Escambia County Council Approves $798 Million Budget Amid Calls for Increased Community Funding

Overview: The Escambia County Council convened on September 23, 2024, to finalize the fiscal year 2024-2025 budget, approving a $798 million budget with a 6.23% increase over the roll-back rate. The meeting also saw discussions on community funding, employee pay increases, and stormwater management.

#### Escambia County Council Discusses Hurricane Preparations and Approves Tentative Budget for 2024-2025

Overview: During its recent meeting, the Escambia County Council provided an update on hurricane preparations, adopted the tentative budget and millage rates for the fiscal year 2024-2025, and addressed various public service assessments and employee pay scales.

Escambia County Council Faces $800,000 Budget Overrun in Housing Program

Overview: The Escambia County Council meeting on September 5, 2024, highlighted concerns over a budget overrun in the county’s housing programs, new strategies to address the contractor shortage for residential rehabs, and the introduction of a new EMS Chief.

Escambia County Council Debates Funding and Development Issues

Overview: The Escambia County Council meeting addressed several issues, including the allocation of funds for electric buses, a pending attorney general’s opinion on tourist development tax funds, and concerns over a development project’s adherence to the master plan. The discussions were marked by varying opinions on the utilization of funds and the impact of development projects on local communities.

County Council Weighs Development Offers and Hospital Repurposing

Overview: During a recent Escambia County Council meeting, discussions unfolded regarding the potential development of a large property and the repurposing of the Baptist Hospital campus, both of which could impact the community’s economy and infrastructure. The council debated various development proposals, with a focus on financial details and community benefits, and also contemplated the possible purchase and transformation of the Baptist Hospital campus into a facility that could provide high-paying jobs and enhance healthcare access for residents.