News Update

NWFWMD adopts 2012-2013 budget

Staff report

Enviro-Net

The Northwest Florida Water Management District Governing Board adopted a $27.8 million budget for Fiscal Year 2012-2013 (Oct. 1, 2012 – Sept. 30, 2013). The budget allows the district to maintain its current millage rate, while continuing to support their core mission responsibilities of water supply, water quality, natural systems and flood protection.



“The district is committed to taking a responsible and realistic fiscal approach, resulting in a budget that accurately reflects anticipated projects and expenditures over the next fiscal year,” said Governing Board Chairman George Roberts. “We’re proud to adopt a budget that remains focused on the protection of our water resources without adding to the financial burden of northwest Floridians.”



The board adopted an ad valorem tax millage rate of .04 mill, the same rate as the current fiscal year. Under this rate, property owners pay 40 cents for every $1,000 in assessed property value. This will produce an estimated $3.3 million in revenue for the upcoming fiscal year.



The adopted budget includes funding for projects vital to achieving the district’s mission, including:



- Springs protection — $1.5 million over the next two years for important restoration and protection projects for Williford Spring. These projects represent the second phase of the Econfina Springs Complex Restoration and Protection project; building on $1.3 million already invested in protection, restoration and improved access to Pitt and Sylvan Springs.



- Wetland restoration — Approximately $3.6 million for watershed and wetland restoration projects designed to enhance wetland habitat, improve water quality and enhance flood water storage within the Perdido River, Yellow River, Choctawhatchee River and St. Andrews Bay watersheds.



- Watershed protection — Approximately $2.3 million in combined funding for stormwater retrofits, water quality improvements and habitat restoration in the Apalachicola River and Bay, St. Andrews Bay and St. Marks River watersheds.”

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