Commissioners are still trying to find solutions for the funding and upkeep of Chinsegut Hill. The Manor House and Retreat have been managed by third parties, but much of the maintenance falls under the County’s budget. The Board has considered returning control of Chinsegut to the state level. However, its historic significance is special to Brooksville and Hernando County.
The matter first came before the board in March, when Commissioners considered asking Trustees of the Chinsegut Hill Conference Center and Manor House to terminate or modify the County’s lease. While the Board understands the historical significance of “The Hill,” the expenses in excess of $600,000 (annually) far exceed its anticipated revenues of just over $56,000 for the current fiscal year.
Revenues have not kept pace with the County’s outlay for the past three years.
As it was mentioned in March, the County will negotiate solutions with the Tampa Bay History Center, which is currently managing the manor house, and also reach out to the City of Brooksville (managing the retreat and conference center) and other interested groups to find if one, or a combination of these, could take over for the County.
As the County prepares for the 2026 fiscal year budget season, the board is keeping DOGE principles in mind as they seek ways to reduce costs to taxpayers. The final budget is expected to be finalized in September.
According to Public Works Director Scott Herring, the county is currently responsible for facilities maintenance for Chinsegut, which includes electric, plumbing, HVAC, painting, and landscaping, as well as water plant and distribution maintenance. The structures include approximately 20,000 square feet over 940 acres of property.
Aside from regular maintenance, several Capital Improvement Projects (CIPs) are planned for The Hill this year and into 2029. This year, projects include an ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) parking area, a ramp for one cottage, walkways and lighting, additional bathrooms, an enhanced septic system, A/C improvements, re-roofing, fire pump and hydrant replacement, and railing and deck replacement.
Water tank painting is also planned, but not yet funded.
Four CIPs are planned for 2026: classroom roof replacement, water plant renovation, flooring replacement and painting for cabins 1-7.
In 2027, Phase II of exterior renovations are planned, and replacement of the water plant electric service.
A $50,000 3-5 ton chiller replacement is planned for 2029.
During the discussion, Commissioner Brian Hawkins said he had spoken with Senator Wilton Simpson about the matter, and Simpson recommended stripping Capital Improvement Projects from a potential presentation to the State Department of Agriculture. However, Hawkins said that Simpson also added, “it’s not a great idea for the State to take over … one of the reasons being is that eventually they’re just going to forget about it.”
Hawkins said that approaching FAMU (Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University) was also a consideration, but the university consistently experiences budget shortfalls.
Although the Commissioners understand the historical significance of Chinsegut, the aim for fiscal responsibility is at the forefront of their decision-making. Hawkins suggested stripping the CIPs from Chinsegut’s budget going forward, and approaching the State with “one large ask,” for budget appropriations while continuing to operate in partnership with TBHS.
Commissioner Steve Champion said, “Chinsegut is pretty special to this community … I want to preserve it. If we could keep it in control by Hernando County, we should, but spending this money without return, without benefitting the whole county, doesn’t make any sense.” Champion is in favor of a private entity taking charge of The Hill.
All Commissioners agree it’s a special place with a history beloved by the community, especially those currently involved, and those previously having a hand in its history.
Commissioner John Allocco first brought the matter before the Board in March of this year. He said, “I cannot in good conscience talk about cutting from our public safety sector or talk about reducing capital outlays on buildings that (the County owns), or reducing quality of living for the vast majority of Hernando County through all these DOGE aspects … I’m struggling with this. We’re putting off Capital Improvements on County-owned facilities, because of budget constraints, then we’re talking about spending this kind of money … it’s significant … We can’t have this DOGE conversation with any honesty when we’re talking about things that are non-essential.”
Commissioner Jerry Campbell agrees. “If you’re going to have a DOGE conversation, everything is on the table. That’s the best part of it, and that’s the worst part of it. But you have to take emotions out of it … if we can find a way for it to remain under Hernando County control, I think that’s great, but we can’t continue to spend this kind of money year after year … without a plan for this to become a viable operation.”
Campbell also cautioned that a request for appropriations could take two to three years to obtain.
Allocco later expressed concern that appropriation requests for Chinsegut could diminish requests for others, “Here’s the reality behind appropriations requests: we’re going to lose a Hernando County appropriation — if we make it for Chinsegut Hill — that could go to improving our infrastructure and the quality of living for Hernando County … that’s reality.”
Allocco asked the Board, “Why did it become a County asset? If the State doesn’t want it, doesn’t the Federal Government do museums?”
Most participants in the Public Comment segment have experience in operations at Chinsegut Hill. Ross Lamoreaux of Tampa Bay History Center is the current site manager for the manor house and museum. Jan Knowles is the current President of the Historic Hernando Preservation Society and former President of the Friends of Chinsegut Hill, involved in its operation from 2008 to 2013. Doug Davis is a member of the Historic Hernando Preservation Society, and Josh McAdams lived on the grounds as a caretaker from 2016 to 2019. All expressed the desire for the Board to explore seeking local partnerships.
Hawkins asked Lamoreaux if it would be possible for his organization to take over operations of the entirety of Chinsegut in order to increase revenue and take over the lease. Lamoreaux said, “That was part of the discussion five years ago. We are in the history business, interpreting history and stories, not in hotel or lodging. It’s kind of out of our area of expertise.”
Lamoreaux said he would need to follow up with Tampa Bay History Center leadership to explore expanding responsibilities at Chinsegut Hill. The Commissioners plan to continue seeking a partnership with an external group to increase the profitability of Chinsegut Hill.
