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Double Taxation and the South Walton ATM

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Well with just looking at a couple of properties, if its vacant, without buildings, they do not pay the $25 assessment for fire protection. I was doing some math, and I don't claim this is correct, but it would appear to make up for lost revenue of taxing only north end users, it may cost homeowners $200 year per home without charging for vacant properties.
 
No, for the service provided, and for full disclosure I own property in the north and south end. They provide fire protection for all properties SB44
 
Just saw Bob interviewed on WMBB- this is crazy stuff. If I understand what he said, South Walton is paying 77% of the fire service bill for North Walton. On top of paying 100% of our own. Wh wh what???

Bob- to me this is a nobrainer. Will this be hard to straighten out?
 
from wzep

WCTA To Walton Commission “Live Up To Commitment”





For six years, The Walton County Taxpayers Association says they have been asking the county for an equitable and fair fire/rescue policy for all county citizens. They feel everyone should pay for the services they receive, and the county should provide the best service possible.



In a release the group says that last October the WCTA asked the Board of County Commissioners to postpone a vote to increase supplemental funding for Freeport fire department until an equitable fire/rescue plan could be developed for the entire county. Greg Kisela, Walton County administrator, committed to work with WCTA to attempt to resolve the various fire/rescue service and funding issues. County commissioners approved Freeport funding. They told the commissioners the county has not involved WCTA in developing an overall county plan or to address funding issues.



At the recent meeting, the commissioners considered increasing funding for the independent fire departments of Argyle and Liberty. The WCTA claims vast inconsistencies remain in the levels of funding and services for fire districts north of the Choctawhatchee Bay. They report that taxpayers south of the Bay continue to pay for the South Walton Fire District $11 million budget, and they pay 77% of the $7.732 million budget for North Walton Fire District for which they receive no fire/rescue services. The group calls this an inequitable and burdensome taxation.



The WCTA notes that six years ago, the county commission adopted a resolution for funding North Walton fire/rescue. They say that resolution has not been implemented. WCTA asked the county commission to live up to its obligation and commitment to develop and implement a fire/rescue plan for north Walton that is fair and equitable to all county citizens.



Kisela said he agrees the funding structure needs work, but says this will take time and is a much larger problem that just whether to fund the current requests or not. Kisela told the commissioners and WCTA he is working on the situation and will work with the group.



The commissioners agreed to the two funding requests.
 
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