The Okaloosa Board of County Commissioners approved the schematic design package for a new Tax Collector/County Government Service Building in Crestview on Tuesday, August 6, 2024. The board also authorized moving forward to the Design Development Phase of the project.

• The new facility, planned to be over 36,000 square feet, will house all Tax Collector and Property Appraiser functions for the north county area. It will be located on county-owned property near the Crestview Community Center, library, and Chamber of Commerce.

Jason Autrey, Public Works Director, presented the project to the commissioners. “It’s about a 30,000 square foot facility that the tax collector will occupy in the Crestview area,” Autrey said. He noted that the current space in the Brackin Building is cramped, with lines forming outside the door each morning.

The first floor, approximately 20,000 square feet, will be dedicated to the Tax Collector’s office. About 6,300 square feet will be available for the Property Appraiser, with an additional 5,300 square feet of open space for future assignment. The remaining area, roughly 4,400 square feet, will be used as public, maintenance, or mechanical space.

• Autrey emphasized that the property has a restriction allowing only government use. “It can only be used for government purposes. So it’s not like the tax collector or the county can take that open space and lease it to a private company,” he explained.

While funds have been allocated for the design phase, Autrey noted that the exact funding for construction has not yet been determined. “We have not identified exactly how we’re going to pay for construction. That’s something we’re going to know more down the road once we get a better feel for the construction costs,” he said.

Commissioners expressed support for the project, with Chairman Paul Mixon stating, “I think the future of Crestview is moving further north. The future of the North End seems to be becoming more centric upon this area, so I think it’s going to be a great location.”

Commissioner Nathan Boyles, while supporting the motion, emphasized the importance of Crestview’s historic downtown. “I continue to believe that historic downtown Crestview is still the center of Crestview and will continue to be the center of Crestview,” Boyles said. He clarified that his support for the new facility was due to the growth of services provided by the Tax Collector’s office, rather than its northern location.

The commissioners unanimously approved the schematic design and authorized proceeding to the Design Development phase. No additional funds were required for this stage of the project.