Statement from Okaloosa County Commission Chairman Carolyn Ketchel regarding Utility Tax Fees

June 1, 2017

On Tuesday evening, a news story ran in Okaloosa County on WEAR Channel Three News regarding the potential implementation of a utility tax fee to fund storm water drainage upgrades around Okaloosa County.

In the story, it was reported that Commission Chairman Carolyn Ketchel is in favor of a utility tax fee to fund required storm water drainage and infrastructure improvements throughout the county, in order to prepare for the 2017 hurricane season.

Chairman Ketchel would like to clarify that she is currently not in favor of any sort of utility fee at this point in time.

Ketchel says the concept of a utility tax fee was brought forward by county staff, who were asked by the commission to explore multiple ways of funding infrastructure improvements around the county, but that she believes other sources of funding will be more viable and better for county residents.

“We need to look at BP money and other sources. I do not believe a utility service fee is the best way to solve this problem.”