On June 18, 2026, the Washington County, Florida Board of County Commissioners voted 3-2 to approve a 5% rate increase for the Sunny Hills/Oak Hill Municipal Services Benefit Unit (MSBU), sparking renewed outrage from property owners who say they receive little benefit and want the entire assessment district dissolved.
The MSBU funds targeted services such as road paving, lighting, and mowing within the Sunny Hills community. Residents have long questioned the district’s value, transparency, and spending practices.
A petition calling for its abolition—complete with a proposed orderly dissolution process—was presented to the board, but commissioners proceeded with the increase anyway.
Sunny Hills residents Jolene Attard, Ken Attard, and Larry Lomax voiced strong opposition during public comment. They cited a lack of visible benefits, questions about accountability, proper notice, and possible unauthorized spending. “This is not simply about a small increase on a tax bill.
This is about trust, accountability… and whether the people paying this assessment still have confidence in the system,” one resident stated. Others emphasized collecting signatures for the abolition petition and argued there was “no need for an increase.”
The 3-2 split vote reflected divided commissioner views on balancing service funding against resident demands.
Sunny Hills lies within Washington County, affecting property owners in and around the Chipley area. Critics argue the MSBU has failed to deliver promised improvements while imposing ongoing assessments.
As of July 2026, residents continue organizing against the district, raising broader questions about special taxing districts, government transparency, and responsiveness in rural Florida counties. The controversy shows no signs of abating ahead of potential further legal or petition efforts.
