Telephone Poll about sales tax, 331 toll bridge
Just recieved a call about taxes and toll for 331. It implied a $5 toll to pay for it and what a .01 cent sales tax would be used to pay for it amongst other things. Be prepared.
Replies
252
Beach Fanatic
The Walton BCC decided on January 24, 2012 to consider an ordinance calling for a referendum on an optional sales tax increase of up to 1%. The increase is to provide $75 million in matching funds for $102 million offered by FDOT.
The meeting is organized by a private citizen although it was originally considered for sponsorship by a political club and a newspaper announcement was published to that effect. Nonetheless, the meeting is non-partisan and all are invited to participate.
Purpose: Provide competent, correct information regarding bridge project details, financing options, potential economic impact and how the referendum will be conducted if an ordinance is adopted by the BOCC at their February 14th meeting.
On the Program:
Location: South Walton Utility Company Building (Grimaldi Room), 369 Miramar Beach Drive, Miramar Beach, FL 32550
Format: Mike Flynt, resident of Miramar Beach, will facilitate the meeting. The topics below will be named in order and the invited experts will briefly summarize the issues. Q&A will follow after each topic. The intent is to allow about 20 minutes for each topic in order to keep the meeting to an hour and a half.
The meeting is organized by a private citizen although it was originally considered for sponsorship by a political club and a newspaper announcement was published to that effect. Nonetheless, the meeting is non-partisan and all are invited to participate.
Purpose: Provide competent, correct information regarding bridge project details, financing options, potential economic impact and how the referendum will be conducted if an ordinance is adopted by the BOCC at their February 14th meeting.
On the Program:
- Bill Imfeld, Walton County Finance Director.
- Dawn Moliterno, Executive Director of Walton County Tourist Development Council.
- Kitty Whitney, Executive Director of Walton Area Chamber of Commerce.
Location: South Walton Utility Company Building (Grimaldi Room), 369 Miramar Beach Drive, Miramar Beach, FL 32550
Format: Mike Flynt, resident of Miramar Beach, will facilitate the meeting. The topics below will be named in order and the invited experts will briefly summarize the issues. Q&A will follow after each topic. The intent is to allow about 20 minutes for each topic in order to keep the meeting to an hour and a half.
- Bridge Project/Referendum Process. Dawn Moliterno.
- Financing options. Bill Imfeld
- Potential economic impact. Kitty Whitney.
Beach Comber
Misty:
The signs have the same logo as the post from Bob Hudson on 1/23/2012. Perhaps, he can help you with your endeavor to acquire signs. If Bob can't help, just leave a post and I will help with a phone number.
Rock on,
Rocketman
The signs have the same logo as the post from Bob Hudson on 1/23/2012. Perhaps, he can help you with your endeavor to acquire signs. If Bob can't help, just leave a post and I will help with a phone number.
Rock on,
Rocketman
Beach Fanatic
Informational Meeting To Be Held For 331 Bridge Funding, Feb. 9
A local resident, Mike Flynt, has put together an informational meeting of county and business representatives to provide information to the residents of Walton County about the proposed 331 bridge project and how it should be funded, by a toll or by tax.
Date/Time: Thursday, February 9th at 6:00 PM.
Location: South Walton Utility Company Building (Grimaldi Room), 369 Miramar Beach Drive, Miramar Beach, FL 32550
Format: Mike Flynt, resident of Miramar Beach, will facilitate the meeting. The topics below will be named in order and the invited experts will briefly summarize the issues. Q&A will follow after each topic. The intent is to allow about 20 minutes for each topic in order to keep the meeting to an hour and a half.
Purpose: Provide competent, correct information regarding bridge project details, financing options, potential economic impact and how the referendum will be conducted if an ordinance is adopted by the BOCC at their February 14th meeting.
A local resident, Mike Flynt, has put together an informational meeting of county and business representatives to provide information to the residents of Walton County about the proposed 331 bridge project and how it should be funded, by a toll or by tax.
Date/Time: Thursday, February 9th at 6:00 PM.
Location: South Walton Utility Company Building (Grimaldi Room), 369 Miramar Beach Drive, Miramar Beach, FL 32550
Format: Mike Flynt, resident of Miramar Beach, will facilitate the meeting. The topics below will be named in order and the invited experts will briefly summarize the issues. Q&A will follow after each topic. The intent is to allow about 20 minutes for each topic in order to keep the meeting to an hour and a half.
