Walton County, Fla. -
After months of debate over how to fund a new bridge on Highway 331 in Walton County, a few new details are emerging. Commissioners have decided to go with a half cent sales tax, which will go referendum in April.
Right off the top of the discussion at Tuesday's county commission meeting, the option to toll in the tax versus toll debate was removed from the table by commissioner Larry Jones
"My motion is that the tolling of the bridge is not an option that this board will consider," Commissioner Jones said.
For months there has been discussion concerning how the county would fund a $75 million dollar match for a new southbound 331 bridge. With the toll option off the table by the commission, it came down to three options - a sales tax of one cent, 3/4 quarters of a cent, or half a cent. Debate was vigorous, with some questioning the county's motives.
"You had a year and a half to educate the people on why we need the bridge, we haven't heard anything other than evacuation," one resident said.
Others wanted to see the county look at more options.
"Has anyone considered alternatives to building a bridge over there?" asked another resident
The commission ultimately decided to go with the half cent option. It will be put to a referendum and decided by the people April 24th
"This issue is so important to Walton County, that it has to be put to the voters," said Bonnie McQuiston of the Walton County Taxpayers Association. "People have to be given an opportunity to speak."
McQuiston was pleased that the decision went to the people. But the WCTA, which has been opposed to both the tax and toll options, wants to see more
"I don't think that the complete analysis has been done on the impact of a new sales tax," McQuiston said. She added: "I don't think a complete analysis has been done on the real impact of a 331 bridge before 331 is four laned."
Whether the referendum passes or not, the county vows to search for additional sources of revenue to fund the bridge.
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