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CRA delays decision on Walter Martin streetscape design amid funding uncertainty
Summary
The CRA heard a Kimley‑Horn design proposal for Walter Martin Road (scope $123,000, budgeted $150,000) but substituted a motion to delay final approval until after the November election because potential changes to CRA funding could reduce available capital.
The Fort Walton Beach Community Redevelopment Agency received a Kimley‑Horn proposal June 23 to prepare a concept design and public‑engagement package for the Walter Martin Road streetscape, then voted to delay final approval until the board meets after the November general election amid uncertainty about future CRA revenue.
Staff said the Kimley‑Horn scope consists of five tasks at a fixed fee of $123,000, with $150,000 currently budgeted for design. Alicia explained the contract is to produce engineering and public‑engagement deliverables so the city will be ready to construct in phases when funding becomes available.
Board members raised finance and timing concerns tied to an upcoming November vote that could lower property‑value‑based CRA revenue. As one member put it, if the CRA’s revenue stream is reduced ‘‘we would have the design, but then we would have to put the project back into the general fund or tie it to the millage,’’ limiting immediate construction options.
Given those uncertainties, the board substituted the staff motion and voted to postpone a final decision until the first CRA meeting after the November general election so the board can assess revenue projections and budget implications before committing to design work.
Next steps: staff will keep the project on the agenda for the post‑election meeting and provide updated budget scenarios.