- Bridge Project/Referendum Process. Dawn Moliterno,Executive Director of Walton County Tourist Development Council
- Financing options. Bill Imfeld, Walton County Finance Director
- Potential economic impact. Kitty Whitney, Executive Director of Walton Area Chamber of Commerce
Purpose: Provide competent, correct information regarding bridge project details, financing options, potential economic impact and how the referendum will be conducted if an ordinance is adopted by the BOCC at their February 14th meeting.
Beach Fanatic
SWCC updtae:
This issue involves the building of a second bridge across the Bay and how to fund it. Public comment at the various meetings has suggested (1) do not fund the bridge with a sales tax or a toll-seek other funding sources, (2) fund via a toll or (3) fund with a dedicated sales tax up to 1% max. According to Dawn Moliterno, the current federal/state grant money is for a toll bridge. If the county doesn't want the toll it will have to come up with a 75 million dollar match. A toll bridge would be operated by the State and be under its authority.
At the county commission meeting on January, 24, 2011, the 331 Task Force made its recommendation. It recommended a referendum to increase the sales tax up to 1%. It was pointed out the increase would not pertain to certain items such as gas or groceries. It was indicated a .5 increase was the lowest sustainable option. The full cent increase would pay the debt in 10 years.
The county commissioners voted to hold a public hearing at its meeting on February 14, 2012 at 4 PM to consider an ordinance for a special election/referendum to be held on May 15, 2012.
There is also another public meeting on this issue this Thursday, February 9th at 6:00 PM at the South Walton Utility Company Building (Grimaldi Room), 369 Miramar Beach Drive, Miramar Beach, FL 32550
which is being sponsored by a concerned resident. (See SWCC Member Email of 2/4/12 for details)
This issue involves the building of a second bridge across the Bay and how to fund it. Public comment at the various meetings has suggested (1) do not fund the bridge with a sales tax or a toll-seek other funding sources, (2) fund via a toll or (3) fund with a dedicated sales tax up to 1% max. According to Dawn Moliterno, the current federal/state grant money is for a toll bridge. If the county doesn't want the toll it will have to come up with a 75 million dollar match. A toll bridge would be operated by the State and be under its authority.
At the county commission meeting on January, 24, 2011, the 331 Task Force made its recommendation. It recommended a referendum to increase the sales tax up to 1%. It was pointed out the increase would not pertain to certain items such as gas or groceries. It was indicated a .5 increase was the lowest sustainable option. The full cent increase would pay the debt in 10 years.
The county commissioners voted to hold a public hearing at its meeting on February 14, 2012 at 4 PM to consider an ordinance for a special election/referendum to be held on May 15, 2012.
There is also another public meeting on this issue this Thursday, February 9th at 6:00 PM at the South Walton Utility Company Building (Grimaldi Room), 369 Miramar Beach Drive, Miramar Beach, FL 32550
which is being sponsored by a concerned resident. (See SWCC Member Email of 2/4/12 for details)
Beach Fanatic
Maybe someone can help me out. Where is the South Walton Utility Company building? What is it close to, not the address.
Beach Fanatic
I'll ask here as well. What is the building in close proximity to?
Beach Fanatic
Maybe someone can help me out. Where is the South Walton Utility Company building? What is it close to, not the address.
Hi, Andy A., the South Walton Utility buildng is next to the Miramar Beach Post Office and across the street from Resurrection Catholic Church. This is SWU's new location, they used to be on Scenic Gulf Drive.
Beach Fanatic
If you are unable to attend and have computer access you can view the event live by webcast beggining at 6:00pm tomorrow night.
This service is being provided by Ray with NeighborVision and the WCTA.
To view the live webcast paste the following link into your browser.
http://www.neighborvision.com/live
This service is being provided by Ray with NeighborVision and the WCTA.
To view the live webcast paste the following link into your browser.
http://www.neighborvision.com/live
Beach FanaticAuthor
Ressurection Catholic Church near the sewer treatment plant in Miramar. If you pass the Ace Hardware on 98 you have gone to far. Or go down Scenic Gulf Dr and turn right at Embassy Suites
.
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Beach Fanatic
Thanks loads, miznotebook. See you at the meeting.
Beach Fanatic
Thanks for the response, Bob.
Beach Fanatic
About 60 people gathered Tuesday night for an informational meeting on the proposal to build a second two-lane bridge on U.S. 331 over Choctawhatchee Bay.
Several county officials laid out the proposed plans and possible funding mechanisms for the bridge to a heated, but respectful crowd at the South Walton Utility Company building.
Miramar Beach resident Mike Flint organized the meeting in advance of Tuesday’s county commissoin vote on whether or not to hold a sales tax referndum to pay for the bridge.
