Three things you need to know ahead of Santa Rosa County Commissioners meeting
The Santa Rosa County Commission has a packed agenda for this week, where board members will hear from the public on the renewal of the half-cent sales tax, advocate for improvements to NAS Whiting Field and look to enhance Benny Russell Park and the West Florida Railroad Museum.
Here is what you need to know.
Public hearing for the half-cent sales tax
As local governments expect steep losses as a proposed property tax amendment heads to the November ballot, Santa Rosa County will hold a public hearing Tuesday before a vote to renew the half-cent sales tax for the next five years.
Introduced in 2017 and renewed in 2021, the half-cent sales tax generates $30 million in funds annually that goes towards multiple services, such as park upgrades, road and infrastructure development and public safety improvements.
In light of the property tax legislation heading to the November ballot, Commissioner Colten Wright said that renewing the sales tax is essential to help offset potential losses projected by removing property taxes from the county’s coffers.
“Property tax changes only make it more important,” Wright said.
If approved, the item will head to the November ballot. The only real change in the ballot language from the 2021 renewal is the addition that funds will also be used to protect agriculture in Santa Rosa County.
Grant approval for NAS Whiting Field’s Child Development Center
The days of military families dropping their children off at the old Whiting Field package store may be ending in the distant future as Santa Rosa County will look to approve or deny a $20 million Defense Community Infrastructure Program grant application to the DOD’s Local Defense Community Cooperation
According to staff documents, Santa Rosa Commissioner have expressed interest in a new CDC since early 2024, as the existing facility has lived beyond its service life and operates at capacity, with an ever-growing waiting list, and is dinged from the DOD due to its location on base being a security risk, as it lies within a stone’s throw of the main gate.
The proposed facility could accommodate more than 150 children and be 20,387 square feet in size. With the grant, the county must commit a local match of 30% of the final project’s cost.
If approved, the county will finalize and submit the grant approval application as the Economic Development Office will pursue state and federal-match funding. If funding is secured, a separate item will come back before the board.
Park and museum improvements
To help improve northern Santa Rosa County’s most popular park, the Santa Rosa County Commission will be voting to approve a $67,484 for the acquisition and installation of shade structures at the park.
County staff believe that the sunshades will provide protection and improve the overall functionality of the park.
Additionally, the Santa Rosa County Commission will either approve or deny a letter of support to the West Florida Railroad Museum to apply for a grant from Impact 100.
In a letter to the non-profit, Wright said the museum provides students with rare, hands-on access to local history which also compliments classroom instruction.