Okaloosa County sets tentative FY2027 tax rates; airport and opioid spending on tap for August
Okaloosa County commissioners reviewed FY2027 budget documents and took up tentative property tax rates in late July, while a major airport rehabilitation contract and opioid settlement spending plans head the agenda for the board's August 4 meeting.
FY2027 tentative millage rates
At a July 21 special meeting, commissioners were scheduled to certify the DR-1420 form setting FY2027 tentative ad valorem and Municipal Services Taxing Unit (MSTU) millage rates for unincorporated parks. Staff recommended setting the ad valorem rate at 3.8308 mils, with proposed revenue of $120,823,534, and the MSTU rate at 0.2880 mils, with proposed revenue of $4,123,110. Minutes for this meeting have not yet been published, so the final vote tallies are not available.
Budget review workshop
Also on July 21, commissioners held a budget review workshop covering FY2027 requests from several departments. The Clerk of Courts submitted a budget request totaling $4,399,705. Budget documents were also received from the Property Appraiser, Supervisor of Elections, and State Attorney's Office, though no dollar amounts were specified for those offices in the agenda. Additional departments listed for discussion included Public Defender, Public Safety, and Corrections. No formal budget approvals were scheduled at the workshop. A visitor from Okaloosa Saves presented "Teach Children to Save" awards.
Tourist Development Council
The Tourist Development Council met July 28 to consider public safety reimbursements and contract renewals. Reimbursement requests on the agenda included Beach Safety at $186,528.90, Destin Fire at $233,445.79, and the Sheriff at $155,309.47. The council also had coastal engineering renewals for Taylor & MRD, an FY27-28 local government funding request for inlet sediment, and international travel for professional development on the agenda. Approval of the May 27, 2026 meeting minutes was also listed. Minutes for this meeting have not yet been published.
Coming up
Board of County Commissioners — Regular Meeting (North), August 4, 2026. Commissioners will review a FAA grant award and contracts totaling $15,599,995.30 for Destin Executive Airport taxiway rehabilitation. The meeting also includes expenditure plans for City/County, Regional Abatement, and National Settlement opioid funds; a public hearing for the Millwood Ranch Subdivision Conceptual Master Plan (DO-1125-0022); a quote of $360,000 from Green Energy Contracting, LLC for drainage work at the Baker Recreational & Equestrian Center; and a proposed $900,000 self-performance of the 4th Ave Lift Station Replacement project. A legislative recap from The Advocacy Partners is also scheduled.