Walton Commissioners Set Millage and Budget

Summary

The Walton County Board of County Commissioners held its final budget hearing of the year and approved the 2027 budget and millage rate, including the rate for the North Walton Mosquito Control District. Instead of keeping last year's rate, commissioners first moved to the rolled-back rate and then cut it further by an aggregate 5.28%, or $8.6 million below that rolled-back level, meaning lower property taxes for residents. Based on a total assessment of $49,098,663,848, the county set a millage rate of 3.25 to meet county budget needs and 0.441 for the North Walton Mosquito Control District, for an aggregate operating rate of 3.2806 mills. The overall Fiscal Year 2026-2027 County Commission Budget was set at $345,223,508, including $1,429,937 for the mosquito control district. Commissioners said the reductions account for the possibility that Florida's proposed Amendment 3 property tax referendum could pass in November, and after discussion and public comment, the board voted to adopt the budget and millage rate.