tate of the County 2025: Chairman David Thompson Highlights Growth, Investment, and Momentum at Walton Chamber Luncheon

At the Walton County Chamber of Commerce luncheon, Chairman David G. Thompson delivered an optimistic and forward-looking State of the County address, outlining a year of major achievements, steady growth, and strategic investments designed to position Walton County for long-term success. Using data from the county’s newly released annual report, Chairman Thompson praised both county employees and residents for their shared role in maintaining Walton County’s reputation as one of Georgia’s most desirable places to live, work, and raise a family.

 

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A County Growing—and Thriving

 

Walton County continues to experience robust population and economic growth. The county’s job growth rate reached 14.9%, outpacing the national average of 4.4%. Unemployment remained low at 3.28%, and median household income climbed to $82,400, a figure notably higher than the national median of $78,500.

 

Population growth remains steady as well, rising from 97,153 residents in 2020 to a projected 112,806 in 2025. Thompson emphasized that this surge underscores both the desirability of Walton County and the importance of continued planning and infrastructure investment.

 

Despite record growth, Walton County maintains an impressively low violent crime rate of 0.85 incidents per 1,000 people, dramatically below the national rate of 3.38.

 

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Major Projects Shape the County’s Future

 

Chairman Thompson highlighted several transformative capital projects now underway:

 

The Grove Park

 

A major new recreational hub, The Grove Park will feature:

 

• Five synthetic turf softball fields

• An outdoor amphitheater with a 4,500-seat stage

• A community center

• Pickleball courts, walking trails, and playgrounds

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A new traffic light—already operational—improves access for Walnut Grove High School. The grand opening is scheduled for January 2026, with additional phases planned for soccer fields and more local sports facilities.

 

Hard Labor Creek Reservoir Water Treatment Facility

 

Set to open in early 2028, the new treatment facility will produce up to 16 million gallons of clean drinking water per day, playing a vital role in supporting long-term growth and resilience for residents and businesses.

 

Walton County Jail and Sheriff’s Office Expansion

 

Another major milestone, the recently completed project strengthens public safety resources and modernizes the county’s infrastructure.

“These accomplishments truly reflect a community effort,” Thompson said, pointing to the hard work of county staff and multi-department collaboration.

 

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County Departments: A Year of Service

 

2025 was a busy year across county operations:

 

• Emergency Medical Services:
  19,619 calls responded to

• Fire Rescue:
  260 fires handled

• Animal Control:
  3,411 calls, 1,097 pets adopted or rescued, 226 reunited with owners

• Public Works:

  • 875 work orders completed

  • 28 miles of roads paved

  • 8,325 tons of deep patching

  • Sanitation: 4,817 tons of trash and 92 tons of tires disposed

• Keep Walton Beautiful:

  • 23,699 visitors to the recycling center

  • 1,197.84 tons of recyclables processed

  • 3,754.69 tons of refuse processed

• Parks & Recreation:

  • 6,750 athletic program participants

  • 11,292 splash park attendees

  • 1,068 community center memberships

 

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Fiscal Year 2025–2026 Budget Priorities

 

Walton County adopted a $100,974,984 budget for FY2026—an investment that continues the county’s tradition of responsible stewardship.

 

Expenditures

 

The largest allocations include:

• Public Safety: 44.4%

• General Government: 16.5%

• Judicial Services: 11.1%

• Public Works: 10%

 

venue

 

The county remains heavily supported by local tax revenue:

• Taxes: 87.2%

• Charges for Services, Intergovernmental Revenues, and Licenses & Permits make up the rest.

 

Building activity remains strong as well, with 372 building permits issued in 2025 (January–November), contributing to the county’s growing residential and commercial footprint.

 

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A Message of Gratitude and Optimism

 

Chairman Thompson expressed deep appreciation for county staff, residents, and business partners. “Your involvement, your voice, and your investment in our community’s future are the bedrock of our progress,” he said. “Thank you for your collaboration as we work to make Walton County the best place to live, work, and thrive.”

 

County Manager John A. Ward III echoed that sentiment, celebrating the county’s momentum and reaffirming a commitment to responsible growth in 2026.

 

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Looking Ahead

 

As Walton County embarks on another year of expansion and innovation, the message from this year’s State of the County is clear:Walton County is growing with purpose—balancing development with its hometown character, ensuring safety, and investing in a high quality of life for all residents.