Hernando County  
Board of County Commissioners  
Regular Meeting  
Minutes  
April 28, 2026  
CALL TO ORDER  
The meeting was called to order at 9:00 a.m. on Tuesday, April 28, 2026, in the John Law  
Ayers County Commission Chambers, Government Center, Brooksville, Florida.  
Attendee Name  
Jerry Campbell  
Ryan Amsler  
Title  
Chairman  
Vice Chairman  
Steve Champion  
John Allocco  
Second Vice Chairman  
Commissioner  
Brian Hawkins  
Toni Brady  
Carla Burrmann  
Scott Harper  
Paul Hasenmeier  
Tammy Heon  
Scott Herring  
Jon Jouben  
Commissioner  
Deputy County Administrator  
Natural Resources Manager  
Solid Waste Services Manager  
Public Safety Director/Fire Chief  
Tourism Development Manager  
Public Works Director  
County Attorney  
Michelle Miller  
Jeffrey Rogers  
Carla Rossiter-Smith  
Brad Smith  
Rob Talmage  
Nienke Osinga  
Heidi Prouse  
Planning Manager  
County Administrator  
Chief Procurement Officer  
Interim Utilities Director  
Parks and Recreation Administrator  
Deputy Clerk  
Deputy Clerk  
Invocation  
Pledge of Allegiance  
America 250 Presentation  
Presentation by Live Oak Theatre of The Gettysburg Address  
AGENDA  
Motion  
To approve the Agenda.  
RESULT:  
MOVER:  
SECONDER:  
AYES:  
ADOPTED  
Steve Champion  
Brian Hawkins  
Campbell, Amsler, Champion, Allocco and Hawkins  
ELECTED OFFICIALS  
There were no Elected Officials' Comments.  
COMMEMORATIVE RESOLUTIONS  
Resolution Proclaiming May 6, 2026, Through May 12, 2026, as National Nurses Week  
Motion  
To approve Item No. D-3 (Resolution No. 2026-074).  
RESULT:  
MOVER:  
SECONDER:  
AYES:  
ADOPTED  
John Allocco  
Steve Champion  
Campbell, Amsler, Champion, Allocco and Hawkins  
Resolution Proclaiming May 3, 2026, Through May 9, 2026, as National Correctional  
Officers’ and Employees’ Week  
Resolution Proclaiming May 3, 2026, Through May 10, 2026, as National Travel and  
Tourism Week  
Motion  
To approve Item Nos. D-1 and D-2 (Resolution Nos. 2026-075 and 2026-076).  
RESULT:  
MOVER:  
SECONDER:  
AYES:  
ADOPTED  
Steve Champion  
Brian Hawkins  
Campbell, Amsler, Champion, Allocco and Hawkins  
CITIZENS' COMMENTS  
Citizens commented on various topics and issues.  
BOARD/STAFF RESPONSES  
The Board and/or staff responded to questions and concerns expressed during Citizens'  
Comments.  
RECESS/RECONVENE  
The Board recessed at 11:35 a.m. and reconvened at 11:45 a.m.  
Comm. Hawkins was not present when the meeting reconvened.  
CONSENT AGENDA  
Federal Transit Administration FY 2026 Certifications and Assurances Required for  
Receipt of Transit Planning, Operation and Capital Funding  
Cooperative Funding Initiative Project Agreement With Southwest Florida Water  
Management District for Northwest Hernando Septic to Sewer Feasibility Study and  
Associated Budget Resolution  
Local Housing Assistance Plan for Use in State Housing Initiatives Partnership  
Program for FY 2026-2029 and Associated Resolution  
Ratification of Nomination Form to Lowe’s 2026 Community Impact Grant Program for  
Coach Lorenzo Hamilton Sr. Park Interior Renovation Project  
Ratification of Nomination Form to Lowe’s 2026 Community Impact Grant Program for  
Stewy’s Skate Park Project Located at Pioneer Park  
Resolution Authorizing Chairman’s Signature to Application and Other Funding-Related  
Documents to Florida Department of Children and Families Under Criminal Justice,  
Substance Abuse, Mental Health Reinvestment Grant Program  
Declaration of Various Tangible Property as Surplus for Disposal and Removal From  
Fixed Asset Inventory  
Resolution Amending Resolution No. 2026-53, Adopted on March 10, 2026, Authorizing  
Issuance of Non-Ad Valorem Revenue Bonds, Series 2026, to Finance and Reimburse  
Costs of Various Capital Improvements Within County and to Pay Costs of Issuing  
Bonds  
Resolution Ratifying Declaration of Temporary Burn Ban Due to Drought Conditions  
Resolution Regarding Reimbursement of Certain Costs Relating to Acquisition of  
Vehicles and Equipment for Fleet Replacement Program  
Various Satisfactions of Interim Disposal Special Assessment Liens  
Motion  
To approve the Consent Agenda (Budget Resolution No. 2026-077 and Resolution Nos.  
