Gulf County approves MOU with DOC to extend sewer to work camp, expects inmate crews and local jobs

The Gulf County Board of Commissioners unanimously approved a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the Department of Corrections (DOC) to construct a sewer line and lift station to serve a work camp between Howard Creek and White City.

County staff summarized the MOU’s key terms: the DOC would provide property and easements for the line and lift station; Gulf County would not charge impact or tap fees for the initial connection but would collect ongoing sewer-service charges; the parties set an operational target of April 1, 2028, to have the work camp open.

Staff told the board the county would have first priority for inmate crews dispatched from the work camp, a change officials said could restore the scale of county inmate-work operations seen before Hurricane Michael. The presenters estimated the arrangement could result in roughly 65–70 full-time positions and more inmate work crews — describing it as “a big thing” for county capacity.

Commissioner Pridgeon moved to approve the MOU and to authorize its execution if attorneys sign off without major changes; Commissioner McLemore seconded. The motion carried 5-0.

Commissioners asked staff to proceed with final review by attorneys and return any substantive changes to the board. No formal funding appropriation for construction was recorded during the discussion in this meeting; staff discussed pursuing grants and other funding to cover costs referenced during the presentation.