Beach vehicle permit ordinance changes

[DuneAHH]

Who does the tax collector work for?

uhhhh... the people?
Oh silly me... maybe not s'much.

Skipper came up with a clever way of raising this point as a way of covering the tax collector dept.'s fiscal accountability.

[ShallowsNole]

I'm amazed the Tax Collector's office has put up with the beach driving and dog permits as long as they have. Rhonda's office has gone above and beyond.

[kurt]

I'm amazed the Tax Collector's office has put up with the beach driving and dog permits as long as they have. Rhonda's office has gone above and beyond.

I guess I don't understand why the government has to "put up with" the government. Isn't the tax collector a county employee? It sounds like an employee saying they don't want to do part of their job any longer because it got harder.

[DuneAHH]

I guess I don't understand why the government has to "put up with" the government. Isn't the tax collector a county employee? It sounds like an employee saying they don't want to do part of their job any longer because it got harder.

Politics are politics and exist everywhere... even amongst families & friends.

[RiverOtter]

Can someone give me the Readers Digest version?

I currently have a Permit. Will I have trouble renewing it?

[Franny]

RO if you had a permit last year you are grandfathered and will have no problem with renewal. Those that did not have a permit for 2010 will go into the lottery. Hope this helps.

[RiverOtter]

RO if you had a permit last year you are grandfathered and will have no problem with renewal. Those that did not have a permit for 2010 will go into the lottery. Hope this helps.

Whew! Thanks Franny. Hope to see y'all on Grayton in June

[ShallowsNole]

Tax Collector is a constitutional officer with a myriad of functions they are assigned by the State of Florida. Just like the Clerk, Property Appraiser and Sheriff. They do not work for the BCC. AND they are gearing up to offer DL functions - far more pressing than beach permits. At least IMHO.

[Franny]

Whew! Thanks Franny. Hope to see y'all on Grayton in June

You betcha!

[seafolly]

In regards to driving on the beach. There are several beaches in the area that have handicap and beach wheel chairs so would not that be a better solution? Also, why not pay a small fee--perhaps $1.00 to the life guards or best of all free to launch your boat. Have we looked at how many people have been injured or even killed by some one driving on the beach?

[scooterbug44]

I don't know of anyone hurt or killed recently from driving on the beach. And there aren't any lifeguards there.

There is a whole lot to it besides just easy access for handicapped people - it's a major part of the local culture and how charter boats access the water.

[seafolly]

Charter Boats-they are a business- launch the boat and park your truck. Just like everyone else who doesn't have a permit. At least they are not driving up and down the beach. SOWal, needs to be more friendly to part time residents and visitors or they will GO some place else. And let's not forget we already have 1 strike against us the BP Spill.

[scooterbug44]

No offense, but do you know what we are talking about?

Noone is driving up and down the beach except county staff (Sheriff etc.) and BP.

Beach driving by permit holders only is confined to a section of the beach at Grayton - nowhere else.

The charter boats typically DO launch their boat, then take the vehicle off. There is no way for them to launch without driving on the beach.

Visitors aren't going to go elsewhere because of the beach driving policy. I bet 95% of our visitors don't even know it exists.

[DuneAHH]

Charter Boats-they are a business- launch the boat and park your truck. Just like everyone else who doesn't have a permit. At least they are not driving up and down the beach. SOWal, needs to be more friendly to part time residents and visitors or they will GO some place else. And let's not forget we already have 1 strike against us the BP Spill.

Are there lots of beaches around the country that allow part-time residents and visitors to drive onto the beach?

[John R]

Charter Boats-they are a business- launch the boat and park your truck. Just like everyone else who doesn't have a permit.

Are you implying that the businesses launching boats from the beach don't need a permit? If so, you are wrong. If not, what are you implying?

[Beach Runner]

I need Cliff Notes too. If I am a property owner in Walton County and have a Georgia handicapped hang-tag because I have a torn meniscus in my left knee from runner's knee and am frequently on crutches, can I get a beach vehicle permit?

[Morning Glory]

Are there lots of beaches around the country that allow part-time residents and visitors to drive onto the beach?

There are other beaches that you can drive on but they do not compare with ours as far as beauty and protection.

[DuneAHH]

I need Cliff Notes too. If I am a property owner in Walton County and have a Georgia handicapped hang-tag because I have a torn meniscus in my left knee from runner's knee and am frequently on crutches, can I get a beach vehicle permit?

Did you have a permit last year? If SO, yes you're grandfathered in.

[kurt]

Tax Collector is a constitutional officer with a myriad of functions they are assigned by the State of Florida. Just like the Clerk, Property Appraiser and Sheriff. They do not work for the BCC. AND they are gearing up to offer DL functions - far more pressing than beach permits. At least IMHO.

Thank you for smartening me. My apologies to the tax collector if I offended. I thought the position was COUNTY tax collector. It's still confusing if personnel are paid by the county but directed by the state. I guess that's bureaucracy.

What are DL functions?

[Andy A]

Thank you for smartening me. My apologies to the tax collector if I offended. I thought the position was COUNTY tax collector. It's still confusing if personnel are paid by the county but directed by the state. I guess that's bureaucracy.

