CRESTVIEW — The Hub City got a bit bigger Monday evening when the city council unanimously approved several rezoning measures that annexed some property.

In addition, on consultant Jack Dorman’s recommendation, the council unanimously approved a small-scale amendment to the city's zoning map that clarifies several properties’ status.

Two ordinances adjusted the city's comprehensive plans to add land owned by Gulf Power off Aplin Road and the site of the new Dollar General store on U.S. Highway 90 East to the city.

Another ordinance adjusted the city's Future Land Use Map "with an accurate determination of the corporate boundary of the city of Crestview," according to the meeting agenda.

Two more ordinances, also unanimously approved, rezoned the Gulf Power and Dollar General properties from Okaloosa County mixed-use to Crestview commercial zones.

Four corrections of the Future Land Use Map clarify rights-of-way and "one involves a 2.01-acre parcel that is not in the city," the amendment stated.

In all, the revisions added 8.6 acres to the city, including 4.78 acres for the Gulf Power property, 1.38 acres for the Dollar General and 2.44 acres in FLUM corrections.

Contact News Bulletin Staff Writer Brian Hughes at 850-682-6524 or brianh@crestviewbulletin.com. Follow him on Twitter @cnbBrian.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Crestview zoning revisions clarify what's in and outside the city

LAUREL HILL — A meeting to finalize the Almarante Vl.Fire District budget for Fiscal Year 2010 is 7 p.m. Oct. 10 at Station 50, 3710 Old California Road, Laurel Hill.

Here's a copy of the budget under discussion>>

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Almarante commissioners budget meeting is Oct. 10 (DOCUMENT)

CRESTVIEW — City Council members have unanimously expressed support for developing affordable housing off Brookmeade Drive.

Vestcor Development Corporation, of Jacksonville, has proposed building a three-story, 120-unit apartment complex off Brookemeade Drive for senior citizens earning less than 60 percent of Okaloosa’s $64,000 median income.

The project, which includes a request that the city waive $20,000 in water connection fees, hinges on an annexation agreement, Vestcor representative Stephen Fricksaid. The waived fees would assist in applying for low-income housing tax credits through the Florida Housing Financing Corporation.

A 120-unit development’s water connection fees typically would be around $54,000, city planner Eric Davis said. After completion, the structure could earn the city $25,000 in tax revenue.

The council, which agreed on Sept. 9 to waive the water connection fees, has done the same for Addison Place and Spring Creek Apartments, Davis said. 

Frick said his company provides a need to Okaloosa County.

"There is a drastic under-service of affordable senior deals in medium-sized counties … Okaloosa being one," he said. 

"I think it's needed…because we serve the elderly of Crestview," Councilman Shannon Hayes said.    

Vestcor will present the property owners’ annexation agreement during a future council meeting.

Contact News Bulletin Staff Writer Matthew Brown at 850-682-6524 or matthewb@crestviewbulletin.com. Follow him on Twitter @cnbMatthew.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Crestview seniors’ affordable housing in development

The Florida Tax Collector Association has recognized the Okaloosa County Tax Collector Office with an Award of Excellence in Financial Operations.

The Tax Collector’s Office also received a Certificate of Merit for an audit clear of any findings. “Okaloosa is one of only four counties in the state to receive these two awards this year,” Michael C. Love, chairman of the awards program, said.

The Florida Tax Collector’s Inc., created the Excellence in Financial Operations Award in 2011 to recognize achievements and innovations in government finance. Since 2011, 20 of Florida’s Tax Collector Offices have earned the designation.

Judging criteria include these competency areas:

•Innovation and automation

•Annual audit report free of findings

•Customer focus; internal and external customers

•Budgeting expertise

Five finance officers established the criteria and serve on the judging panel.

“The award is an important achievement for a tax collector’s office,” Love said. “Ben Anderson and the staff of the Okaloosa County Tax Collector’s Office have embraced technology as a way to enhance customer service and to promote financial accountability and transparency in government.”

The judging panel was especially impressed with the office’s program of “Doing Business Online, Not In Line,” which uses smartphone technology to allow customers to conduct transactions without needing to visit an office. The technology also assists customers “on the go” to find the nearest office and view potential wait times.

“The Okaloosa Tax Collector’s Office has earned the highest honor that the Florida Tax Collectors have to offer,” Love said. “And, their innovations will be shared with other Florida counties as an example of excellence.”

“Recognition on a state level is something of which we are very proud,” Okaloosa County Tax Collector Ben Anderson said. “It is affirmation of the respect we have for the taxpayer’s dollar and commitment to provide the highest level of service.”

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Okaloosa tax collector’s office recognized for financial excellence

LAUREL HILL — The City Council has unanimously approved a resolution that will allow limited public comments during the first 30 minutes of each meeting.

Copy of the file regarding procedures for comment at Laurel Hill public meetings: Resolution 2013-08>>

"It will be available to anyone in the public to speak with a limit of three minutes (per person)," Council member Larry Hendren said. "They will be asked to fill out a card with their address, name and the subject they would want to speak on."

The resolution, voted on during a special Tuesday meeting, needed to pass to comply with Florida Statute changes, city leaders said.

Contact News Bulletin Staff Writer Matthew Brown at 850-682-6524 or matthewb@crestviewbulletin.com. Follow him on Twitter @cnbMatthew.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Laurel Hill council OKs public comment at meetings (DOCUMENT)