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.
