Hillsborough County BOCC Regular Meeting – May 6, 2026

The Hillsborough County Board of County Commissioners held its regular meeting on May 6, 2026, at 9:00 a.m. at the County Center. The meeting included a presentation of the Ellsworth G. Simmons Good Government Award to Sheriff Chad Chronister, a proclamation declaring May 6, 2026 as the 20th Annual Delta Day, public comments, and action on multiple consent and regular agenda items. Key actions included approval of budget amendments for CDBG-DR programs, a first public hearing on expanding the county seat, scheduling a public hearing on solid waste rate increases, and directives on water infrastructure, legislative impacts, and a swim safety program expansion.

Consent Calendar

• Approved unanimously (7-0): The consent agenda, which included routine approvals for affordable housing, capital programs, environmental lands, county attorney settlements, economic development incentives, engineering and operations contracts, environmental services agreements, facilities management modifications, fleet surplus, health care services modifications, budget reports, procurement awards, solid waste change orders, water resources amendments, and clerk and board appointment items. One item (A-8) was deferred to a future date.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Colleen Crook (President, Sunset Manor HOA) requested the county take over the subdivision’s privately managed water system, citing repair costs exceeding $150,000 and no available grants for private systems. She noted county water may not be available until 2029–2031.
• Karen Giroche opposed the Tampa Bay Rays stadium deal, citing TSA concerns about missing appraisals, unclear costs, and potential misuse of CIT funds. She urged the board to stop the project or put it to a public vote.
• Denise Herndon opposed taxpayer funding for the stadium and an African American Arts & Cultural Center, and questioned the solid waste fee increase and the county seat expansion.
• Myosha Powell echoed concerns about the stadium deal, emphasizing the lack of cost details for HCC relocation and the need for responsible budgeting.
• Donnie Rutherford (Sunset Manor resident, retired Air Force) described the burden of recurring well repairs and urged immediate county water service.
• Benjamin Diabold (Lemoyne Disaster) contested the board’s March 6 decision to exclude his firm from the CDBG-DR housing construction manager awards, alleging the record did not support the rationale used.
• Shagrette Doss raised concerns about alleged misconduct by attorneys and a judge in a veterans’ VA benefits case, asking the board to investigate.
• Tom Cobert warned about federal cuts to NOAA and FEMA, urging the county to prepare for reduced federal disaster assistance.
• Alan Barens suggested reducing recycling collection to twice a month to cut costs, and asked for earlier library opening hours.
• John King urged the board not to rush the stadium deal, advised against using CIT funds, and suggested alternative funding like tourist development taxes.

Discussion Items

• B-1 & B-2 – CDBG-DR Budget Amendments: The board approved two budget amendments appropriating $95,070,000 for seven Phase 3 infrastructure projects (drainage, culvert replacements, pump stations, etc.) and $208,400,496 for the Single-Family Housing Program (expected to assist ~1,000 homeowners impacted by Hurricanes Helene and Milton). Staff projected first reimbursements by early July 2026 and contractor deployment by mid-to-late summer. Approved 7-0.
• D-1 – County Seat Expansion (First Public Hearing): The board held the first of two required public hearings on a resolution to expand the county seat beyond Tampa to include all of Hillsborough County. No action was taken. Public comment was received: Denise Herndon questioned the purpose and potential unintended consequences; Karen Giroche spoke in support. Second hearing scheduled for May 20, 2026.
• B-3 – Solid Waste Assessment Public Hearing: Staff presented a recommended 4.3% rate increase ($22 annually per dwelling unit, comprising $12.09 for collection and $9.91 for disposal) to address CPI-based contract costs and system maintenance. The board voted 6-1 to schedule the public hearing for June 3, 2026 (Commissioner Miller dissenting). Commissioner Wostal noted the county provides waste collection outside the urban service area, questioning the cost implications.
• G-1 – Sunset Manor Water System: Staff reported on the 21-home subdivision’s aging private well system requiring ~$150,000 in repairs. The county has no policy to acquire HOA-owned systems, and connection to county water (planned for 2029) would cost residents ~$6,000 each. No grants were identified; a state revolving loan may be possible. The board voted 7-0 to receive the report and direct staff to hold a community meeting with residents, assist in identifying funding options, and authorize future connection subject to fees.
• F-1 – SB 686 Agricultural Enclave Legislation: Commissioner Miller requested a report from the County Attorney and Development Services on the impact of newly enacted state legislation (SB 686) on local land use, zoning, and development review. Approved 7-0.
• F-2 – Rename Health Care Advisory Board: Commissioner Myers’ motion to rename the board the “John S. Curran, M.D. Health Care Advisory Board” was approved 7-0.
• F-3 – HART Bus Stop Relocation: Chair Hagan raised concerns about a bus stop moved 200 feet without proper permits, affecting a small business. The board voted 7-0 to direct staff to review whether HART followed required procedures and explore a win-win solution.
• G-2 – Swim Safety Initiative Expansion: Staff reported that the program has taught nearly 16,000 children to swim since 2015, with a progression rate of 95% in 2025. Chair Hagan moved to expand the program to Boys & Girls Clubs and summer programs at an additional $51,000, funded from FY 26 budget, with implementation targeted for summer 2026. Approved 7-0.

Key Outcomes

• Consent Agenda approved 7-0.
• B-1 and B-2 (CDBG-DR budget amendments) approved 7-0.
• D-1 (County seat expansion) – first hearing held; no action; second hearing set for May 20, 2026.
• B-3 (Solid waste assessment public hearing) – scheduled for June 3, 2026; vote 6-1.
• G-1 (Sunset Manor) – report received; staff directed to hold community meeting, explore funding options, and authorize future connection; motion passed 7-0.
• F-1 (SB 686 report) – approved 7-0.
• F-2 (Health Care Advisory Board renaming) – approved 7-0.
• F-3 (HART bus stop) – staff directed to review process; motion passed 7-0.
• G-2 (Swim safety expansion) – $51,000 approved for expansion; motion passed 7-0.
• Future discussion: Commissioner Cohen requested staff explore converting county-owned property on Sheldon Road near Rocky Creek into a public green space/park.