Alachua County Commissioners tell Archer to prep for growth

Joint meeting hears 2024 audit, wastewater and Archer Road expansion updates

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

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The Alachua County Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) met with the Archer City Commission to discuss the city's financial status, as well as county resources available to help Archer prepare for anticipated growth. The meeting covered a concerning $448,000 deficit in Archer's fund balance, plans for a regional wastewater system, and an upcoming project to widen a segment of Archer Road.

Why it matters

Archer is expected to see significant growth in the coming years, which will bring both opportunities and challenges. The county is offering its resources and expertise to help the city plan responsibly for this growth, focusing on issues like infrastructure, services, and preserving the city's rural character.

The details

During the joint meeting, Archer's interim city manager reported that the state's auditing committee was satisfied with the city's 2024 audit, despite a $448,000 deficit in the fund balance and over $300,000 in overspending. The city plans to use surplus properties to repay the county's Wild Spaces & Public Places funds. Archer's regional wastewater system is advancing, with construction expected to begin in 2027. The county also presented its Forward Focus initiative, which aims to stimulate growth in eastern Alachua County, as a potential model for Archer. Additionally, the county is working on a project to widen a 3.84-mile segment of Archer Road to prepare for the anticipated growth.

  • The 2024 audit was reported to the Archer City Commission on February 2, 2026.
  • The joint meeting between the Alachua County BOCC and Archer City Commission took place on Monday, February 11, 2026.
  • Construction on Archer's regional wastewater system is expected to begin in 2027.
  • The Archer Road widening project is expected to have its design plans completed by the summer of 2027.

The players

Alachua County Board of County Commissioners (BOCC)

The governing body of Alachua County, Florida, responsible for overseeing county resources and planning for growth.

Archer City Commission

The governing body of the city of Archer, Florida, responsible for managing the city's finances and preparing for future development.

Powell and Jones CPA

The accounting firm that reported on Archer's 2024 audit, which revealed a substantial deficit in the city's fund balance.

John Martin

Archer's interim city manager, who previously served as the city manager of Hawthorne, Florida.

Missy Daniels

Alachua County's Assistant County Manager, who presented the county's planning and development services to help Archer prepare for growth.

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What they’re saying

“We care very deeply about the way our community grows, both in the unincorporated areas, as well as in the municipalities, and want to support the municipalities in growing responsibly.”

— Anna Prizzia, Alachua County Commissioner (mainstreetdailynews.com)

“I think that's something Archer and this whole surrounding area could also look at in the future and maybe use this as a model. I think this is a good opportunity for Eastern Alachua County, but it doesn't mean that it can't be an opportunity for Archer as well.”

— Mary Alford, Alachua County Commissioner (mainstreetdailynews.com)

What’s next

The Alachua County BOCC will consider providing an additional $2.25 million appropriation to the state to complete the design plans for the Archer Road widening project. The city of Archer will also need to secure grant funding for its regional wastewater system project.

The takeaway

Alachua County is proactively working with the city of Archer to help the community prepare for anticipated growth, leveraging the county's resources and expertise in areas like infrastructure planning, economic development, and comprehensive planning. This collaborative approach aims to ensure Archer can manage growth responsibly and maintain its rural character.