Walton County Commission Lowers Taxes
During a public hearing held Monday evening at the Walton County Courthouse, the Commission voted to lower taxes for Walton County residents. Given the current economic conditions, a tax break will provide Walton County property owners with relief and help struggling families throughout the county.
Chief Financial Officer Melissa Thomason discussed numerous items relating to the proposed 2023-2024 budget and millage rate. Commissioner Tony Anderson urged the other commissioners to fund a budget increase for the Economic Development Alliance (EDA), which is tasked with attracting new businesses and industry to Walton County.
He reminded the board that the EDA has helped create business parks that attracted many new companies and brought hundreds of jobs to this area. The agency was instrumental in helping to establish the Mossy Head Industrial Park, which has been an astounding success.
However, as Commissioner Anderson noted, “One man can only do so much.” The EDA has been a one-man organization since its inception and Director Uriah Matthews said his plan is to fill two positions, which will make the agency more robust and effective in its efforts to attract new industry to Walton County. After discussion, the board voted unanimously to increase EDA funding, which also increased the proposed budget from $317+million up to $318,071,593 with a millage rate of 3.6363.
It was at this point that Board Chairman Danny Glidewell proposed lowering the millage rate from 3.6363 down to 3.60, which will reduce the amount of ad valorem taxes that residents will pay. This represents the first tax cut in 10 years and Commissioner Glidewell said later that he was very pleased that the board had approved the tax cut unanimously. Glidewell said his fellow board members should be congratulated for cutting taxes, even while the Walton County Sheriff’s Office budget increased due to the need for a new $30 million-dollar communications system.
Glidewell also noted that the county had absorbed more than a 14% increase in their annual insurance premium, which they did not pass on to staff. Despite this, the board was able to give staff a raise, which included bringing some staff member salaries up to a level competitive with similar positions in neighboring counties.
County Administrator Quinn Robertson later said that the board’s actions demonstrated their commitment to the citizens, as well as compassion for the hardworking county staff who, like everyone, are also struggling during this difficult economy.
For more information, please contact Public Information at (850) 892-8155 or pio@co.walton.fl.us.
Walton County Commission Welcomes New Public Information Officer
The Walton County Board of County Commissioners is proud to welcome Ron Kelley as the county’s new Public Information Officer. Kelley is no stranger to Walton County, having worked as a news director at two local radio stations and editor of the DeFuniak Springs Herald-Beach Breeze. Kelley also served as Marketing Director for the former Healthmark Regional Medical Center and served two terms as a DeFuniak Springs City Council member.
His intimate knowledge of Walton County and experience in the public and private sectors are tremendous assets to the county. As the public information officer, Kelley will serve as the conduit between Walton County government, its various departments, the business community, media organizations, and county residents.
“I am thrilled for the opportunity to serve Walton County in this role,” said Kelley. “I grew up here and know that Walton County is a unique and wonderful place to visit, live, work, and raise a family. It is my home and I feel blessed to be able to continue to serve the people of this county. I look forward to building new relationships within the community and providing clear and accurate information to residents and visitors alike.”
Ron can be reached by calling (850) 892-8155 or emailing kelron@co.walton.fl.us
Walton County Commission Adds Newest Member
The Walton County Board of County Commissioners (WCBCC) welcomed their newest member before starting their regular meeting on Monday, Sept. 11. Former State Representative Brad Drake was appointed to the Commission by Florida Governor Ron DeSantis following the resignation of former Commissioner Mike Barker, who took a job with the City of DeFuniak Springs.
On Monday, the Honorable Judge David Green administered the oath of office to Brad Drake, while Drake’s father, David Earl Drake, held the bible on which he took the oath. Immediately after the ceremony, Commissioner Brad Drake took his place behind the dais with his fellow commissioners and the meeting began. Later, near the close of the meeting, Commissioner Drake thanked everyone for the warm welcome and said he was grateful for the opportunity to again serve the people of Walton County.
For more information, please contact Public Information at (850) 892-8155 or pio@co.walton.fl.us.
Author: Sowal Editor
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