents should continue to report large or hazardous potholes through the nonemergency line.
Watch the discussion.
FY27 Budget and Millage Rates
The Alachua County Commission adopted its Fiscal Year 2027 (FY27) budget, setting the property tax rate at the rollback rate while continuing significant investments in the services and programs residents value. The total from all sources that make up the General Fund is approximately $327 million.
The commission adopted a countywide property tax rollback millage rate of 7.2107 mills for FY27, down from 7.6000 mills last year. The rate is expected to generate approximately $184 million.
The reduction marks the 10th consecutive year the county has reduced the millage rate, going down 1.7183 mills (19.24%) over that period.
The Municipal Service Taxing Unit (MSTU) – Law Enforcement will remain the same at 3.5678 mills.
Watch the discussion.
Countywide Bicycle Pedestrian Master Plan
The commission approved the Countywide Bicycle Pedestrian Master Plan, a collaborative multi-year effort between Alachua County, City of Gainesville and University of Florida.
The plan promotes a safer and more efficient transportation network throughout the county by addressing the needs of all residents, regardless of mode, including walking, bicycling, driving, and transit.
View the project map.
Watch the discussion.
EcoLoop Development Amendment
The commission approved an amendment for the planned development of the EcoLoop property. The 260-acre site, which includes the existing Leveda Brown Environmental Park and the property originally known as the Weseman Tract, is located on the east side of Waldo Road in eastern Alachua County.
The Planned Development amendment will expand permitted uses to include industrial uses as well as a solid waste transfer station, a salvage or recycled metal yard, a recycling and composting transfer or treatment center for household hazardous waste, and a storage yard, staying consistent with the Leveda Brown Transfer Station’s uses. It also allows for the construction of government buildings and facilities, warehouses, research facilities, vehicle sales/service centers and self-storage facilities. It prohibits the construction of data centers.
Watch the discussion.
Repaving Totem Pole Road
The commission approved repaving a portion of Northeast 225th Street in Melrose, up to the entrance of Black Lake Preserve. The project is included in the revised Transportation Capital Improvement Program (TCIP) due to improvements being made to Black Lake Preserve.
The commission denied creating a special assessment district for properties along Northeast 225th St. and Northeast 69th Avenue, also known as Totem Pole Road, until homeowners return with additional funding proposals and conduct further neighborhood outreach. Staff will discuss the county’s voluntary special assessment district process at a future policy meeting.
Watch the discussion.
Comprehensive Plan Evaluation and Appraisal Amendments
The commission heard a presentation and adopted an ordinance for evaluation and appraisal-based Comprehensive Plan amendments. The amendments and plan will be sent back to FloridaCommerce once more for final review.
Watch the discussion.
Recognitions
Commissioner Mary Alford proclaimed October as Community Planning Month.
Read the proclamation.
Commissioner Anna Prizzia proclaimed Oct. 4-10 as National 4-H Week.
Read the proclamation.
Commissioner Ken Cornell proclaimed Oct. 4-10 as Fire Prevention Week.
Read the proclamation.
Watch the recognitions.
See the full Sept. 22 agenda and video.
