Commissioners Table Farm Conservation Funding Debate Until March

Board divided over timing and details of sales tax allocation for agricultural preservation

Santa Rosa County, FL (Newsradio 92.3) -- Santa Rosa County Commissioners voted 4-1 Tuesday to table a decision on allocating future local option sales tax funds to farm conservation, following a contentious debate over timing, details, and the potential impact on November's tax renewal vote.

Commissioner Rhett Rowell, who represents the rural District 3, was the lone dissenting vote. He argued the board needed to make a formal commitment to protect the county's nearly $100 million agricultural industry.

The Request

Rowell asked commissioners to vote that a portion of the sales tax renewal would be dedicated to farm conservation, without specifying a percentage.

"I'm not asking for a percentage this morning," Rowell said. "I'm asking for a vote by the board that we are going to dedicate a portion of the local option sales tax. I'm asking for a vote by the board that we have a guarantee that there will be a piece of that pie preserved for farmland."

The county's half-cent local option sales tax expires December 31, 2028, and will go before voters in November 2026 for renewal. The tax currently generates approximately $59 million annually, with 60% going to infrastructure, 30% to public safety, and 10% to quality of life projects.

Concerns About Process

Commission Chairman Colten Wright, who had to leave the meeting at 10 a.m. for meetings in Washington D.C., questioned the rush to vote without specific details.

"I don't understand the rush in how four to six weeks drastically changes anything," Wright said. "I just don't feel like it's good government to ask us to make a decision without knowing what we're making a decision on."

Wright pointed out the agenda item had no backup documentation explaining percentages or how the allocation would work.

"If it's purely symbolic to say yeah we support it, I don't know what more we can do than what we already did," Wright said, referring to previous board discussions supporting agricultural preservation.

Wright also noted that conversations about specific percentages were already happening publicly even though nothing had been formally proposed.

"I had some calls and text messages from people last night about this issue and they were throwing out numbers that have already been discussed that weren't part of the backup," he said.

Sales Tax Renewal Concerns

Commissioner Kerry Smith said his biggest concern was protecting the sales tax renewal itself.

"The only heartburn that I have is that it's actually on a half penny sales tax that's up for renewal," Smith said. "And I can sit here and I can look at staff and I can look at every member of this board and we know we're in trouble if that were not to pass."

Smith said he's a strong supporter of the farming community but worried about the political optics.

"The danger is, is you're looking at a populace that may not really care about the farming community," Smith said. "They may not see the benefits of the community as we do."

He expressed concern that opponents could use the issue against the tax renewal.

"The anti-Kerry Smith groups out there will say Kerry's against the farmer," Smith said. "I can see that happening right now."

Support for Agriculture

Despite the disagreement over timing, all commissioners expressed support for protecting farmland.

Commissioner Bobby Burkett said he's been supportive of farmers throughout his tenure but wanted more information before voting.

"I'm 100% agree with it," Burkett said of including farm conservation. "I just want some kind of percentage myself. It's a blank check, you know."

Commissioner Ray Eddington agreed, saying he supported farm conservation but wanted to see data first.

Rowell's Frustration

Rowell pushed back against characterizations that he was rushing the process.

"The four years of conservation talk is the exact reason why we are so ready to see some progress and to see some change," Rowell said.

He argued the board already received extensive data in previous presentations, including one from the Florida Trust for Public Land.

"I'm not asking for a number. I think that's the fair part of this," Rowell said. "I just want to make sure that the agricultural industry is protected and we have a piece of the pie for LOST renewal."

Rowell disputed Wright's suggestion that District 3 generates minimal sales tax revenue, noting the district includes portions of multiple zip codes and provides other economic benefits.

"We have Whiting Field in our district. So many people that live not in District 3 drive to Whiting Field and they work in District 3," Rowell said. "Are we supposed to be penalized by the fact that we are insulating that base?"

Agricultural Impact

According to data distributed at the meeting, agriculture generates $93.7 million in economic impact for Santa Rosa County, though $26.2 million of that comes from ornamental horticulture tied to development.

Rowell referenced previous presentations showing the importance of the agricultural sector, which he said employs approximately one-fifth of the county's workforce.

Public Input

Jeff Snow, a Milton resident, spoke in support of moving forward with the commitment.

"This is a critical subject for sure," Snow said. "The reason it's really stepped up for the farmers is because of the building that's going on and they need more teeth and more help to conserve."

Next Steps

The board will discuss the issue during a strategic planning workshop February 17, with the item returning to the commission agenda in late March.

The ballot language for the November sales tax renewal is due to the Supervisor of Elections office in August, leaving time for further discussion.

Commissioner Burkett made the motion to table the item for 30 days.

"Let's keep things common and put it off for 30 days," Burkett said. "I don't think it's gonna matter one way or the other in the big scope of things."

The motion passed 4-1 with Rowell opposed.