A 12% rate increase is expected to be approved for the second consecutive year. The proposed increase follows recommendations from GovRates, whose study found the system needs larger cash reserves to remain financially stable.
Who can vote?
Each person within the Holley Navarre Water System franchise area who receives service from the system qualifies as a member. On election day, from 7:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. Jan. 20, each member may cast one ballot.
Members may also vote by proxy or absentee ballot. Proxy and absentee voting was available from Dec. 3 through Jan. 7.
Candidates
Four candidates are seeking three seats on the board of directors: Edward Appler, Ken Ingram, Stephanie Lindsay and Don Linnell.
Appler is a 26-year Air Force veteran and vice chair of the Libertarian Party of Florida.
Ingram is a business consultant with 45 years of experience, working in areas that include product management, vendor relations, contract negotiations, pricing, competitive analysis, sales, operations and IT management.
Lindsay is an Army veteran who has worked with firms and municipalities, including Gulf Breeze, on water quality and project management.
Linnell is an Air Force veteran who previously worked in the aerospace and defense industries. He served on the Holley Navarre Water System board of directors from June 2021 to January 2025.
Two of the open seats are currently held by directors David Crumbley and Mike Matthews. The third seat is vacant and was previously held by Daryl Lynchard, who was removed from the board last January.
