Tensions boiled over Tuesday night as residents packed into the Walton County Board of Commissioners meeting to protest a nearly 20% property tax increase, accusing county leaders of ignoring the will of the people.
The public comment portion of the meeting quickly turned into a referendum on the board’s decision. Speaker after speaker demanded relief and called on commissioners to roll back the tax hike.
Gareth Fenley, who coordinated a citizen petition, was first to the podium. Holding a thick stack of papers, she announced:
“3,325 people signed this petition. That’s 3,325 times citizens of Walton County put their names and addresses on the record demanding this board call a special meeting and roll back this tax increase.”
Fenley emphasized the courage it took for ordinary citizens to stand up: “This is not something most people do. One woman told me she didn’t even want to be seen handing in her petition — but she did it anyway, because she couldn’t stay silent while her family’s being taxed out of their home.”
She wasn’t alone.
Ron Sack, of Good Hope, opened: “I come here before you tonight as an angry Walton County resident not only because of the 19.55% increase but the way in which it was implemented.” He called it “unacceptable,” saying, “While citizens were protesting right in the front yard of this courtyard of this courthouse, collecting names on signatures on a petition, you guys decided to ram this thing through. And that is a display of contempt and arrogance.”
Sack said the hike is “a crushing blow” for single mothers with dependent children and seniors who are living on fixed income.” He urged commissioners to “tighten your belts before asking us for more money.”
The room erupted in applause more than once as citizens finished their remarks.
Whether commissioners will call a special meeting remains uncertain. But one thing was made clear Tuesday night — Walton County taxpayers are organizing, angry, and ready to fight.
B.T. Clark
B.T. Clark is an award-winning journalist and the Publisher of The Georgia Sun. He has 25 years of experience in journalism and served as Managing Editor of Neighbor Newspapers in metro Atlanta for 15 years and Digital Director at Times-Journal Inc. for 8 years. His work has appeared in several newspapers throughout the state including Neighbor Newspapers, The Cherokee Tribune and The Marietta Daily Journal. He is a Georgia native and a fifth-generation Georgian.
