08/04/2026 Board Meeting Minutes

amount previously considered by the District. He also reported that the County approved a modest increase to the residential fire assessment, approximately one cent per square foot, equating to about $20 annually for a 2,000-square-foot residence.

  • Commissioner Kirouac informed the Board that the County is reviewing options to address unfinished residential construction projects that remain incomplete for extended periods. He explained that County staff and the County Attorney have been directed to evaluate existing nuisance and hazardous property ordinances, as well as potential ordinance amendments, to address abandoned or prolonged construction projects while balancing private property rights. He specifically referenced an unfinished residence on Angelo Circle, stating he had personally contacted the property owner, who cited health issues and a previous automobile accident but had not resumed construction. Commissioner Kirouac stated he encouraged the owner to at least complete the exterior of the home to reduce its visual impact on neighboring properties. He acknowledged concerns that prolonged unfinished construction can negatively affect surrounding property values and stated the County would continue pursuing reasonable solutions. He further noted that if existing permits expire without further progress, the County may have additional enforcement authority. Commissioner Kirouac invited residents to report similar properties so County staff could review them individually.
  • Commissioner Kirouac also provided an update on the Schumacher Road Project, explaining that the County had originally planned to extend Schumacher Road to Cortez Boulevard to create a southern entrance into Sun ’n Lake and improve emergency response times. He stated the County later learned that the District had sold the Cortez property, requiring engineering staff to revise roadway and drainage plans. He emphasized the importance of improved communication between the County and the District as the project progresses.
  • Regarding proposed amendments to the Sun ’n Lake District Charter, Commissioner Kirouac stated the County Attorney continues preparing ordinance revisions intended to modernize the District’s governing structure. He explained that proposed changes include:
    • Transitioning to at-large elections for all five Board of Supervisors seats, with candidates required to reside within the District.
    • Establishing staggered election cycles, similar to the Highlands County Board of County Commissioners, with alternating three-seat and two-seat elections every two years.
    • Conducting Supervisor elections during the November General Election rather than in March to encourage greater voter participation.
    • Requiring the District to follow Highlands County procurement procedures and recognize Florida governmental accounting standards.
    • Requiring the District to undergo an annual independent financial audit through the Highlands County Clerk of Courts’ audit process, consistent with County practices.
  • Commissioner Kirouac stated the proposed revisions were intended to modernize the District’s governing ordinance, strengthen financial accountability, and ensure public funds continue to be managed according to accepted governmental standards.
  • Commissioner Kirouac also discussed the proposed statewide property tax amendment expected to appear on the November ballot. He advised that recent court action required revisions to the ballot language and encouraged residents to educate themselves on the proposal once updated information becomes available. He explained that while reducing taxes may be appealing, property tax revenues are essential to funding county services, public safety, and operations.