<p> NEWS RELEASE</p><p>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: September 20, 2016</p><p>Contact: Jessica Welch Office of Communications & Public Services (850) 926-0919</p><p>Wakulla County Adopts FY2016/2017 Budget</p><p>Crawfordville, Florida – On September 19, 2016 the Wakulla County Board of County Commissioners approved the FY2016/2017 Budget at $77,259,400 and the Millage Rate was set at 8.25 mills. This budget reflects a decrease in the ad-valorem from 8.5 to 8.25 mills. </p><p>The Board held a total of five budget workshops leading up to the adoption of this final budget. Since the submission of the Preliminary Budget on July 15, 2016 there have been many changes. Some of the highlights include: . Funding to continue the current level of service and operations for all County offices; . 2% Cost of Living Allocation for County employees; . Over $400,000 in funding from the BP RESTORE Trust Funds; . Funding for capital repairs at the Jail; . Funding for 4 new vehicles for WCSO; . Funding to begin construction on the Otter Creek Wastewater Treatment Facility that will double the current capacity; and . Funding for sewer and road paving in portions of Wakulla Gardens and Magnolia Gardens.</p><p>“Five years ago the County was in a very serious financial condition; staff developed a 5-year plan to get the County back on its feet financially and move the County forward. Four years into the plan we have achieved the goal of making the County financially sound. The Board of County Commissioners were committed to the 5-year plan and I applaud them for this. I would also like to thank the citizens of our great County for being patient and having confidence in your County leaders to fix the problems. Our County continues to grow and many new improvements are either under construction now or in the planning stages for the upcoming year,” said County Administrator David Edwards.</p><p>For additional information related to this story, please contact Jessica Welch, Communications & Public Services Director at (850) 926-0919 ext. 706 or [email protected]</p>