The Brooksville City Council approved the consent agenda on Oct. 6, 2025, by a 4‑1 roll‑call vote after a sustained exchange about a $50,000 funding agreement with Brooksville Main Street and who controls downtown banner content and placement.

Councilmember Lisa Earhart (first reference as "Councilwoman Earhart" during the meeting) asked that the Brooksville Main Street funding agreement be removed from consent so she could discuss its terms. Earhart said the contract language was “broad and vague,” cited taxpayer concerns about use of city staff and infrastructure for Main Street events, and argued the city should have clearer contractual specifics on responsibilities and banner design. In the meeting she said in part: “Bottom line is I feel that we don't need Brooksville Main Street involved with the banners. The property belongs to the city. Therefore, the city should make the determination.”

City staff responded that the agreement with Brooksville Main Street is the same arrangement the city has used in prior years and that the funding was included in the current fiscal-year budget. A member of staff noted the 2022 CRA agreement that funded wayfinding/banners had been completed; staff said the Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) will transmit a draft letter acknowledging that the 2022 agreement is fulfilled.

During debate other council members defended Brooksville Main Street's role in downtown activation and volunteer coordination, saying the organization does “a lot with a little.” The council and staff agreed there is no current, formal citywide policy for outside organizations to request banner space. Council gave staff direction to draft a policy/procedure for banner requests and display, including a calendar and approval process for what is displayed on city poles and when. Department of Public Works staff noted the city needs about 30 banners for downtown and that staff would work on logistics and design control.

The consent agenda passed on a roll call: Councilmember Earhart — Nay; Councilmember McKeithen — Aye; Councilmember Hallo — Aye; Vice Mayor Bronson — Aye; Mayor Tanner — Aye. The vote was recorded 4‑1 in favor.

Council action summary: Council affirmed the consent agenda (which included the Brooksville Main Street funding agreement for $50,000) by a 4‑1 vote, declined to remove the contract from consent, and directed staff to draft a banner procedure and deliver a draft CRA letter stating the 2022 wayfinding/banner agreement is complete.