The City of Fort Walton Beach is moving forward with final approval of its nearly $40 million budget.
City Council Members voted unanimously this week to tentatively approve the budget proposed by City Manager Michael Beedie. The City Council will hold the final budget hearing on Wed, Sept. 23. at 5:30 p.m.
The City Council also gave unanimous approval to tentatively keep the city’s property tax rate at 5.7697 mills. The City’s 2015 gross taxable property value is $1.2 billion, an increase of 3.5% over last year. “The reason for keeping the millage rate the same is to continue on towards a path of sustainability for the city,” City Manager Michael Beedie said.
Also included in the budget is $250,000 to develop a master plan for downtown, $250,000 to continue the Venture Hive program at the old Focus Center site at Fort Walton Landing and $150,000 to study replacement of city hall and the public works complex.
“I’m glad to see that this budget keeps us on our pathway to sustainability,” Councilman Dick Rynearson said, echoring Beedie.
After the meeting’s adjournment, Beedie stated he was comforted by the council’s vote. He said that in 2015, the city will be focused on improving the city’s aging facilities, including moving forward with a master plan to redesign Fort Walton Landing. “That’s a really high priority,” Beedie said.
The city recently completed one of its largest public works projects, with the city’s four recreation centers being consolidated into the newly built $8.5 million Fort Walton Beach recreation center on Jet Drive.
