Announcements
Communications Director Mark Sexton reminded residents of the upcoming changes to residential curbside waste collection, which will begin Oct. 1, 2026.
Changes include collection day schedules, limits for yard trash, bulky items, and large appliances.
To help residents in the unincorporated area navigate the changes, the county has launched a microsite where they can learn more and enter their address to find their new collection day on an interactive map.
Watch the announcements.
Millage Rates
The commission gave the first of two needed approvals to adopt the millage rates for FY 2027.
The county is adopting a rollback rate of 7.2107 mills, a reduction of 0.3893 mills, generating an estimated $83.9 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, generating an estimated $37 million.
Fire Services Assessment
The county’s fire assessment will remain the same as last year (Tier 1 at $132.47 and Tier 2 at $7.28 per Equivalent Benefit Unit). The rates will generate an estimated $24.4 million for fire services.
Solid Waste Assessment
The county’s solid waste assessment rates will remain unchanged from last year, allowing the county to collect approximately $13 million.
Stormwater Assessment
The county’s stormwater assessment will remain at $60 per Equivalent Residential Unit (ERU), allowing the county to collect an estimated $3.6 million.
Watch the discussion on millage rates and assessments.
Legacy Community Development Grant
The commission selected the Hutchinson Foundation as the top applicant to lead the development of the East Gainesville Legacy Community Project.
The 13-acre site, located at the corner of Southeast 15th Street and 8th Avenue in Gainesville, will be transformed into a mixed-income development, featuring workforce and market-rate housing for families earning 50% to 120% of the area median income (AMI), with long-term affordability.
The Hutchinson Foundation’s $29-millon proposal features 55 single-family homes, along with 24 homes for seniors. Their plan also includes a daycare facility and 14,000 square feet of commercial space for a “Farmer’s Stop” to improve food access and support business growth.
Staff will work with the Hutchinson Foundation to bring back a grant agreement to the commission for consideration.
Watch the discussion.
Meridian Funding Agreement
The Commission approved a funding agreement with Meridian Behavioral Healthcare for FY 27. The agreement includes $895,556, with $200,000 coming from the CHOICES Fund and the remainder from the General Fund to support the Low-Income Pool (LIP) program and other behavioral health services.
Meridian also provided an update on its recruitment and retention efforts for co-responder teams to better assist individuals who come into contact with law enforcement and are experiencing mental health issues.
Watch the discussion
Pine Hill Forest
The commission approved a resolution accepting the Special Area Study for the Pine Hill Forest Strategic Ecosystem.
The Pine Hill Forest study looks at about 1,175 acres in northwest Alachua County to determine where development could occur while protecting important natural areas.
The study identified about 442 acres recommended for permanent protection, while also identifying other areas where homes and mixed-use development could be concentrated. development to be completed by existing Growth Management and Environmental Protection staff using existing budgeted resources.
Watch the discussion.
Recognitions
Commissioner Anna Prizzia proclaimed Sept. 14-18, 2026, as Florida Redevelopment Week in Alachua County.
Read the proclamation.
Commissioner Mary Alford proclaimed September as Suicide Prevention Month.
Read the proclamation.
Watch the presentations.
See the full Sept. 8 agenda and video.
