Gwen Break
Beach Fanatic
By Louis Svehla, public information manager, Walton County
The Walton County Board of County Commissioners today held its first budget workshop in preparation of their FY 2013 Budget. As part of the workshop, the Board of County Commissioners approved a tentative millage rate of 3.5563, which reflects no change from last year’s rate.
According to Interim County Administrator Gerry Demers Florida Tax Watch report which lists, among other things, “average non-school millage rates” by county; states that Walton County currently has the lowest in the state.
In addition to the tentative millage rate approval, there were other items discussed that show positive trends in the economy of the future. Based on the information given by Demers, property values remained mostly flat with a slight upswing, Local Option Gas Tax Revenues are up slightly, building permits for single family dwellings are up 64% over the same period last year and there has been a 20% increase in bed tax collections over last year.
Another highlight of the briefing included the proposal to increase staffing at the Tourist Development Council to handle the increase in number of visitors. This rise in staffing will include the hiring of additional staff to focus on beach maintenance and code enforcement.
Also as part of the proposed budget, Mr. Demers is recommending a 3% cost of living increase for all county employees which he said would be the first real increase in “take-home” money for Walton County employees since 2007.
The Walton County Board of County Commissioners today held its first budget workshop in preparation of their FY 2013 Budget. As part of the workshop, the Board of County Commissioners approved a tentative millage rate of 3.5563, which reflects no change from last year’s rate.
According to Interim County Administrator Gerry Demers Florida Tax Watch report which lists, among other things, “average non-school millage rates” by county; states that Walton County currently has the lowest in the state.
In addition to the tentative millage rate approval, there were other items discussed that show positive trends in the economy of the future. Based on the information given by Demers, property values remained mostly flat with a slight upswing, Local Option Gas Tax Revenues are up slightly, building permits for single family dwellings are up 64% over the same period last year and there has been a 20% increase in bed tax collections over last year.
Another highlight of the briefing included the proposal to increase staffing at the Tourist Development Council to handle the increase in number of visitors. This rise in staffing will include the hiring of additional staff to focus on beach maintenance and code enforcement.
Also as part of the proposed budget, Mr. Demers is recommending a 3% cost of living increase for all county employees which he said would be the first real increase in “take-home” money for Walton County employees since 2007.