Santa Rosa Commissioners Vote Down Boardroom Renovations 3-2 Over Budget Concerns

Santa Rosa County, FL (Newsradio 92.3) -- Santa Rosa County Commissioners voted down proposed boardroom renovations Thursday on a 3-2 vote despite eight years of planning and delays.

The $147,000 project would have installed drop ceilings, improved acoustics and upgraded lighting in the 31-year-old facility. Commissioners Bobby Burkett, Ray Edgington and Rhett Rowell voted against it. Commissioners Kerry Smith and Colten Wright voted in favor.

"We've gone through this like this for several years like it is now, so we can continue going with it for another year or so," Burkett said. "There's just too many unknowns, too many variables right now for me to be comfortable going forward with this."

Smith gave a passionate defense of the project, noting discussions began in 2018 under four different county administrators. He suggested if the board won't spend on the boardroom, they should cut the entire $3.3 million dollar facilities maintenance budget.

County Administrator Brad Baker told commissioners not to worry about staff feelings. "We bring it because it's in the budget, and it's now for y'all to approve," Baker said.