From: Fire Chief Jonathan Kanzigg
To: Navarre Beach Fire District Property Owners
Subject: Financial Status Update and Path Forward
Property Owners of the Navarre Beach Fire District,
Thank you for allowing me into this group and for giving me the opportunity to speak directly to you. I do not typically communicate through social media, but transparency is essential, and the information I am sharing today is too important to delay. I have nothing to hide, and I am committed to doing what is right for this district.
For those I have not yet met, my name is Jonathan Kanzigg, and I recently accepted the position of Fire Chief for Navarre Beach Fire Rescue. I turned 54 this month. My wife and I have lived in Hidden Creek for 25 years, where we raised three children and now enjoy one grandchild. I grew up on White Sands Boulevard, attended school in Fort Walton Beach back when Navarre had no schools, and I still surf every chance I get. That’s where I find peace.
I have spent my entire adult life in the fire service, including 22 years with Midway Fire District, serving as Fire Chief for the last 16 before retiring in 2024. I have experience stepping into leadership during difficult financial climates, rebuilding trust, and stabilizing operations. When I took over Midway in 2008, the department was in crisis—financially and publicly. Over time, my team turned the ship around. The credit belongs to them; my role was simply building the team.
Unfortunately, I must share difficult news. The district is facing a significant financial deficit, and the board was only recently made aware of the severity of the situation. The previous Fire Chief was not forthcoming about the department’s financial condition. Reserve funds were moved to cover recurring expenses, and the board was not informed. Last week was the first time the board learned that our reserves are trending into deficit.
The reserves were incorrectly listed in the budget as income to offset overspending. Our current treasurer, Commissioner Carl Clark, was not involved in last year’s budgeting process and was appointed only in December. He was misled about the true financial picture during his short time on the board.
Three years ago, when the department transitioned from a volunteer organization to a special district, finances were strong. The 2023–2024 audit noted a deficit but did not meet the threshold for an emergency. One minor deficiency was corrected. However, the negative trend continued, and this year the district does meet the criteria for a financial emergency. I believe the previous Fire Chief knew this, which explains his intense focus on obtaining short‑term rental tax revenue. When challenged, his behavior did not meet the standards expected of a trusted public servant.
There is some good news: the district has only one debt, the fire engine, which is mostly offset by the county through the local option sales tax. That apparatus will be paid off next year. After speaking with previous board members, I believe they were not fully informed about the true cost of becoming a government entity. Our small district is required to have an annual audit by a certified firm at a cost of $25,000. The largest recurring expense is personnel—pension contributions, overtime, and health insurance. We currently have nine full‑time firefighters, three per shift. This is the absolute minimum staffing level and still below the NFPA standard of four, but your firefighters continue to get the job done.
Moving Forward: Cost‑Saving Measures
- Rate Increase Approved On Tuesday, the board approved an incremental rate increase of 6.22% (approximately $74,000 before fees). This equates to $27 per home annually. The system is designed to increase revenue year over year to maintain a COLA, but the board has only raised the fee once in the last 10 years. This increase does not eliminate the deficit. Eight new homes were built this year, adding $3,500 in fire fees.
- Line of Credit Approved The board also approved a $300,000 line of credit with Centennial Bank. Fees include an origination fee, doc stamp fee, and interest at prime (6.2%). I anticipate using $200,000–$220,000 to pay bills in October and early November, leaving approximately $75,000 in the bank. This is intended to carry us through hurricane season. The district does not receive tax revenue until late November, with larger deposits in December. The loan payment will be added to next year’s budget. This line of credit is atemporary band‑aid, not a solution.
- Request Submitted to County Yesterday, I submitted a letter to the County Administrator requesting an interest‑free advance on next year’s tax dollars. If approved by the county’s legal department, this would eliminate the need for the Centennial Bank line of credit.
- Immediate Spending Freeze In my second week, I suspended all travel for conferences attended by the Fire Chief and Administrative Assistant. This was the only area where immediate cuts were possible. Other line items are severely under‑budgeted due to rising costs without increased revenue. Several mandatory repairs had been deferred, including the station’s fire sprinkler system and a garage door with a burned‑out motor. Minor vehicle repairs—brakes, rotors, and a tune‑up—were completed in‑house by your firefighters.
- Part‑Time Staffing AddedI hired three part‑time firefighters from neighboring departments to fill staffing gaps and reduce overtime. Some overtime remains, but my goal is to eliminate it.
- Operational Review UnderwayI will continue meeting with our firefighters and neighboring fire chiefs to identify operational changes and cost‑saving opportunities. The district will shop every service we receive—from toilet paper to uniforms. We will seek competitive bids for auditing services and health insurance, among others.
- Exploring a November Referendum I have begun discussions about placing a funding measure on the November ballot. Michael Culp has offered to help determine the appropriate dollar amount. Every stakeholder will have input. Ultimately, the voters will decide the level of service they want. It should not be my decision or the board’s alone.
Public Perception and Community Input
Public perception matters, and we are reviewing all district‑hosted events—including car shows, the 9/11 stair climb, and the Christmas/Awards dinner. While these events are meaningful, if they cost the district money, they will be discontinued.
This is where your voice matters. I welcome your input and your solutions. Complaints without solutions will only be heard once. My staff will be fully transparent with every receipt and transaction moving forward, including past expenses. I am working with Michael Culp on a forecasting sheet that reflects true costs.
Two new board members will join after the election cycle, and a third seat is contested. I plan to begin working with incoming members immediately to bring them up to speed. Our financial situation is time‑sensitive, and I intend to present several recommendations at the August board meeting.
Thank you for your support. Please do not hesitate to reach out to me.
Respectfully,
Jonathan Kanzigg Fire Chief, Navarre Beach Fire Rescue
Interim Fire Chief/Jonathan Kanzigg
Navarre Beach Fire Rescue District
1413 Utility Dr.
Navarre Fl 32566
Station (850)-939-2448
