“A Better South Walton” withdraws Plans for Vote on Incorporation

In the midst of growing opposition to the Incorporation of South Walton, the “A Better South Walton” organization (ABSW) has withdrawn plans to pursue the right to vote on the Incorporation of South Walton County in the 2017 legislative season, opting to set its sights on 2018.

In a statement released February 13, 2017, the group stated “This important decision for our community requires ongoing close examination and critical reflection as the opportunities, benefits and risks are further considered. In the coming months ABSW will continue to work with our state and local representatives to come together for a better South Walton. We are planning a series of community forums including experts from others cities that will help us all understand our choice. The schedule will be announced soon.  Our primary goal is to give the residents of South Walton a new, transparent view of a forward-looking vision for our community.”

In the past few weeks opposition to incorporation has surfaced. A new group , calling itself “Our Walton County”, (OWC) led by local attorney Dana Matthews and First Florida Bank Chairman Frank Burge organized. OWC is openly skeptical that the new city will be able to operate without a sizeable tax increase. “Every city runs on taxes, says Matthews.  Walton County currently operates without a business tax. So local government is limited in what they can generate,” he said. “No city operates without revenue sources. It will take millions to run South Walton.”

In an article carried by the Walton Sun, the group noted the proposed city does not meet density requirements required by the State. “Density under state law requires 1.5 persons per acre, but the proposal states there are .49 persons per acre. No city has ever started with 76 square miles. It’s an ambitious project to say the least, ” said Matthews.

Bonnie McQuiston of the Walton County Small Business Association is concerned “that additional government will crush small business with suffocating regulations, more taxes, new fees, permits and licenses. “if the 2016 presidential election reflects nothing else, it is the mood in America to streamline government, not to grow government” she said. “It is a major feat to comply with almost twenty permits required currently to start a business.  Adding more red tape and oppressive government control will stifle economic development and growth. Free enterprise is promoted and thrives when the power of government is limited.  A red flag is raised when South Walton incorporation’s sole function is control of planning and development.  As quoted by Ronald Reagan, “With every new government rule and regulation, the light of liberty flickers”.

Walton County Republican Executive Committee Opposes Incorporation of South Walton

In a unanimous vote, the Walton County Republican Executive Committee (WCREC) proclaimed its opposition to the proposal to incorporate South Walton. The Committee released a statement to the media, which, in part states that “ The Republican Party of Walton County promotes and believes in less government, less taxation and freedom from government bureaucracy; more government, more taxes, and more regulations are inconsistent with the Republican Party and the ideological resolve of its community. Furthermore, incorporation complicates an established governance and enables redundancy of salaries, benefits and facilities. Therefore, the proposed incorporation of South Walton is NOT revenue neutral and will result in an increased tax burden on citizens.”

Reached by telephone, Chairman Norris  noted that although the proposed Articles of Incorporation have been withdrawn this year, the issue is not dead and the Republican Executive Committee will be issuing a resolution in the fall of 2017 to actively oppose the Incorporation of South Walton.