Commission approves Woodstock Utilities rate resolution and a slate of zoning ordinances, renews franchise fees
July 22, 2026 | Baker County, Florida
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In the regular meeting that followed the budget workshop, the Baker County Board of County Commissioners approved several regulatory and development items.
The board unanimously adopted Resolution 2026‑25, approving Woodstock Utilities' application to revise water and wastewater rates and to implement a service‑availability policy. Attorney Bill Sundstrom, representing Woodstock Utilities, told commissioners the application aligns with county comprehensive‑plan requirements and that updated construction and financial schedules support the rates requested.
On utilities franchise agreements, the board approved three 30‑year renewals setting monthly payments at 3%: ordinances granting franchises to Okefenokee REMC, Florida Power & Light and Clay Electric passed unanimously after staff corrected a text error about the statutory maximum. Staff provided five‑year revenue reports for each franchise during discussion.
The commission also approved land‑use and zoning items in public hearings: Ordinance 2026‑10 rezoned approximately 14 acres from Commercial Highway to Planned Unit Development to allow climate‑controlled storage, RV/boat storage and flex space; Ordinances 2026‑13 and 2026‑14 amended a separate parcel (approx. 16 acres) to allow a five‑lot residential subdivision (RCMH 2.5 zoning); both companion items passed after staff described required road improvements and DRC comments.
Board motions on these items passed without recorded dissents. The county attorney and staff noted some pending standard updates (utility standards) will return to the board for formal adoption.
Next steps: staff will finalize standards language and the recorded ordinances and return any outstanding development details (water capacity tests, design conditions) to the commission.
The board unanimously adopted Resolution 2026‑25, approving Woodstock Utilities' application to revise water and wastewater rates and to implement a service‑availability policy. Attorney Bill Sundstrom, representing Woodstock Utilities, told commissioners the application aligns with county comprehensive‑plan requirements and that updated construction and financial schedules support the rates requested.
On utilities franchise agreements, the board approved three 30‑year renewals setting monthly payments at 3%: ordinances granting franchises to Okefenokee REMC, Florida Power & Light and Clay Electric passed unanimously after staff corrected a text error about the statutory maximum. Staff provided five‑year revenue reports for each franchise during discussion.
The commission also approved land‑use and zoning items in public hearings: Ordinance 2026‑10 rezoned approximately 14 acres from Commercial Highway to Planned Unit Development to allow climate‑controlled storage, RV/boat storage and flex space; Ordinances 2026‑13 and 2026‑14 amended a separate parcel (approx. 16 acres) to allow a five‑lot residential subdivision (RCMH 2.5 zoning); both companion items passed after staff described required road improvements and DRC comments.
Board motions on these items passed without recorded dissents. The county attorney and staff noted some pending standard updates (utility standards) will return to the board for formal adoption.
Next steps: staff will finalize standards language and the recorded ordinances and return any outstanding development details (water capacity tests, design conditions) to the commission.
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