Commissioners approve ballot language to renew 0.5¢ surtax for roads, water quality and public safety

The Santa Rosa County Board of County Commissioners on Thursday approved ballot language to continue a 0.5¢ local sales surtax for five years beginning Jan. 1, 2027.

Chair (speaker 2) read the proposed question into the record, saying the measure would fund efforts “to reduce traffic congestion by building and improving roads, protecting drinking water sources and water quality in rivers, bays, and creeks, preserve natural areas, farmland, and wildlife habitat from overdevelopment, improve public safety through modern equipment for fire and sheriff services, and improve parks and recreation facilities with independent annual audits and full public disclosure of all spending.” Staff (speaker 6) noted the ordinance is contingent on the November election and uses wording previously approved by the board.

During the public hearing, resident Sherry Chapman urged the board to dedicate surtax proceeds specifically to roads and drainage, arguing voters want visible infrastructure results: “I want to see this 0.5 a cent sales tax to go a 100% for roads and drainage,” she said. Another commenter asked the board to read the exact ballot language into the record so voters could follow along.

Committee member (speaker 9) moved to approve the ballot language “without objection,” and the chair recorded no objections, closing the public hearing with the language approved for placement on the Nov. 3, 2026 ballot.

The vote recorded in the meeting was conducted by voice and the board accepted the motion without objection; no roll-call tally was provided in the transcript. The ordinance and any subsequent allocation plans remain contingent on voter approval in November.