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Okaloosa County commission debates future of nonprofit general-fund grants for FY26
Summary
Commissioners debated whether to continue general-fund nonprofit grants for FY26 or to narrow funding to essential, statutorily required services and contracts. No final allocation was set; staff was directed to return with options and criteria before the June 10 meeting.
Okaloosa County commissioners held an extended discussion on whether to continue general-fund nonprofit grant allocations in the FY26 budget and, if so, at what level.
Staff presented the history of nonprofit funding (approximately $250,000 annually in prior years) and provided a list of applicants. Commissioners debated several options: maintain the current staff-run competitive review and allocation process; narrow general-fund support to essential or statutory services; or shift some recipients to contract vehicles with clear deliverables and audit rights.
Commissioner Ketchum proposed restricting general-fund support to specific court-ordered services (for example, legal services and safe exchange programs) at an illustrative $100,000 level. Commissioner Goodwin urged consideration of using contracts for core government functions to improve accountability. Commissioner Cox and others stressed a transparent, competitive review process if grants continue.
No final dollar allocation was adopted at the meeting; commissioners asked staff to prepare options for June 10 including (1) maintain a $250,000 allocation under current competitive procedures, (2) narrow support to essential/contracted services, or (3) propose a revised allocation and criteria for FY26. Staff said they would return with recommendations and additional information on statutory obligations and existing contractual relationships.
