TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WCTV) – A historical harms amendment is back on the table for the Leon County Commission, but with revisions.
The Commission voted to revive the amendment, but change the language as to not violate any state or federal law, at Tuesday’s meeting.
The county attorney is tasked with revising the amendment to remove any references to reparations, slavery and DEI.
The amendment, titled “historical harms” would identify past injustices and pay for future fixes. The measure previously stalled after the Leon County Charter Review Committee tied 9-9, but was revived in March before landing before the commission.
The proposal is similar to reparations-style measures, calling for the county to study past injustices and allocate funding toward corrective initiatives.
While the measure was brough back before commissioners, some are concerned about the legality in the wake of anti-DEI legislation in the state.
Senate Bill 1134, passed by the Florida Legislature, makes it illegal for local governments to spend money on DEI.
Dr. Bruce Strouble from Tallahassee ALERT, who is the sponsor of this idea, said they could get around that by centering the measure on data.
“Sending this back to the review committee allows the democratic process to continue,” Strouble said.
The country administrator pointed out that this matter was already voted on, but the Charter Review Committee was set up so that tie votes couldn’t happen.
More Tallahassee news:
Commissioner Carolyn Cummings said the anti-DEI legislation is a major challenge.
“I can’t look at this color blind. I bring my history. The way I have lived,” she said. “As an elected official, I have to put that aside. I’m not totally opposed to some type of story. But, I can’t erase the face we have state legislation and federal executive orders.”
Commissioner Bill Proctor said he’s not concerned about the legal ramifications of the amendment, saying if he gets voted out of office, or removed by the governor, “so be it.”
“I want a progressive ongoing struggle to make us better,” he said.
Commissioner David O’Keefe said he’d like the proposal to go back to the Charter Review Committee.
“It is an existential question if we’re able to represent the values of the communities that voted for us,” he said. “Citizens, how far do you want us to go? I want to know what they want us to do.”
Commissioner Nick Maddox said the measure is not about DEI.
“This is about historic harms and public policy,” he said. “It’s about legislation that harmed anyone regardless of race.”
Maddox said the Charter Review Committee could reconsider the issue if its framed as such, rather than as DEI. Some Charter Review members did say they would have voted for the amendment if not for legal issues.
After much discussion, the commission voted to revive the historical harms charter amendment after amending it so it doesn’t violate any state or federal laws.
The vote passed 6-1 with Commissioner Brian Welch against.
The commission will decide next month whether to send it back to the Charter Review Committee.
Leon County ordinances:
Tuesday’s meeting also saw commissioners voted unanimously to advance a proposal that could see the county’s ordinances supersede those passed by the City of Tallahassee.
Commissioners Rick Minor and O’Keefe pointed out this wouldn’t be a blanket rule but rather allow the county to decide if a particular ordinance would supersede the city’s authority.
Tuesday’s vote is only procedural. The final vote requires five out of seven commissioners to agree. If that passes, Leon County voters would decide if they want the local constitution amended.
North Florida Fairgrounds update:
The commission voted to appoint Commission Chair Christian Caban as a negotiator over the fairground lease.
The commission wants to spend $30 million to renovate through Blueprint, but the fairgrounds doesn’t really want investment at the risk of harming the fair.
County staff recommended keeping the lease as it is. Commissioner Brian Welch said he’s recommend taking over the fair board, via the legislature. Commissioners Cummings and O’Keefe suggested the fair be sold some of the land, but Welch said he would support negotiation, rather than an outright sale.
Ultimately, the commission voted to appoint Caban as a negotiator.
School zone speed cameras:
The Commission also voted through practical measures to start a school zone speed camera program. The County previously voted 6-1 to implement the ordinance.
According to the county administrator, Leon County will keep 60% of the revenue but that they don’t expect to make money from the program.
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