Commissioners tweak Bluewater Bay MSBU rules and appoint members

The Okaloosa County Board approved modest amendments to the Bluewater Bay MSBU (Municipal Service Benefit Unit) ordinance that, among other changes, limit MSBU spending on parks/sidewalks and similar items to 10% per category per fiscal year with a 30% cumulative cap. Planning staff said the ordinance preserves the district’s core services (landscaping, street lighting, irrigation) and imposes constraints because MSBU funds had been used for broader projects in the past.

During the public hearing Mr. Coffee explained the main change: it “restricts it to 10% in any one of those items” and noted the MSBU will still be able to partner on sidewalks or parks but such spending will be limited to avoid double‑taxation where separate MSBUs or county taxes exist. The board heard one public speaker in favor who sought assurance that replacements would be new community members rather than previously resigned board members. The board also confirmed appointment of three new MSBU members who had filed as candidates with the supervisor of elections.