The county s budget In 2014, when I first became a commissioner, had a reserve of $6.5 million.This fiscal year, we hope to have a reserve of 15 million dollars. This has been an intentional effort by a fiscally conservative Board of County Commissioners.
We watched our neighboring county need a tremendous reserve to address the devastation of Hurricane Michael. This past summer, Okaloosa County was faced with a significant budget deficit due to the economic downturn created when businesses were forced to shutter due to COVID-19. Okaloosa County alone was faced with an estimated $7 million deficit in our general fund.
Fortunately, close coordination with state and federal agencies enabled Okaloosa and other local governments across the country to utilize a portion of the Federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) money to offset losses incurred in response to the virus.
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DESTIN By Dec. 28, Destin Fire Control District Chief Kevin Sasser and the district’s Board of Commissioners hope to close on a $2.4 million purchase of the historic Destin Bay House property on Calhoun Avenue, where they plan to set up the district’s new substation.
The Bay House, an event venue that hosts weddings and other events, stands at 127 Calhoun Ave., with a dock on Choctawhatchee Bay and a view of nearby Crab Island.
The 1-acre property also stands next door and south of the city-owned Clement Taylor Park at 131 Calhoun Ave. Earlier this year, more than 1,200 people, including current and former Destin residents, signed a petition opposing a proposal to build the substation at the 3.4-acre park.