Santa Rosa BOCC FY25 Tentative Budget and MSBU Public Hearing

On Thur., Sept. 5 at 6 p.m., the county administrator and Santa Rosa County Office of Management and Budget (OMB) will present thetentative fiscal year 2025 budgetto the board of county commissioners in a public hearing at the Administrative Complex, 6495 Caroline St. in Milton. An interactive agenda with backup supporting documentsis available online. The public hearing will be archived at the same link following the meeting as well as streamed live online.

This is the first of two public hearings regarding the fiscal year 2025 budget. The first public hearing is for the tentative budget and proposed millage rate in conjunction with the municipal service benefit unit (MSBU) hearing. The millage rate and budget for the new year are adopted at the second public hearing, which is scheduled for Tue., Sept. 17 at 6 p.m.

This budget is balanced, responsible and aligns with the directives and priorities outlined by the Santa Rosa County Board of County Commissioners and the feedback received from the community throughout its formulation and assessment. The FY2025 budget acknowledges and builds upon past initiatives like the establishment of the revenue stabilization fund and prudent budgeting practices, which have fortified the county against inflation, recruitment hurdles, and potential disasters.

In accordance with the board's request, this budget incorporates a millage reduction of 0.1403 mils, setting it at 5.955. Notably, the county's taxable value has increased by 9.7% compared to FY2024, resulting in a $6.5 million growth in property tax revenue. These actions that impact the general fund underscore the board's dedication to diversifying revenue, addressing necessary public safety requirements, enhancing workforce retention through a cost-of-living adjustment and merit increase, along with investment of over $20 million to capital infrastructure obligations.

The comprehensive budget encompassing all funds amounts to $265,596,929. This is an additional $14 million over FY2024 which equates to a 5.7% increase of total operating expenditures. Noteworthy increases are a 10% escalation in operating expenses, primarily attributed to heightened facility insurance premiums, utility expenses, and contractual services; a 14% rise in personnel costs, covering health insurance premiums, COLA adjustments, and merit enhancements; and a substantial 42% boost in grants and aid, earmarked for funding conservation easements in agricultural regions.

In lieu of attending in-person, citizens may submit comments on individual agenda items in advance or bring forward issues to be shared during public forum by completing the public input form.

Santa Rosa County adheres to the American Disabilities Act and will make reasonable modifications and accommodations for access to these hearings upon request. Requests may be made to the county's risk management department at 850-983-1863, TTY 711, or [email protected].

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