Escambia County commissioners on May 1 did not adopt a proposed increase to the Municipal Service Benefit Unit (MSBU) that would raise fees levied on properties on Pensacola Beach for fire protection. Instead the board paused action and asked the Santa Rosa Island Authority (SRIA) — the island’s lease‑fee collecting body — to consider options and return information before the board’s next meeting.

The proposal under discussion would have sharply increased the per‑square‑foot assessment on Pensacola Beach commercial and residential parcels; speakers said the change would be far larger for many island businesses than it would be for mainland properties. The Pensacola Beach Chamber of Commerce, business owners and residents described substantial economic consequences if the largest version of the increase went forward.

Rhonda Dorfman, president of the Pensacola Beach Advocates, testified: “Reduce reduce the beach MSPU so that all residents are paying the same price,” and urged parity with mainland residents. Ray Kessler, chairman of the Pensacola Beach Chamber of Commerce, told commissioners the proposal would move assessments “from 7¢ to 83¢ per square foot,” a change Kessler described as a dramatic jump that could push many small businesses to cut staff or close.

Commissioners and county staff discussed the county’s current subsidy for beach services. Chair Michael S. Kohler said the county currently pays about $1.3 million a year to subsidize beach fire services and that island operations cost roughly $2.3 million annually; he and staff noted SRIA also contributes lease revenue (Kohler said SRIA pays about $17,000 monthly, roughly $206,000 annually). County staff member Stefan (administrative staff) said staff were exploring options to partially offset the increase and that SRIA had signaled a willingness to consider subsidizing some portion of the increase.

Several commissioners said they want more time and more modeling and recommended public education before any vote. Commissioner Ashley Hoffberger noted that MSBUs are regressive by nature (a flat square‑foot charge affects low‑value properties proportionally more) and stressed the need to examine fairness for residents across districts. Commissioners also noted that some parts of the county face higher yearly subsidies and that a blanket increase requires careful outreach.

Action: the board agreed to hold a placeholder to revisit the beach MSBU after the SRIA’s meeting; no rate resolution was changed on May 1.

Why it matters: the MSBU change would directly affect Pensacola Beach businesses and homeowners and could influence rental and service pricing in a major tourist area. Commissioners balanced the need to fund a higher level of emergency response on the island — including paramedic staffing and rapid water‑rescue capabilities — against the economic impact on small businesses and seasonal operators.

What’s next: the SRIA has a meeting on May 14; commissioners asked SRIA leaders and county staff to work jointly on options, with the matter scheduled for further consideration at the board’s May 15 session.