The Department of Transportation has said it will provide $102 million to fund the bridge if voters approve a sales tax increase to fund $75 million or if county commissioners agree to allow the bridge to be tolled to raise additonal funds. They said they need a commitment by May.
If the county chooses neither option, the bridge will not be built now.
“The DOT said ‘Walton County, if you don’t bring $75 million to the table we’re going to redirect these dollars to another part of the state,’” he said.
In December, DOT officials said at a county commission meeting that building a second two-lane bridge would put the county in a better position to compete for funding to widen 331 to I-10.
Many in the crowd expressed distrust of DOT officials. They say transportation officials have been promising for years to four-lane the road that stretches from U.S. Highway 98 to the Alabama state line and they questioned whether the DOT would really commit to widening the rest of the project if the county comes up with funding for the bridge.
Kisela noted that DOT has allocated funding for widening 331 from the bridge north to State Road 20 and that some sections from SR-20 north to I-10 have already been funded or are in planning stages.
“I think 331 is going to be funded in the next three to five years with or without the bridge, that’s my opinion,” he said.
Kitty Whitney, president of the Walton County Chamber and one of the invited speakers at the meeting, said she has been on the phone with DOT several times trying to get them to make a solid comittment to four-laning 331.
Some questioned whether the bridge was necessary at all, especially without four-laning the rest of the highway.
“It could be a bridge to nowhere,” one person said.
Okaloosa Sheriff’s Capt. Joe Preston said the county has the second-slowest evacuation time in the state and that although he could not provide specific numbers of how much the rate would be improved with a new bridge, “common sense would lead us to believe it would have some kind of benefit.”
Bob Hudson, executive director of the Walton County Taxpayers Association, said he was unable to find evidence of another county where expanding a bridge helped reduce evacuation times.
He also said estimates state officials have made were based on worst case scenarios.
Preston cautioned against that line of questioning.
“When you are dealing with pubic safety situations, you have to be very careful about playing the odds,” Preston said.
If commissioners approve a referendum Tuesday they will have to choose whether to set it for a 1 cent, 3/4 cent or 1/2 cent sales tax increase.
Bill Imfeld, finance director for Walton County, said he spoke with several banks and bond agencies and found they were interested in in the project. He said the banks even offered lower interest rates to Walton County then what they offered for the midbay bridge becasue the sales tax funds are a more stable revenue stream than tolls.
Kisela said sales tax revenue has been about the same for the last five years, including during the economic slump after the oil spill.
At 1 percent, banks estimated the loan would be paid off in 10 years, 15 for the ¾ cent and 25 for the ½ cent.
Bond agencies offered 25, 20 and 12 year options.
If the commissoiners do not decide to hold a sales tax referendum, or if the voters do not approve it, the commissoiners will have to decide whether or not they want to support a toll on the road.
The toll would be overseen by the DOT through Florida’s Turnpike Association.
At least one person at the meeting noted that if the county approved the toll local governmet would not have any control over increasing toll rates or how long the road is tolled.
The MidBay bridge in Destin started at a $2 toll and has since been raised to $3.
Several county officials laid out the proposed plans and possible funding mechanisms for the bridge to a heated, but respectful crowd at the South Walton Utility Company building.
Miramar Beach resident Mike Flint organized the meeting in advance of Tuesday’s county commissoin vote on whether or not to hold a sales tax referndum to pay for the bridge.
The Department of Transportation has said it will provide $102 million to fund the bridge if voters approve a sales tax increase to fund $75 million or if county commissioners agree to allow the bridge to be tolled to raise additonal funds. They said they need a commitment by May.
If the county chooses neither option, the bridge will not be built now.
“The DOT said ‘Walton County, if you don’t bring $75 million to the table we’re going to redirect these dollars to another part of the state,’” he said.
In December, DOT officials said at a county commission meeting that building a second two-lane bridge would put the county in a better position to compete for funding to widen 331 to I-10.
Many in the crowd expressed distrust of DOT officials. They say transportation officials have been promising for years to four-lane the road that stretches from U.S. Highway 98 to the Alabama state line and they questioned whether the DOT would really commit to widening the rest of the project if the county comes up with funding for the bridge.
Kisela noted that DOT has allocated funding for widening 331 from the bridge north to State Road 20 and that some sections from SR-20 north to I-10 have already been funded or are in planning stages.
“I think 331 is going to be funded in the next three to five years with or without the bridge, that’s my opinion,” he said.
