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The Commission held a meeting yesterday morning. There was a decided shift in the discussion at this week’s meeting. While we are still focused on immediate response and preparation efforts, there was also substantial talk of getting ready to come out of the corner swinging as a community just as soon as we are able to do so. An update of important items covered follows below together with an update on Senior Shopping Hours.
We covered a number of Covid-19 response items as well as some general business items. There were no major changes in County policy or approach on any substantial Covid-19 matters but an update follows for those that are interested as well updates on several others issues of interest.
April 14th Commission Meeting Update:
Local State of Emergency extended another week
As has become standard, we extended the local state of emergency for an additional week.
County Park Closures List Published
A comprehensive list of the status of each County park and recreational facility has been developed and is available here: Park Closures
Beach Discussion Continues, No Action Taken
The discussion around a limited reopening of the beaches continues. I again advocated for an opening limited to a few hours early and late each day and limited to exercise and fishing activities, essentially those activities that would primarily benefit locals and not be likely to encourage people to violate social distancing rules. I was unable to build any support, but I think several commissioners may be willing to begin implementing a change next week.
SHIP funding approved for housing and utility support
The Commission unanimously approved allocating up to $530,000 in available funding to provide grants to families that have suffered an economic loss for help making rent and utility payments. The funds are from the state and designated for several housing programs including down payment assistance. At my urging, we agreed to cap the assistance at 75% of the rent or utility bill. This funding is substantial and will benefit many families who may not be earning an income right now. I believe the funding has an additional benefit as many landlords are average folks who have invested in a small real estate portfolio as a substantial part of their retirement planning. Most of those investors have mortgages and other expenses that must be paid and would also be impacted if their tenants are unable to pay rent for an extended period. Once the program is finalized and an application is developed I will share the link.
Discussion of Economic Support to Local Businesses and Citizens
The Commission unanimously supported a series of initiatives to help offset the economic impact of the Covid-19 response. These initiatives will now be formalized into actionable programs, most of which will be back next Tuesday for formal approval. Some of these efforts are, very frankly, little more than symbolic. However, I have come to believe that they are still worth the effort. Despite being a military and tourism community, small business is still the backbone of our economy. Small businesses employ a large percentage of our work force and they support the County with the taxes generated through their activities. These businesses are often too small to benefit from fancy economic development incentives but they have earned some support during this difficult time. If nothing else, we can show them that we care and that we are all in this together. The initiatives include:
Small Business Grant Program
$250,000 from general fund reserves allocated to grants of a maximum of $2,500 each. The target would be very small local businesses that have had difficulty accessing other support programs.
Waiver or Reduction of the Business Tax Receipt
A partial one-time reduction for all businesses, which may be a flat amount, percentage, or tiered amount. Alternatively, the Board may temporarily waive it for specific occupations. Staff is working together with the Tax Collector’s office to develop a proposal for final adoption.
Reduction of Building Permit and Inspection Fees
For the two months following the end of the stay-at-home order, the Commission will reduce all permit and inspection fees by 50% to encourage economic activity.
50% Reduction in Parking Fees at Airport
Although VPS has the lowest airport parking rates in the entire southeast, passengers parking at VPS will receive 50% off their entire parking charge through September 7th. This is primarily targeted at current essential travel and supporting travelers once restrictions are eased.
Voucher for outbound passengers
Every passenger that processes through the TSA Checkpoint at VPS with a boarding pass will receive a $5.00 voucher to use at any VPS concessionaires. These concessionaires employ many locals and have been hard hit like many other businesses.
Welcome Back Promotion
After travel restrictions are released, every lodging stay within the Tourism Development District (TDD) will receive a $5 voucher for a 1-4 night stay and $10 voucher for a 5+ night stay to use at any business within the TDD. It will be capped at $250,000 max and limited to 45 days total, whichever is less.
Water and Sewer Late Fee Forgiveness
Suspension of cut-offs and waiver of late payment fees through June 16 for all customers, residential and commercial. It is estimated that this save Okaloosa County citizens $150,000.
Water and Sewer Base Charge Waiver
Waiver of monthly Water Readiness-to-Serve (“base fee”) charge and Water Customer Service charge for a period of 2 months (2 billing cycles each customer – April/May) for all commercial customers with water meter sizes ¾” to 6″. This will benefit many of the businesses who have been closed by the Governor’s order and who cannot earn revenue but are still being charged for utilities. It is estimated that this will provide approximately $110,000 in payment relief to small businesses and other commercial customers in Okaloosa County.
Waiver of Various Fee for two months – Pavilion Rentals, Beachside Weddings, and Beach Vendors – Phase II, III
After the beaches reopen, waive all permit fees (excluding returnable deposits). This would include various rentals for pavilions, beach/park wedding fees, and ½ of beach vendor fees would be returned for those that have paid. Crab Island vendors would receive two months free. Staff is working separately to develop an assistance program for businesses who have been shut down and who are required to pay lease fees to the County such as businesses at the Boardwalk on Okaloosa Island, for example.
Senior Shopping Hours Update:
Several of you were kind enough to write with corrections and updates to the senior hours published in my last newsletter. Here is some additional and corrective information:
Eglin Commissary:
I am advised that the Eglin Commissary is maintaining Senior only hours from 5 to 7 PM weekdays, and 9 to 10 AM on the weekends.
Correction for Sams Club:
Sam’s Club is open every Tuesday and Thursday from 7 a.m. to 9 a.m. for seniors and those with disabilities or compromised immune systems. This includes pharmacy and optical centers.
Correction for Winn Dixie:
Open to Seniors and high risk customers during the first hour of business Monday through Friday, which I believe is at 8am at most locations.
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