On Wednesday, January 24, Florida State Senator Doug Broxson announced that a bill he sponsored to create a North Santa Rosa County Utility Authority has been withdrawn from consideration.

This new legislation has been strongly opposed by all community water systems in North Santa Rosa County. There are 7 systems plus the City of Milton and the Town of Jay. ALL voiced strong opposition to the new law. 

After numerous public meetings  the North Santa Rosa County Utility Coalition, the utility systems representing over 100,000 people have won this battle. While our boards of directors serve as community volunteers at no pay, this Authority if created would have five paid board members with the ability set their own salaries up to $43,000 annually, plus employing a General Manager. This would have resulted in MUCH higher water rates than we now enjoy.

Thanks to our coalition who is represented by: Bagdad-Garcon Water (William Price), Berrydale Water (Greg Smith),  Chumuckla Water (Mark Locklin) , East Milton Water (Cleo Heath), Moore-Creek Mt. Carmel Water (Elijah Bell) , Pace Water (Paul Hinson), Pt Baker Water (Robert  Smith) and the Town of Jay Mayor and City of Milton Mayor. This action was taken to protect the integrity and  local control of our community’s utilities!

This concept of a paid Authority has been passed on to the Santa Rosa County Board of County Commissioners for their consideration. Your coalition members will closely monitor future actions of the county commission and keep our customers informed.