Commissioners sign for $4.3 million in appropriation funds

The Holmes County Board of County Commissioners formally signed contracts for $4.3 million that was appropriated during the last legislative and state budget sessions.

The countyÂ’s initial plan was to build a government efficiency center with the funding, which would include EMS, Holmes County SheriffÂ’s Office, UF/IFAS Extension office and the Holmes County Agriculture Center in a proposed 22,500-square-foot facility.

However, those plans have slightly changed. The old agriculture center is set to begin demolition of the entire inside of the building down to the foundation and will be refurbished throughout. The new building will house the sheriffÂ’s office and EMS.

Upon the recommendation of Jennifer Green, President of Liberty Partners of Tallahassee, commissioners approved sending out a Request for Qualifications for an architectural firm to draw up plans for a new agriculture center which would also house the UF/IFAS Extension office.

The board said having an architect to draw up plan options with projected costs in each scenario would allow them to be more fiscally responsible with the funds.