Pensacola & Perdido Bays Estuary Program Meeting - September 30, 2026

The Pensacola & Perdido Bays Estuary Program Finance Subcommittee and Board of Directors met on September 30, 2026. The board approved the FY2027 operating budget, with only minor personnel corrections from the July version; it includes a 3% cost-of-living increase and an operating budget of about $2.5 million. Staff proposed building a reserve toward a 7% target—approximately $175,000—over three years before adopting a formal reserve policy. Quarterly financial statements were removed from the agendas pending revisions following the termination of the former bookkeeping firm, with year-end statements expected in November. The board also approved a $250,000 line of credit with Hancock Whitney Bank to bridge delays in grant reimbursements; staff will bring back an internal-control policy in November to define allowable use and reporting. The board renewed the office lease with Empire Partners at $3,500 per month, renewed the three-year fiscal-agent agreement with Hancock Whitney after a competitive process involving three proposals, ratified the James Moore and Company audit engagement letter with no change to costs, and approved a further three-year legal-services agreement with Phelps & Dunbar.

The board also authorized execution of a proposed $101,000 Impact 100 Pensacola Bay Area grant agreement before the October 11 selection, contingent on the program being selected. Staff reported that DEP leadership approved an $850,000 FY2027 legislative budget request for the program’s EPA match, though it remains subject to the state budget process. Other funding-related updates included efforts to secure construction funding for the Bronson Field restoration and fundraising for possible acquisition of a Carpenter Creek parcel; neither was presented as a completed purchase or construction award. The program reported seven active community-grant projects totaling $250,000 from the prior award cycle. The board discussed legislative priorities and plans to revisit them at its November meeting.