The Santa Rosa Island Authority is being folded more closely into Escambia County government.

Escambia County Commissioners last night approved a measure that would halve lease fees for leaseholders on Pensacola Beach. The reduction comes following court decisions that beach leaseholders should pay property taxes.

Since a decision on the matter in 2011, many leaseholders have been paying lease fees and property taxes.

The county is taking over public works and public safety duties from the SRIA, effective Oct. 1. The funding for these services will come out of the $7.6 million in an escrow account set aside for taxes.

Those SRIA employees will become county employees, and any hires between now and then are subject to the approval of County Administrator Jack Brown or his designee. The arrangement will formalized through an interlocal agreement set to come before commissioners on Aug. 20.

The recommendation from last night's meeting is linked here.