Santa Rosa County Commissioners this afternoon will host the first of two public budget workshops for the fiscal year 2018-2019 budget, which includes a projected $4.5 million increase in revenues from ad valorem taxes.
The Santa Rosa County Property Appraiser’s Office June 1 estimate for property tax revenues projected the 7.4 percent increase.
Per supporting documentation for the workshop, no millage rate increase is recommended.
Other significant projected revenue increases include $2.2 million from electronic franchise fees and $600,000 for roads and bridges, stemming from the local option sales tax.
Additionally, $4.5 million in “carry forward” funds are also recommended for allocations of $2.6 million to the general fund and $1.9 million to the road and bridges budget.
Increased projected expenses for FY 2018-2019 include a recommended merit increase plus an a compensation “adjustment” for county staff, which add up to more than $1.8 million.
Also, an additional $3 million is recommended for the Santa Rosa County Sheriff’s Office — an amount Sheriff Bob Johnson says is not sufficient to help him keep up with serving the county’s growing population.
The second budget workshop is scheduled for 9 a.m., July 18 at the County Administrative Complex, located at 6495 Caroline Street in Milton.
