On Monday, June 2nd, 2025, the Flagler County Board of County Commissioners held a workshop meeting that began after a short delay at 1:51 p.m. The meeting opened with the pledge of allegiance followed by a moment of silence to honor first responders and military personnel. The agenda included discussions on health, vision, and dental insurance; the county’s non-general fund budget; and a comprehensive plan update.
During the insurance presentation, Sher Beignet from the Bailey Group explained the county’s self-funded health insurance plan. Beignet outlined how claims and costs are managed, including stop-loss insurance, which protects the county from extremely high claims such as a recent $1.2 million claim anticipated to affect the budget. She noted, “We had some pretty major claimants last year as well, one of which was about a million dollars.” The proposal included an 8.78% increase in both employee and employer premiums to cover rising costs, with current employee-only coverage at $33.15 monthly increasing to roughly $36.66, still considered competitive compared to similar markets. Dental and vision insurance were also discussed, hinting at a move to a new provider, Sunlife, which promises better network coverage and slight cost reductions, especially for vision plans.
The workshop then shifted to a review of the county’s non-general fund budget. Brian Aginger from Financial Services outlined ongoing capital improvement projects including parking lot repaving, building repairs, and a planned new fire station in Corona. Staff discussed the challenges of funding large equipment purchases, referencing the recent use of leasing for vehicles due to supply issues during COVID-19, with a plan to build reserves for future major equipment acquisitions. The discussion also covered risk management funds, transportation budgets, and special assessment districts. Aginger addressed questions about various reserve funds and how they support ongoing maintenance or prepare for future expenses.
The final major topic involved a comprehensive plan update presented by planner Simone Kenny and supported by Adam. Kenny explained the interconnected aspects of the plan’s elements such as housing, land use, transportation, and conservation. They reviewed proposed changes, including adjustments to future land use policies and coastal management elements. One focus was on reducing development intensity near scenic roads and coastal areas. The board discussed concerns about the language on density limits and conservation designations, noting community input, particularly regarding the Hammock area and scenic corridors along State Road A1A. During public comments, residents raised questions about zoning intensity and conservation areas, emphasizing the need for clear policies that reflect local conditions.
The meeting concluded by acknowledging ongoing legislative considerations, notably Senate Bill 180, which may affect how restrictive future land use amendments can be. The board agreed to proceed with transmitting the comprehensive plan for state review while anticipating continued discussion on implementation details in the land development code. Public comments underscored the importance of balancing development with environmental conservation and community character.
No final decisions were made during this workshop as it served primarily for information and discussion. Multiple board members expressed appreciation for the thorough presentations and public input, with plans to revisit these topics in future meetings. The workshop adjourned after a brief public comment session, ensuring the community remained engaged in the county’s policy and budgetary processes.
