Citizens Deliver Thousands of Petition Signatures Against Walton County Tax Hike

A small but determined group of Walton County residents gathered on the steps of the Historic Courthouse Tuesday morning to voice opposition to the county’s recent millage rate increase. While just over a dozen protestors were present, they carried with them more than 3,300 signatures collected in only six days on a petition demanding commissioners rescind the 19.55% tax hike.

 

Community Pushback
The petition drive, organized by the grassroots group Walton In Action, was aimed at pressuring the Board of Commissioners to call a special meeting before the millage rate officially takes effect on September 1. Organizer Gareth Fenley emphasized the scope of the effort: “We are exercising our freedom to petition the government for redress of our grievances. And do we have grievances.”

 

Residents who spoke at the gathering said they felt county leadership ignored public input, pointing to strained interactions at prior meetings. Sandy Davis, one attendee, said, “They should be representing us, not fighting us.”

 

Others challenged the county’s justification for the tax increase, including the cited costs of operating the new jail facility. “Their rebuttals don’t hold up. The jail is not the reason this is happening,” said Diana Trese, calling the hike an example of financial mismanagement.

 

Frustration with Leadership
Several speakers took direct aim at county leaders, including Chairman David Thompson. Resident Ron Sack criticized his tone, saying, “David Thompson’s arrogant and condescending statements are appalling and unacceptable. There’s never a wrong time to do the right thing. Listen to the people you represent.”

 

Next Steps
Despite the delivery of the petition, prospects for a reversal appear slim. Sources within the county noted that even if another vote were called, at least four votes are required to overturn the measure, and only three commissioners opposed it during the August 5 meeting.

 

The millage rate increase is set to take effect Monday. Still, opponents pledged this would not be the last word. “There is going to be a day of reckoning,” Sack warned.