Politics

Okaloosa Commissioner Mel Ponder Appointed to FAC Board of Directors and Committees

Okaloosa County Commissioner Mel Ponder was appointed for a third straight year to serve as an at-large member on the Florida Association of Counties’ Board of Directors, the county announced […]

Jared Williams

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Okaloosa County Commissioner Mel Ponder was appointed for a third straight year to serve as an at-large member on the Florida Association of Counties’ Board of Directors, the county announced on Thursday.

Ponder was also named to the association’s Finance, Tax and Administration Policy Committee and as co-vice chairman of the Presidential Select Committee on Preemption.

“I truly appreciate being able to serve on the Board and these committees, working with my fellow policy leaders in the FAC,” Ponder said in a statement. “The goals of each committee and the FAC Board resonate with me personally and speak to values like ethics, fiscal responsibility and keeping local government local.”

The finance committee addresses issues including taxation, local revenue, economic development, elections, ethics and utilities.

As co-vice chairman of the preemption committee, Ponder will work with officials across Florida to address state preemption of local authority. The committee will study preemption trends, causes and supporters to create solutions to state preemption.

Ponder will collaborate with the association’s executive committee to shape legislative priorities for the 2024 session.

The Florida Association of Counties develops an annual statewide legislative platform and policy recommendations for the state’s counties. Ponder represents Okaloosa County in Florida’s Panhandle.

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Julia Kearns commented on Okaloosa commissioners to explore ‘penny sales tax initiative’ that could replace homestead property taxes

“Oh hell no !!!!”

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Scott Schaeffler commented on WordroW: July 16, 2026

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SCOTT commented on Okaloosa commissioners to explore ‘penny sales tax initiative’ that could replace homestead property taxes

“Isnt this a one PERCENT sales tax? Seems that a one cent sales tax means one cent on each sale... only a penny. One percent is 1/100 of the total...”

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W Taylor commented on Okaloosa commissioners to explore ‘penny sales tax initiative’ that could replace homestead property taxes

“A VAT. What a concept. Then you're only taxed if you spend money. What a great idea!”

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