|
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Sales-tax proposal 'the only way' to fund new courthouse
The current courthouse was completed in 1927, making it 82 years old. Through the years, there have been renovations and additions made in an attempt to keep up with the growth the county has experienced. In addition, modular buildings have been added in recent years as a temporary fix for the overcrowded and unsafe conditions. Even still, the courthouse as it stands is inadequate to meet the needs of the citizens, both in terms of the size of the structure and the lack of modern safety and convenience features. Cost estimates for a new judicial center have varied, but common among all are that it will be a costly facility. Another hurdle to building a new facility is location. There are some who believe that the location of the current facility in downtown Milton will not be able to meet the traffic needs in the future. Sites have been proposed in Pace, East Milton and along Avalon Boulevard. Others feel that the current location would be the natural place to build anew, given that the county already owns the property and it is the historic site of the courthouse. Given the current economic environment and the cuts that are being made to the county budget, funding a new judicial center out of the county's general fund would be difficult, to say the least. A sales-tax proposal to fund a new courthouse was defeated earlier this decade, but I believe that is the only way to fund a new facility. With the attention that has been brought to the issue over the past two or three years, I believe the residents of Santa Rosa now realize the inadequate and unsafe condition of the current courthouse. If that is the case, I think a .5 percent or 1 percent sales tax referendum, specific in both purpose and duration, should be put on the ballot so the residents can make a decision. If we keep putting off a decision, the cost will keep rising. Millions of our tax dollars have been spent on temporary fixes, upgrades, and modular buildings at the current location. I believe we need to keep this issue on the front burner and work together to come up with a long-term solution. Santa Rosa County needs a judicial center that will serve the needs of the citizens for the next 50 years, and we can accomplish that goal. As always, I appreciate the opportunity to share my thoughts with you. I am grateful that I have the privilege of serving the citizens of Santa Rosa County as your County Commissioner for District 5. If you have any questions or concerns you would like me to address, please contact my office at 983-1877, or email me at Commissioner- Lynchard@santarosa.fl.gov. |
      |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