2026-078 through 2026-082).  
RESULT:  
MOVER:  
SECONDER:  
AYES:  
ADOPTED  
Steve Champion  
Ryan Amsler  
Campbell, Amsler, Champion and Allocco  
Hawkins  
ABSENT:  
CORRESPONDENCE TO NOTE  
Transmittal of Rabies Surveillance Quarterly Summary Report for January 1, 2026,  
Through March 31, 2026  
Weeki Wachee River Submerged Aquatic Vegetation Restoration Project Maintenance  
Reports for Months Seven and Eight  
PUBLIC HEARINGS  
Chairman Campbell requested Board consensus to move Item Nos. I-1 [Ordinance Amending  
Fire Protection and Emergency Medical Services Capital Facilities Impact Fee Ordinance;  
Amending Definitions for Compliance With Florida Impact Fee Act] and I-2 [Resolution  
Adopting Revised Rates, Fees and Charges for Solid Waste Disposal Services at Hernando  
County Solid Waste Management Facility and Convenience Centers] to be heard upon the  
return of Comm. Hawkins to the meeting.  
The Board concurred.  
DIRECTOR OF PROCUREMENT  
ROSSITER-SMITH  
&
STRATEGIC INITIATIVES CARLA  
Award of Construction Contract to Sawcross, Inc., for Wiscon Water Treatment Plant  
and Hexam Water Treatment Plant Chemical Feed System Improvement Projects for  
Utilities Department (Contract No. 26-C01212/JG; Amount: $9,905,170.00)  
Change Order No. 2 to Purchase Order With McKim & Creed, Inc., for Killian Water  
Treatment Plant Upgrade Project for Utilities Department (Contract No. 18-R00020;  
Amount: $223,391.10)  
Change Order No. 6 to Purchase Order With McKim & Creed, Inc., for Chalmer Pumping  
Station Upgrade Project for Utilities Department (Contract No. 18-R00020; Amount:  
$59,616.00)  
Ratification of Emergency Change Order to Purchase Order With Citrus Well Drilling for  
Well No. 11 Repair Related to Acid Treatment for Utilities Department  
Utilization of Solid Waste Authority of Palm Beach County Agreement With Paradigm  
Software, LLC, for Integrated Point of Sale/Vehicle Scale Software Management and  
Accounts Receivable System for ScaleHouse Software for Hernando County Solid  
Waste Department (Contract No. 26-P0288; Amount: $134,313.75)  
Motion  
To approve Item Nos. J-1 through J-5.  
RESULT:  
MOVER:  
SECONDER:  
AYES:  
ADOPTED  
John Allocco  
Steve Champion  
Campbell, Amsler, Champion and Allocco  
Hawkins  
ABSENT:  
COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR JEFFREY ROGERS  
Proposed Revised Public Survey of Residents Living Within or Adjacent to Proposed  
Manatee Protection Zone  
Motion  
To not do the survey, save the money for the taxpayers, and continue the discussion with staff  
for educational signage.  
RESULT:  
MOVER:  
SECONDER:  
AYES:  
ADOPTED  
Ryan Amsler  
Steve Champion  
Campbell, Amsler, Champion and Allocco  
Hawkins  
ABSENT:  
TOURISM DEVELOPMENT MANAGER TAMMY HEON  
Budget Amendment for Tourism Department to Provide Sponsorship Support for  
Hernando County’s America 250 Celebration  
Comm. Amsler made the following Motion:  
Motion  
To approve.  
Chairman Campbell announced that each request would be voted on separately.  
Budget Amendment for Tourism Department to Provide Sponsorship Support for  
Hernando County’s America 250 Celebration  
Motion  
To approve the budget amendment.  
RESULT:  
MOVER:  
SECONDER:  
AYES:  
ADOPTED  
Ryan Amsler  
Steve Champion  
Campbell, Amsler, Champion and Allocco  
Hawkins  
ABSENT:  
Budget Amendment for Tourism Department to Provide Sponsorship Support for  
Hernando County’s America 250 Celebration  
Motion  
To find the celebration and the expenditures serve a valid public purpose.  
RESULT:  
MOVER:  
SECONDER:  
AYES:  
ADOPTED  
Steve Champion  
John Allocco  
Campbell, Amsler, Champion and Allocco  
Hawkins  
ABSENT:  
Budget Amendment for Tourism Department to Provide Sponsorship Support for  
Hernando County’s America 250 Celebration  
Motion  
To authorize the County Administrator to negotiate and execute the contract.  
