At its July 8 budget workshop, the city council took a hard look at the fiscal year 2026 budget and the implications of forging ahead with the long-proposed facility. The revelation of an estimated total cost of up to $118 million—with additional financial obligations—forced council members to confront a dilemma no elected official envies: how far can you stretch a community’s aspirations before the cost becomes untenable?
The only funding strategy—raising the city’s millage rate by 4.4 mills—immediately raised eyebrows. A hike of 4.4 mills translates to $440 in additional property taxes per $100,000 of home value. For a typical homeowner that’s a substantial leap, one that could strain household budgets already contending with inflation, insurance spikes and everyday economic uncertainties.
Councilor Shannon Hayes didn’t mince words. Calling the proposed rate “too excessive,” Hayes emphasized a growing concern among citizens: that such a burden was neither fair nor feasible. “The people I associate and talk with wouldn’t support it, either,” he said, speaking not only as a public servant but as a neighbor and friend to those most impacted.
Mayor Pro Tem Doug Capps was equally unequivocal, stating his absolute opposition to raising property taxes for the complex. That kind of clarity might be politically brave, but it reflects a broader resistance in Crestview—a community where frugality and family priorities often outrank grand civic ambitions.
But rather than walking away from youth recreation altogether, the council pivoted. The revised plan involves building a more modest indoor recreation facility—possibly featuring basketball and pickleball courts. It’s not the sprawling sports campus once imagined, but it’s a response rooted in fiscal responsibility and community necessity.
City Manager Jessica Leavins summed up the motivation behind the shift plainly: “The primary goal is to meet the needs of our kids.” That sentiment carries weight. It speaks to the city’s commitment to investing in its young people without overextending its taxpayers.
This recalibration from mega-complex to scaled-down rec center isn’t defeat—it’s a testament to leadership willing to adapt, reprioritize and listen. The decision reflects the realities of municipal budgeting in a small but growing city. It’s tempting to chase grandeur, but truly great governance requires knowing when to press pause, pivot, and make choices that serve the widest swath of citizens.
There’s still room to dream. Crestview might not be ready for a multimillion-dollar facility today, but that doesn’t mean the idea is gone forever. With strategic planning, community fundraising and perhaps private partnerships, scaled investments in recreation can happen in phases—lessening the immediate impact on residents while still sowing the seeds for a brighter, more active future.
We applaud the city councilors for rejecting the idea of putting the funding on the back of taxpayers. We implore them to seek out private partnerships to help with funding opportunities for a larger sports complex. Business0branded sports complexes are all over the country – why not include Crestview?
602 S. Main St.
Crestview, FL 32536
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