The county s budget In 2014, when I first became a commissioner, had a reserve of $6.5 million.This fiscal year, we hope to have a reserve of 15 million dollars. This has been an intentional effort by a fiscally conservative Board of County Commissioners.
We watched our neighboring county need a tremendous reserve to address the devastation of Hurricane Michael. This past summer, Okaloosa County was faced with a significant budget deficit due to the economic downturn created when businesses were forced to shutter due to COVID-19. Okaloosa County alone was faced with an estimated $7 million deficit in our general fund.
Fortunately, close coordination with state and federal agencies enabled Okaloosa and other local governments across the country to utilize a portion of the Federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) money to offset losses incurred in response to the virus.