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Walton County reviews proposed FY2027 budget, including $43 million in capital projects
Summary
County staff presented the proposed FY2027 budget and a $43 million capital improvements plan; commissioners pressed for clearer prioritization and completion records for longstanding projects and discussed the millage (rollback) timing.
Walton County officials presented the proposed fiscal year 2027 budget and a preliminary capital improvements plan that totals $43,000,000 across funds.
Devin, presenting line items for the county, said: "The 2027 improvement plan includes $43,000,000 in projects to improve roads, public safety facilities, parks, drainage, forest development projects, and other county infrastructure." He listed major projects including the Hewitt Bayou connector road, Holiday Shores drainage and pedestrian improvements, funding for new fire stations, US Highway 331 lighting and roadway resurfacing, and said in‑house engineering work will reduce consultant costs.
Why it matters: commissioners said the county is adding many projects to the CIP while a smaller subset is actively under construction. Commissioner (District 4) pressed staff for a status report showing which projects have begun, which are in design or permitting, and which have been completed, saying the board needs documentation to avoid repeatedly budgeting projects that do not advance.
Melissa (county budget staff) said the county often budgets projects across multiple fiscal years so design, permitting and construction can proceed when funding is available; she offered to provide a list of CIP assets finished in prior years so commissioners can see completion rates.
Board members also asked for clarity on funding source breakdowns. Staff said roughly $29 million appears in the capital projects fund and the remainder comes from TDC and other funds, bringing the combined total to $43 million.
On timing and tax impact, Melissa reminded the board the proposed budget currently reflects the existing millage rate and that the board will be asked for direction on the millage in subsequent workshops. Several commissioners signaled support for using the rollback rate this year and urged continued efforts to cut inefficiencies while preserving long‑term projects.
The workshop concluded with staff agreeing to supply more detailed CIP status reports and historical completion figures, and to present millage options at the next scheduled workshops.
