Over the years I’ve seen many changes in Navarre, some that would not have been my choice. As it is, only one person is charged with representing the 42,000 residents of Navarre. One commissioner out of five speaks for us. It is time to incorporate – to be our own voice.
Joseph Mazurkiewicz, Jr., President of BJM Consulting, Inc. and one of only three people qualified to complete an independent, unbiased incorporation feasibility study in the state of Florida was hired. The completed study was presented to the Board of Commissioners in Milton on August 4, 2014. A copy is available at www.incorporatenavarrenow.com . Please note that the first 25 pages consist of comments (pro and con) by Navarre residents PRIOR to the study’s completion. The facts were not available yet. The actual feasibility study begins on page 26.
The city of Navarre’s borders would be the Santa Rosa-Okaloosa county line on the east, East Bay and East River on the north, Edgewood Road on the west and Santa Rosa Island and Navarre Beach on the south. Santa Rosa County estimates the present permanent population for the area proposed for incorporation is 42,300.
The potential increase in taxes has been a concern for many. The feasibility study five year projection has shown that, “using the same property tax rate currently being paid by Navarre property owners, will develop a reserve over the first five years”.[1] The study also provides a second option for consideration. Decision for these options would be determined by our City Council.
Other concerns are current services such as law enforcement, water service, fire protection, trash, sewer and our schools. All would continue the same as they are now through the county. In fact this would provide options for additional law enforcement officers and firefighters. Many towns are now using this practice as it eliminates the expense of purchasing land, buildings, patrol cars, fire trucks etc.
Flooding is a major concern in Navarre because we don’t have a storm water management plan. This must be corrected prior to allowing more building. Our needs have not been met by the county. Many local roads are still dirt. Currently, the Navarre area sends two million dollars more to the county than value received back. That money could be used towards correcting flooding issues or used to build a community center that offers activities for residents, (families, children, teens, veterans and senior citizens).
Incorporation would give us a greater local/regional influence on transportation and road issues provide a solid representation in Tallahassee and make us eligible for state and federal grants only afforded cities. We have too often missed out on large sums of money. If incorporated, we too would have been eligible for this funding. Incorporation would make us the largest city between Pensacola and Tallahassee.
Some are concerned this would be another layer of government. I find that to be an asset! Our government would be made up of local citizens who would be able to approve building and development plans, control zoning and community planning. We can be in charge of our destiny. It is time to gain control of the millions we pay in taxes and fees. Our money needs to work for Navarre’s benefit. Local government can influence how our city grows and develops.
Mazurkiewicz will present the feasibility study twice – September 15th and 16th at the Navarre Conference Center at 6:30 p.m. I urge all Navarre residents to attend one of the town hall meetings to ask questions and learn the facts. Then vote at the non-binding straw vote on November 4.
Nancy Forester is a retired manager from Blue Cross Blue Shield, a community volunteer and a Navarre resident.
[1] Page 59 of Incorporation Feasibility Study.
This article originally appeared on Santa Rosa Press Gazette: Time to Incorporate Navarre