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Fort Walton Beach voters approve all three charter amendments

Residents backed significant changes to city governance Tuesday, including ending elected official pay, requiring property owner approval for special assessments, and limiting budget increases.

Fort Walton Beach voters approved three charter amendments in Tuesday’s election, with measures addressing elected official compensation, special assessments, and budget limitations all receiving majority support.

The first amendment, eliminating compensation for elected officials, passed with 53.58% approval (5,162 votes). While the measure ends salaries and financial benefits for elected officials, it maintains reimbursement for expenses incurred during official duties.

  • Prior to the change, elected officials received the option of accepting health insurance and around $400 in a monthly stipend.

Voters strongly supported the second amendment regarding special assessments, with 67.62% (6,437 votes) in favor. This measure requires the city to obtain approval from a majority of property owners before levying any special assessments on real property.

  • The amendment follows controversy over the 2019 Fire Assessment Fee and includes specific procedures for the City Manager to prepare and circulate petitions.

The third amendment, limiting annual budget increases, received 60.82% support (5,820 votes). This measure limits total annual budgeted expenditures, including capital expenditures and repayment of municipal debt, to an increase from the prior year’s expenditures by the lesser of 3% or the percentage change in the Consumer Price Index (CPI).

  • It includes 12 exemptions for emergency expenses, grant-funded projects, tourist development tax funds, self-supporting enterprise funds, and more.

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Community Comments

“There is no public parking…note from article, “The beach bar is accessible only to Sandpiper Cove residents and guests, along with people walking up from the beach.” Walk in from...”
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“This should NOT BE ALLOWED in single family residential neighborhoods.”
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“It's amazing that the State of Florida can come up with money to purchase 2483 acres for a new park. But Caladesi Island State Park, Cayo Costa State Park and...”
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“What a beautiful story of past, present, and future. Lee, you have left an amazing legacy. These words from Matthew 25:21 are fitting for you, ‘Well done, good and faithful...”
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“Where do you park? Should run a shuttle for HI owners”
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“They have served great food items and the staff is friendly and ready to make the Sandpiper owners and guests feel welcome and appreciated! I heard the Saturday music is...”
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“Interesting Risk, limiting your customer base. Wishes for success.”
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“Beulah & I extend heartfelt gratitude and congratulations for your decades of highly skilled, compassionate care for our community and my family. We love you & Cathy and pray God’s...”
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“I've lived in the area all my life and we use to go arrowhead hunting in the area & use to find them.”
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“I've lived in the area all my life and we use to go arrowhead hunting in the area & use to find them.”
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