Citing national economic woes, Santa Rosa County Commissioners during last night’s budget hearing adopted the 2023-2024 budget and voted to postpone impact fee discussions until October 2024.
District 1 Commissioner Sam Parker’s motion to delay reconsideration of impact fees passed by a 4-1 vote with District 2 Commissioner Kerry Smith in opposition.
“(Impact fees) will not be something the board will entertain and act on until at least October 2024,” Parker said. “We’re not saying never, but we’re just looking at the realistic economic hardships that people are facing.”
District 3 Commissioner James Calkins seconded the motion. “Inflation is going through the roof. We’re living in tough times right now for our seniors, our retired military on fixed incomes.”
Additionally, commissioners on Monday made some decisions related to the Land Development Code (LDC), which governs development in Santa Rosa County. Commissioners decided to remove a controversial 2021 alternative subdivision provision which allows developers to build small-scale subdivisions within rural areas.
