Walton County manager outlines road projects, staffing updates and a bond exchange lowering water-debt costs
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Summary
County manager John told commissioners on Feb. 10 that DOT will close Highway 138 for bridge repairs March 2–7, the county selected Hannah Carroll as HR director starting Feb. 23, and the county exchanged a 2021 taxable bond on Feb. 1, 2026, for a 2026 tax-exempt bond that lowers the water enterprise interest rate to 1.8%.
John, the county manager, told the Walton County Board of Commissioners on Feb. 10 that the county is coordinating several near-term transportation projects and announcing staff and financial changes that affect county operations.
John said the Georgia Department of Transportation will close State Route 138 at Big Flat Creek between Nunley Farm Road and Youth Jersey Road for bridge repairs from March 2 through March 7. Detours will route traffic via Highway 81 in Walnut Grove to U.S. 78; the county will coordinate with 911 and other public-safety agencies to maintain emergency response during the closure.
He also said the county’s attorney completed easement acquisitions for a traffic signal at Highway 78 and Youth Monroe Road and that DOT will provide an installation date once poles and materials are available. A short-term improvement plan listing upcoming DOT projects — some stretching to 2050 — will be posted on the county website for public tracking.
On staffing, John reported Walton County’s workforce at 1,022 employees and said the employee health clinic’s patient-satisfaction rate is tracking at 99.3%. He announced that Hannah Carroll has been selected as the county’s HR director and will begin Feb. 23; staff described her as bringing 23 years of experience and an MBA.
John summarized public-safety staffing: fire training and community classes have continued, and EMS has filled two paramedic positions after earlier shortages. He told commissioners that several fire vehicles are out of service and staff will present funding options to replace those vehicles in future meetings.
On county finances, John said the county exchanged a portion of its 2021 taxable bonds on Feb. 1, 2026, for a 2026 tax-exempt bond that carries a 1.8% interest rate, down from the earlier taxable rate cited at about 2.28%. He said the move does not affect the general fund or property taxes; it affects the water enterprise fund and therefore water customers who fund that enterprise.
"And with that, that concludes my update for you tonight," John said at the end of his report.
The board did not take additional action on the manager’s report at the meeting; many items will return for project scheduling, budget consideration or further staff recommendations.