What are DL functions?

Driver's License.

[kurt]

Driver's License.

So what's the deal? Are they in the driver's license renewal business now?

[Andy A]

It is my understanding they soon will be.

[kurt]

http://www.waltontaxcollector.com/fi...%20Permits.pdf

More info.

[smithwjhg]

No offense, but do you know what we are talking about?

Noone is driving up and down the beach except county staff (Sheriff etc.) and BP.

Beach driving by permit holders only is confined to a section of the beach at Grayton - nowhere else.

The charter boats typically DO launch their boat, then take the vehicle off. There is no way for them to launch without driving on the beach.

Visitors aren't going to go elsewhere because of the beach driving policy. I bet 95% of our visitors don't even know it exists.

You can also drive on the beach in Inlet Beach. The access is at the end of S. Walton Lakeshore drive. It is nowhere near as big as the access in Grayton Beach though. That said, there are two different instances on the Walton Gov't website as to how big the access is...

either 66ft or 600ft.

66ft
Walton County, FL - Home Page - Driving on Beach Permits

600ft
Walton County Tax Collector

If I can take my media hat off for a minute... This whole thing has turned into a giant mess. To grandfather some in and then allow others to to apply for 150 lottery permits... of which you would have to reapply for every year and some years get it and other years not is just silly. IMO they should set a number of permits and then as people drop off others can apply for a lottery to get the grandfathered permit. At some point down the line they will decide to get rid of the driving on the beach and when they do it should be for everyone.

To open the permitting process to so many for just 150 temporary permits is ridiculous. That is entirely too much work for too little money for the tax collector. It should be for homesteaded property owners which would thin the herd quickly.

Media hat is now back on. :-) The weather should be great (sans AM Fog) through the weekend!

[miznotebook]

I need Cliff Notes too. If I am a property owner in Walton County and have a Georgia handicapped hang-tag because I have a torn meniscus in my left knee from runner's knee and am frequently on crutches, can I get a beach vehicle permit?

From the ordinance as revised by the Feb. 8 county commission decision:

"Non-residents with disabilities, upon proof of disability (Disability Parking Placard, SSI Disability letter, etc.), will be eligible to receive a no-cost temporary permit. Residents with disabilities, upon proof of disability (Florida Disability Parking Placard, SSI Disability letter, etc.) may be issued an annual no-cost permit."

[Chief Deputy TC]

To clarify a few points raised in the previous posts:

The Tax Collector is, as stated, a Constitutional Officer and is not governed by the Board of County Commissioners. The Tax Collector’s Office operates as a fee office, in that it is funded primarily from the statutorily authorized fees it generates from the services it provides. The largest funding comes from the commissions it receives from the ad-valorem taxes the office collects and distributes to the taxing authorities.

At the end of each fiscal year, the Tax Collector is required to distribute any remaining excess revenue not necessary to operate the office, proportionately to the taxing authorities. This distribution of excess revenue results in a zero balance each October 1. The County is required by statute to provide and advance equal to 1/12th of the estimated commissions, in order to operate the office without disruption from October-November. This advance is returned upon the first scheduled distribution of tax revenues in November.

The annual budget of the Tax Collector is established in two parts:

1) Postage for tax bill mailings is required to be funded by the County.

2) The actual working budget which includes Personal Services (Employee Pay), Operating Expenses and Capital Outlay appropriation categories is approved by the Department of Revenue with a copy being provided to the Board of County Commissioners.

On or before August 1 of each year, the Tax Collector is required to submit her budget to the Florida Department of Revenue in accordance with F.S. 195.087. Tentative budget approval is due back to the Tax Collector with copy to the BCC by September 15 of each year.

Once the budget is approved by the Department of Revenue, a formal request for budget amendment must be submitted and approved by the Department of Revenue for any changes.

Driver’s License ServicesDuring the 2010 legislative session, state lawmakers required the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles to transfer driver’s license services to Tax Collectors by June 30, 2015.

The Walton County Tax Collector’s Office is scheduled to begin driver’s license services in Spring 2012. This will include both branch offices (Santa Rosa Beach and DeFuniak Springs).

The operational impact of pending driver’s licensing services was certainly a factor in the decision to no longer serve as the issuing authority for Beach Driving Permits. However, the primary concern was cost analysis associated with the processing of applications associated with issuing 150 permits via a lottery. It was determined that this obligatory service offering was in conflict with our strategic priority of Financial Accountability and Stewardship of the tax dollars we are entrusted with.

Please feel free to contact me for additional information at 855-0769 or by e-mail at godcory@co.walton.fl.us. Or stop by the Red Jeep parked on the beach on any weekend when the water temp reaches 68 degrees and the Pompano are running.

[kurt]

Thanks Cory! So the DMV still handles testing but you guys will do renewals?

[Chief Deputy TC]

Thanks Cory! So the DMV still handles testing but you guys will do renewals?

We are planning to deliver FULL Service, including driving test!!!!

Great question...

