Walton County unveils $107.1M FY2027 balanced budget with no proposed property-tax increase; commissioners approve several routine contracts and projects

Walton County officials on May 5 unveiled a proposed FY2027 balanced budget and approved several routine actions, including contract awards and a demolition bid for four county-owned structures.

County Manager John presented high-level budget highlights: a proposed general fund of $107,095,513; a planned public hearing on the proposed budget on May 19 at 5:00 PM at the historic courthouse; no proposed mill-rate (property tax) increase and no fire-tax increase in the proposed balanced budget. John also summarized recent capital purchases and ongoing projects, including a new ladder truck, 32 leased vehicles for county operations, and the Hard Labor Creek water treatment plant project — described as on schedule and expected to have a capacity of 16 million gallons per day with a projected completion in 2028 (contract-adjusted for 12 rain days already accounted for in the schedule).

The proposed budget includes 16 new full-time positions (two for courts/public defender offices, four E-911 communications officers, one water operations position, one solid waste equipment operator, among others) and six temporary firefighters funded from the fire fund; total new positions counted as 22 when temporary hires are included. The budget provides a 2.5% pay increase consistent with the Condrey study and aligns compensation for employees previously covered by a pilot Sheriff's Department increase.

Finance staff highlighted an arbitrage refund this fiscal year of approximately $2.727 million that must be returned to the federal government related to prior bond investment earnings; that amount is included in debt-service calculations. The county is monitoring Senate Bill 33 and related local-option sales-tax options that would require voter approval and could affect property-tax offsets if adopted in future years.

On votes and other actions the commission approved the consent agenda (minutes, purchases over $25,000, and an intergovernmental agreement with the City of Loganville for the Independence celebration at West Walton Park) and the project-length budget resolution for the 2026 local road assistance grant (resurfacing plan). The commission also approved the human-resources recommended health-benefits renewal for MSI Benefits (the plan cost rising to about $15.4 million driven by enrollment and claims), the Brycer Compliance Engine contract (no direct county cost; approved subject to county attorney review), and awarded a demolition contract to RLC Farms LLC for $26,587 to remove four county-owned residential structures and stabilize sites. An annexation request from the City of Social Circle for 123.36 acres (parcel C148-1) was considered and the commission voted to proceed without objection.

Votes at a glance (selected): - Rezone Z26-0046 (A1→A2, Bold Springs Road): approved, unanimous (planning commission recommendation followed). (SEG 239–313) - Rezone Z2026-0054 (Highway 11 — Reed Creek Food Mart): approved with conditions, 5–1 (see separate article). (SEG 314–1010) - Annexation (City of Social Circle, parcel C148-1): commission proceeded without objection (all in favor). (SEG 1011–1051) - 2026 local road assistance grant (resurfacing project-length budget): adopted (6–0). (SEG 1548–1570) - MSI Benefits renewal (employee health plan): renewed (voice vote). (SEG 1571–1643) - Brycer Compliance Engine contract (fire inspections software): approved subject to county attorney review. (SEG 1661–1741) - Demolition contract (four county-owned structures): awarded to RLC Farms LLC, $26,587 (6–0). (SEG 1743–1799)

The county emphasized public engagement in the comprehensive-plan update and encouraged residents to attend meetings; the commission closed the meeting after a unanimous adjournment. The detailed proposed budget and supporting materials were made available online and in hard copy at county offices for public review.