RESULT:  
MOVER:  
SECONDER:  
AYES:  
ADOPTED  
John Allocco  
Steve Champion  
Campbell, Amsler, Champion and Allocco  
Hawkins  
ABSENT:  
PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR SCOTT HERRING  
Resolution Authorizing Exchange of Real Property Between Hernando County Water &  
Sewer District a/k/a HCUD and Withlachoochee River Electric Cooperative a/k/a WREC  
Conveying HCUD-Owned Property Located at 5095 Kettering Road to WREC With  
Statutory Deed and Acceptance of Quitclaim Deed From WREC Conveying Property  
Located at Ponce De Leon Boulevard to HCUD  
FY 2027 Non-Ad Valorem Assessment Rate Increase for Ridge Manor Street Lighting  
Municipal Service Benefit Unit and Establishment of Future Maximum Rate and  
Associated Resolution  
Motion  
To approve Item Nos. M-1 and M-2 (Resolution Nos. 2026-083 and 2026-084).  
RESULT:  
MOVER:  
SECONDER:  
AYES:  
ADOPTED  
Steve Champion  
John Allocco  
Campbell, Amsler, Champion and Allocco  
Hawkins  
ABSENT:  
Chairman Campbell announced the next Agenda item to be heard would be Item No. P  
[Commissioner Ryan Amsler].  
(Note: Item Nos. N [Public Safety Director/Fire Chief Paul Hasenmeier] and O [Commissioner  
Brian Hawkins] were heard later on the Agenda.)  
COMMISSIONER RYAN AMSLER  
Update Regarding Accomplishments and Recommendation From Hernando County  
Delegation of Government Efficiency a/k/a DOGE Committee  
Comm. Hawkins returned to the meeting.  
PUBLIC HEARINGS  
Ordinance Amending Fire Protection and Emergency Medical Services Capital Facilities  
Impact Fee Ordinance; Amending Definitions for Compliance With Florida Impact Fee  
Act  
There was no public input.  
Motion  
To approve the staff recommendation (Ordinance No. 2026-11).  
RESULT:  
MOVER:  
SECONDER:  
AYES:  
ADOPTED  
John Allocco  
Steve Champion  
Campbell, Amsler, Champion, Allocco and Hawkins  
Resolution Adopting Revised Rates, Fees and Charges for Solid Waste Disposal  
Services at Hernando County Solid Waste Management Facility and Convenience  
Centers  
There was no public input.  
Motion  
To approve the staff recommendation (Resolution No. 2026-085).  
RESULT:  
MOVER:  
SECONDER:  
AYES:  
ADOPTED  
Brian Hawkins  
Ryan Amsler  
Campbell, Amsler, Champion, Allocco and Hawkins  
PUBLIC SAFETY DIRECTOR/FIRE CHIEF PAUL HASENMEIER  
Resolution Providing for Modifications of Established Schedule of Fees and Charges to  
be Imposed by Hernando County Fire and Emergency Services  
Motion  
To approve the staff recommendation (Resolution No. 2026-086).  
RESULT:  
MOVER:  
SECONDER:  
AYES:  
ADOPTED  
Ryan Amsler  
Steve Champion  
Campbell, Amsler, Champion, Allocco and Hawkins  
Presentation Regarding Results of Fire Assessment Impact Fee Study to Include City of  
Brooksville Due to Consolidation of Fire Rescue and Emergency Services for FY 2027  
Rate Adjustment  
Comm. Amsler made the following Motion:  
Motion  
To approve Option No. 1 for one year.  
Comm. Amsler amended his Motion as follows:  
Amendment to Motion  
To approve Option No. 2 for two years (24 months).  
RESULT:  
MOVER:  
SECONDER:  
AYES:  
ADOPTED  
Ryan Amsler  
John Allocco  
Campbell, Amsler, Allocco and Hawkins  
Champion  
NAYES:  
RECESS/RECONVENE  
The Board recessed at 3:10 p.m. and reconvened at 3:20 p.m.  
Presentation Regarding Fire Assessment Municipal Service Benefit Unit Rates for FY  
2027  
Comm. Champion made the following Motion:  
Motion  
To deny any increase in property taxes.  
The Motion died for the lack of a second.  
There was Board consensus to direct the staff to advertise the assessment and to bring it  
back for discussion at a future Board meeting.  
COMMISSIONER BRIAN HAWKINS  
Follow-up Discussion Regarding Proposed Revisions to Waterways Advisory  
Committee Meetings  
Motion  
To approve the staff recommendation.  
RESULT:  
MOVER:  
SECONDER:  
AYES:  
ADOPTED  
Brian Hawkins  
Steve Champion  
Campbell, Amsler, Champion, Allocco and Hawkins  
COMMISSIONER RYAN AMSLER  
This Item was moved up on the Agenda and heard after Item No. M [Public Works Director  
Scott Herring].  
COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR JEFFREY ROGERS  
Appointment of G. Thomas St. Clair to Tourist Development Council Until December 31,  
2030  
Motion  
To approve the staff recommendation.  
RESULT:  
MOVER:  
SECONDER:  
AYES:  
ADOPTED  
John Allocco  
Steve Champion  
Campbell, Amsler, Champion, Allocco and Hawkins  
Update Regarding Ongoing Board Directives  
BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS  
The Board commented on various issues.  
ADJOURNMENT  
The meeting was adjourned at 4:35 p.m.