TENSIONS HIGH OVER PROPOSED UTILITY AUTHORITY IN SANTA ROSA COUNTY

Legislation proposed by Senator Doug Broxson would unite small water utilities in northern Santa Rosa County under an umbrella organization patterned after ECUA. There was a community meeting to discuss the possible creation of a 'utility authority' last night in Milton. The legislation is opposed by a coalition of several smaller utilities who say it would mean rate hikes for citizens. Community members voice concerns about a big government takeover of their utilities and a lack of public input on the measure. Community members asked Broxson to provide a final draft of the bill before it goes to vote during the upcoming legislative session.