The DeFuniak Springs City Council received positive audit reports for both the City and the Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA), showing significant improvement from previous years. Purvis Gray, the auditing firm, reported that the CRA audit had no findings, while the City audit improved from 8-10 findings down to just one. City Manager Koby Townsend and his staff were credited for these results.
In another major development, Florida State Representative Shane G. Abbott announced the official transfer of Harbeson Field from the State of Florida to the City of DeFuniak Springs. This follows Governor Ron DeSantis‘ signing of House Bill 4057. The 7.1-acre property transfer, expected within 90 days, opens new grant opportunities for the city to enhance the park, community center, and fire station.
Infrastructure Standoff: Asbestos Pipe Concerns Ignite Debate
The Council addressed concerns about the city’s asbestos- and concrete-water pipes.
Councilman Danny Cosson called for a replacement plan, stating, “Instead of just pretending like these asbestos pipes aren’t feeding our homes with cancer-causing byproducts, could we start replacing them?”
Councilman Todd Bierbaum countered that a design and replacement plan is already funded, stating, “I don’t see where it is helpful to sit here at the dais and, quite frankly, gaslight the public into thinking that this is somehow dangerous and that we’re pumping their [citizens’] water full of carcinogens – when we’re not.”
The pair bickered and hurled accusations on the dias until Bierbaum confirmed the water’s safety with City Manager Koby Townsend. Townsend confirmed that the pipes were considered safe by experts.
Runway Closure Chaos: Council Tussles Over Hangar Rent
With a major $18 million runway improvement project looming, Councilman Cosson requested a 50 percent rent reduction for hangar tenants during the expected one-to-two-month airport closure.
Councilman Bierbaum noted the high demand for slots and the long-term benefit of the investment. City Attorney Clay Adkinson suggested a possible rent abatement, but the Council deferred a final decision pending further research by Airport Director Andre Lewis-Kent.
Extra Day Off: Council Grants Extended 4th of July Break
Finally, the City Council unanimously voted to extend the 4th of July holiday weekend. City offices will be closed from Friday, July 3, through Monday, July 6, in honor of the nation’s 250th birthday.
