Dozens of Walton County residents used the board’s public comment period Tuesday to urge commissioners to roll back a recent millage-rate increase and to criticize the board’s process and tone.

Gareth Finley, who identified himself as the petition coordinator, told the board that 3,325 residents signed a petition asking the commission to call a special meeting to roll back the millage increase. Finley said petition signers supplied names, addresses and emails and acted because they believe the tax change was implemented without adequate public input.

Multiple speakers criticized the timing and substance of the tax increase and asked the board to reverse it. Speakers included long-time residents and taxpayers who said higher bills would force some seniors and single-income households to cut essentials. Several speakers also questioned specific budget items and procurement choices, including jail costs and outsourcing of medical services. A number of callers urged elected leaders to be more respectful and responsive to constituents.

Natalie Diaz, who read from prepared remarks, asked the board to review conduct she described as insulting and a violation of the county’s code of ethics; she referenced specific code sections on civility and requested formal action. Other speakers pressed for more transparency on development approvals, questioned increases in departmental budgets and called for the commissioners to “listen to the people.”

The board did not take action on the petition during the meeting. Commissioners reminded attendees that the public-comment period is not a question-and-answer session and that speakers are limited to three minutes each.