MILTON — Here are the latest issues the Santa Rosa County Board of County Commissioners have discussed.
FIRE DISTRICT REFERENDUM
Chief Robbie Whitfield and the Pace Fire Rescue board of directors addressed commissioners with a two-year-old request: to create an independent fire district for Pace — specifically, to place the issue on November’s ballot.
What we know
In 2014, former Fire Chief Donnie Wadkins approached commissioners about a non-binding referendum being placed on the election ballot regarding the Pace Fire Rescue District becoming an independent special district.
However, Wadkins did not meet the deadline set by the Supervisor of Elections Office to accommodate changes on the ballots for those who reside within the Pace Fire Rescue District.
What’s next
In his letter to commissioners, Whitfield suggested the following non-binding referendum:
“Shall an independent special district be created for the Pace Fire Rescue District to continue providing quality fire, rescue and emergency medical services for the residents of the Pace community with the authority to levy assessments, fees, charges and a millage not to exceed 3.75 mills pursuant to Section 191.990, Florida Statutes?”
The item is on commissioners’ Thursday agenda.
COMMISSIONER REQUESTS ZONING BOARD ORDINANCE CHANGE
Commissioner Bob Cole, District 2, said filling a zoning board seat, a volunteer position, has been such a challenge he wants to see a change in the county code.
He particularly wants the code to allow him to seek a board member outside his district.
What we know
According to the county code, each commissioner must nominate two members to this board with at least one living in the district of the appointing commissioner.
Wallis Mahute, former commission candidate and East Milton resident, volunteered for the spot. She said if the request passed, it could result in poor representation in the county.
Cole also said he has an advertisement ready for the spot but didn’t release it yet due to a miscommunication.
What’s next
Cole asked county staff to move forward with the advertisement; the board tabled Cole’s request.
BAY AREA RESOURCE COUNCIL REQUESTS MORE FUNDING
Austin Mount, the Bay Area Resource Council’s executive director, and Jenny Cook, AICP planner and transportation planning organization coordinator, asked for $10,000 more in annual funding to support the program.
What we know
BARC is formed by an inter-local agreement between Santa Rosa and Escambia counties, and the municipalities of Milton, Pensacola and Gulf Breeze.
The organization provides technical environmental planning assistance to local/state governments; provides environmental education to the citizens of Santa Rosa and Escambia counties; improves water quality; and encourages public participation in environmental planning projects.
Cook discussed projects such as Bay Day, in which local fifth-graders get hands-on environmental education and the Gulf of Mexico estuary program.
What’s next
Commissioner Bob Cole and Chairman Lane Lynchard said they’ve served on the BARC board.
Lynchard said he supports the program but wants to see a detailed budget. Commissioners voted to move the issue to Thursday’s meeting.
This article originally appeared on Santa Rosa Press Gazette: Santa Rosa County Commissioners mull Pace fire district, funding increase