HENDRY COUNTY — The Hendry County Board of Commissioners will have its regular meeting Monday, Sept. 28, in the County Commission Chambers at the Hendry County Courthouse in LaBelle, at 5 p.m.

At 5:30 p.m., the county’s final public hearing will be conducted regarding its fiscal 2021 budget and millage levy for the year’s ad valorem taxes, to take effect Oct. 1.

Hendry County residents who wish to participate may watch virtually on Facebook Live (at www.hendryfla.net) or dial in for audio access at 877-853-5257, using Access Code 955 2625 7584#.

To submit public comments, it is requested that contributors be logged online. Here are the instructions:

“Public comment may be submitted online utilizing the BOCC Meeting eComments option on the County’s website, www.hendryfla.net. Persons should click on the drop-down menu under Government at the top and select BOCC Meeting eComments, where they may submit written comments for the board’s consideration up until 12 noon on the day of the meeting. Public comment also will be allowed at the time the agenda item is being considered. You will be allowed to speak for up to three minutes and only one time for each item provided a speaker request card is completed prior to the meeting or, if you are participating by telephone, by speaking up when the chairman invites public comment.

“Be advised that the board may take action on items not listed on the agenda. If this occurs, public comment will be received at the time the item is considered for up to three minutes provided that you raise your hand to indicate your desire to speak or, if you are participating by telephone, by speaking up when the chairman invites public comment. Comment for non-agenda general discussion by members of the public will be allowed at the end of the regular agenda for up to one minute provided a speaker request card is completed prior to the meeting or, if you are participating by telephone, by speaking up when the chairman invites public comment. Please silence all electronic devices.”

Agenda items for Sept. 28
Four sets of project bids will be considered:
• Bid No. 2020-25: CR 835 Curve Safety Improvements;
• RFQ #2020-17: Construction Engineering and Inspection Services for Sidewalk Construction on Old CR 78 from CR 78 to SR 29 in Hendry County;
• Bid No. 2020-31: Sludge Hauling Services for the Port LaBelle Utility System; and,
• RFQ #2020-26: Placeholder for Recommendation for Curve Safety Improvements for Construction Engineering Inspection Services for Safety Improvements at Various Locations on CR 835.

The multiple-item consent agenda, which can be dispatched as one package on actions considered routine, includes: approval of meeting minutes; ratification of extending the local COVID-19 state of emergency; acceptance of the county administrator’s 2019 annual report; acceptance of a $2,800 grant award for emergency management from the state; and several public works items regarding the Airglades and LaBelle airports plus changes on various projects.

There will be public hearings on the following items:
• Adoption of Final Millage Rate for Fiscal Year 2020-21, and adoption of Final Budget for Fiscal Year 2020-21, promptly at 5:30 p.m.;
• Planned Unit Development rezoning on agricultural lands near Clewiston on behalf of the Joe Marlin Hilliard Revocable Trust; and,
• Two petitions on behalf of the County Board of Commissioners itself, to the Hendry County Comprehensive Plan’s Future Land Use Element and the Hendry County Code of Ordinances, building regulations.

The rest of the agenda includes correspondence, staff reports, hearing of the public and business by district, related by each of the five commissioners.