[miznotebook]

The county commissioners are going discuss the "issuing authority" for the beach driving permits at their next meeting on Feb. 22. (Who will be issuing the permits, I would think.) According to the agenda, there will also be a request to reschedule the "Certificate of Land Use Compliance" ordinance for March 22. This is the ordinance related to what are called the "wedding houses": http://www.co.walton.fl.us/archives/...0w%20links.pdf

[Chuckster]

The county commissioners are going discuss the "issuing authority" for the beach driving permits at their next meeting on Feb. 22. (Who will be issuing the permits, I would think.) According to the agenda, there will also be a request to reschedule the "Certificate of Land Use Compliance" ordinance for March 22. This is the ordinance related to what are called the "wedding houses": http://www.co.walton.fl.us/archives/...0w%20links.pdf

Nothing personal against Cory, but the recent spike in the cost of my tags has re-inforced my attitude that the tax collecting business is a racket to fill the pockets of unproductive consumers at the expense of productive producers! As evidence, I point to the Tax collector scandal last year in Okaloosa county. Please read the part about the yearly bonus plan....some got 25k, some 15k and some only got a miniscul 5k! Seems a little excessive to me! Conventions at Orlando and the San Destin Hilton! Where did this money come from? I believe the previous posts detail the source. (the taxpayers!!!!!!!!!!!!!!)
ok, I'll step down off my soapbox....just makes me mad!

[miznotebook]

Just to be clear, I am puzzled that the previous poster quoted my post, which was only about items comng up at the next county commission meeting and the agenda, not about any allegations of wrongdoing by anyone. He does have a right to his opinion.

[Morning Glory]

Thank you for smartening me. My apologies to the tax collector if I offended. I thought the position was COUNTY tax collector. It's still confusing if personnel are paid by the county but directed by the state. I guess that's bureaucracy.

What are DL functions?

The tax collector office is county and the employees are public servants whose goal should be to do whatever is necessary to serve. There are state statues that govern the office but the money comes from the taxpoayers.

[Morning Glory]

Thank you for smartening me. My apologies to the tax collector if I offended. I thought the position was COUNTY tax collector. It's still confusing if personnel are paid by the county but directed by the state. I guess that's bureaucracy.

What are DL functions?

The tax collector office is county and the employees are public servants whose goal should be to do whatever is necessary to serve. There are state statues that govern the office but the money comes from the taxpoayers. oops, taxpayers

[scooterbug44]

I don't know exactly what is going on - the tax collector's office has always seemed to work pretty well and has been helpful whenever I asked them anything.

Just want to be able to have a permit the next year too, if I win the lottery and get a beach 4x4.

(Which has a tiny chance of happening in the next couple years as Mama Scooterbug is trying to talk Papa Scooterbug into letting me have his old truck when he gets a new one.)

[Chief Deputy TC]

The tax collector office is county and the employees are public servants whose goal should be to do whatever is necessary to serve. There are state statues that govern the office but the money comes from the taxpoayers.

Tax Collectors are independent constitutional officers duly elected from their counties of residence by their fellow citizens and taxpayers. It is this independence, coupled with the fact that Tax Collectors deal with a variety of duties and responsibilities and provide a myriad of important public services, that allow them to exercise valuable leadership roles in Florida's government.

The elected county office of Tax Collector in Florida was established in the 1885 State Constitution based on the idea that local taxes could best be collected at the local level. By being an elected office, it was determined that the Tax Collector would be more responsible to the needs of the community from which she was elected.

As to doing whatever is necessary: When the transaction type in question is not required to be performed by our office then the decisions we make are filtered through a results and outcomes analysis to make sure the return is going to significantly outweigh the investment of your tax dollars. We realize open government is important to our taxpayers and citizens. They want to know how their tax dollars are being spent and being maximized. We operate the office as a business and seek to gain the maximum return for the citizens of Walton County on the resources and revenues we manage. Based on this logic, I think we did do "whatever it takes" to serve the taxpayers and did not enter into this decison lightly.

[SWGB]

Wouldn't it make sense for the Sheriff's office to issue the permits since they are the ones policing it?

[ShallowsNole]

Nothing personal against Cory, but the recent spike in the cost of my tags has re-inforced my attitude that the tax collecting business is a racket to fill the pockets of unproductive consumers at the expense of productive producers! As evidence, I point to the Tax collector scandal last year in Okaloosa county. Please read the part about the yearly bonus plan....some got 25k, some 15k and some only got a miniscul 5k! Seems a little excessive to me! Conventions at Orlando and the San Destin Hilton! Where did this money come from? I believe the previous posts detail the source. (the taxpayers!!!!!!!!!!!!!!)
ok, I'll step down off my soapbox....just makes me mad!

I believe we are talking about the Walton County Tax Collector, not the Okaloosa County Tax Collector. And apparently you think that a semiannual conference to hold classes and discuss the MANY law changes affecting Tax Collectors (and Clerks of Court have these too) statewide is somehow extravagant. Trust me, they don't drive a party bus to these things. And no, I do not work for the Tax Collector. Close only counts in horseshoes and hand grenades.

[ShallowsNole]

And in reference to the permits, it seems my words are coming back to haunt me. Just be nice when y'all come in...