POSITION

As of October 2014, the Navarre Beach Area Chamber of Commerce, through its Board of Directors, unanimously supports the continued study of the feasibility of incorporation and the non-binding straw poll on the November 4, 2014 ballot. 


BACKGROUND

In 2005 the Navarre Chamber co-funded a $50,000.00 feasibility study with Santa Rosa County. The results of that study can be downloaded in PDF format by clicking the link below. The Navarre Chamber did not fund or contribute to the study recently completed by BJM Consulting on behalf of the Citizens to Incorporate Navarre, a local PAC. The 2014 feasibility study released by Inc.! Navarre can also be downloaded by clicking the link below.

STUDY INITIATION

 
On October 17, 2005, the Task Force on Incorporation of the Navarre Beach Area Chamber of Commerce (Task Force) engaged Government Services Group, Inc. (GSG) and Nabors, Giblin & Nickerson, P.A. (NG&N) to initiate a study (Study) addressing the feasibility for possible incorporation of the unincorporated area comprising and surrounding Navarre and Navarre Beach, Florida (Study Area). 


STUDY COMPOSITION

'The feasibility study is a compilation of information that should support the conclusion that the proposed municipality will [or will not] be a viable community.'

In general, the basis of a feasibility study is to provide an analytical overview of the elements and components associated with a newly incorporated government. Thus, a feasibility study not only addresses projected revenues and estimated expenditures, but also contemplates the practicality and anticipated particulars of providing and managing essential government services and programs within the newly developed municipality.

Accordingly, this Study describes the feasibility for possible incorporation of the Study Area. This Study provides a general overview and assessment of the Study Area, as well as an operational and financial comparison of the Study Area with comparable incorporated municipalities from within the State of Florida. Included within the comparisons, this Study also provides an analysis of potential benefits and possible impacts to the residents, businesses, and property owners within the Study Area. Additionally, this Study describes the methodology that was used in the determination of feasibility, presents the formulas, variables and data that served as the basis of the Study, and documents the determination of feasibility.

However, it should be noted that this Study does not attempt to provide a municipal budget or proposed municipal charter as required by Section §165.061(1)(e), Florida Statutes (2005). Likewise, this Study does not attempt to answer detailed questions regarding the form of governance or choice of services for the Study Area in the event incorporation is achieved.


 REASONING BEHIND THE STUDY

 “Examining the potential effect on others that a new municipality may have, will lead to better cooperation, coordination, and understanding among neighboring jurisdictions.”

As discussed at the kick-off meeting held on November 17, 2005, the Task Force maintains several general concerns about the present day status and future existence of the unincorporated Navarre and Navarre Beach Study Area as a whole. Therefore, as an entity that is attuned to growth, development, and progress, the Task Force commissioned this Study in a proactive attempt to examine, review, and address these general concerns.

Thus, the overall objective of this Study is to analyze the present and future conditions of the Study Area as a whole. Therefore, encompassed within this Study is a review of the relationships and levels of interaction between existing local government and the Study Area, an analysis of the amount of resources being routed to and from the Study Area, and a determination as to the availability and feasibility of alternative and more suitable status options for the Study Area. This Study not only provides an appraisal of the feasibility of possible incorporation, but also evaluates and analyzes the present-day status and future potential of the Study Area as a whole.

STRAW POLL

On July 3, 2012 John Hays, Chairman of the Board of Directors for the Navarre Beach Area Chamber of Commerce, sent the following letter to the Santa Rosa County Board of County Commissioners relative to incorporation: 

Dear Honorable County Commissioners,
 

The Navarre Beach Area Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors in its July 3, 2012 meeting voted to make the following recommendation to the county relative to incorporation.
 

As an association representing businesses, the Board supports a non-binding referrendum being placed on the November ballot or a straw poll to allow registered voters the opportunity to have their voices heard in regards to incorporation of Navarre. 
 

The Board of Directors believes allowing voters at the following precincts:  10,26,29,34,35,38, and 40 to vote “yes” or “no” to the question “Are you in favor of Incorporation” would be the most democratic process for determining the wishes of the community.   
 

Should you have any questions, please call me don’t hesitate to call the Chamber at 939-3267.
 

Thank you for your continued support of the Navarre Chamber and our members

October 2006 Navarre & Navarre Beach, Florida Incorporation Feasibility Study

2014 Navarre Incorporation Feasibility Study