Kitty Whitney, president of the Walton County Chamber and one of the invited speakers at the meeting, said she has been on the phone with DOT several times trying to get them to make a solid comittment to four-laning 331.
Some questioned whether the bridge was necessary at all, especially without four-laning the rest of the highway.
“It could be a bridge to nowhere,” one person said.
Okaloosa Sheriff’s Capt. Joe Preston said the county has the second-slowest evacuation time in the state and that although he could not provide specific numbers of how much the rate would be improved with a new bridge, “common sense would lead us to believe it would have some kind of benefit.”
Bob Hudson, executive director of the Walton County Taxpayers Association, said he was unable to find evidence of another county where expanding a bridge helped reduce evacuation times.
He also said estimates state officials have made were based on worst case scenarios.
Preston cautioned against that line of questioning.
“When you are dealing with pubic safety situations, you have to be very careful about playing the odds,” Preston said.
If commissioners approve a referendum Tuesday they will have to choose whether to set it for a 1 cent, 3/4 cent or 1/2 cent sales tax increase.
Bill Imfeld, finance director for Walton County, said he spoke with several banks and bond agencies and found they were interested in in the project. He said the banks even offered lower interest rates to Walton County then what they offered for the midbay bridge becasue the sales tax funds are a more stable revenue stream than tolls.
Kisela said sales tax revenue has been about the same for the last five years, including during the economic slump after the oil spill.
At 1 percent, banks estimated the loan would be paid off in 10 years, 15 for the ¾ cent and 25 for the ½ cent.
Bond agencies offered 25, 20 and 12 year options.
If the commissoiners do not decide to hold a sales tax referendum, or if the voters do not approve it, the commissoiners will have to decide whether or not they want to support a toll on the road.
The toll would be overseen by the DOT through Florida’s Turnpike Association.
At least one person at the meeting noted that if the county approved the toll local governmet would not have any control over increasing toll rates or how long the road is tolled.
The MidBay bridge in Destin started at a $2 toll and has since been raised to $3.
Beach Fanatic
Walton County - The debate over a proposal to pay for a new $75 million bridge on highway 331, continued Thursday night in Walton County. Dozens of residents showed-up for an information meeting to talk about a new 1 cent sales tax to raise the money.
The state Department of Transportation is offering Walton County $177 million to widen highway 331 from highway 98 to interstate-10, but there's a catch. The county has to come-up with about $75 million in matching funding.
County commissioners have been trying to widen 331 for years. It's the only north-south route through the county, and would greatly improve hurricane evacuation times. The commission is pushing a 1% sale tax to raise the money, which would pay for the new bridge over Choctawhatchee Bay.
They say it's a better option than charging a $2 toll, because they can pay off the debt in less time, and tourist will help pay 57% of the cost. Commissioners want to schedule a referendum vote for April 24th, giving voters the power to approve or reject the tax proposal.
But some residents have already made up their minds. They say Walton County already has some of the highest tax rates in the state. They say another tax could hurt tourism. Those still undecided heard a lot of information tonight to consider before voting.
"We have inadequate lanes to evacuate people from South Walton. In the summer time and a lot of visitors and all the people that live here not having a quick evacuation might leave people stranded on the road when the storm hits."
"If somebody wants to go out here and borrow $75 million to build this bridge then hey go to it buddy, because I’m not responsible for it."
Commissions are scheduled next week to decide if the issue will go to a vote. The county has until the end of May to decide how to raise the money, or the state will give the $177 million to other road projects.
The state Department of Transportation is offering Walton County $177 million to widen highway 331 from highway 98 to interstate-10, but there's a catch. The county has to come-up with about $75 million in matching funding.
County commissioners have been trying to widen 331 for years. It's the only north-south route through the county, and would greatly improve hurricane evacuation times. The commission is pushing a 1% sale tax to raise the money, which would pay for the new bridge over Choctawhatchee Bay.
They say it's a better option than charging a $2 toll, because they can pay off the debt in less time, and tourist will help pay 57% of the cost. Commissioners want to schedule a referendum vote for April 24th, giving voters the power to approve or reject the tax proposal.
But some residents have already made up their minds. They say Walton County already has some of the highest tax rates in the state. They say another tax could hurt tourism. Those still undecided heard a lot of information tonight to consider before voting.
"We have inadequate lanes to evacuate people from South Walton. In the summer time and a lot of visitors and all the people that live here not having a quick evacuation might leave people stranded on the road when the storm hits."
"If somebody wants to go out here and borrow $75 million to build this bridge then hey go to it buddy, because I’m not responsible for it."
Commissions are scheduled next week to decide if the issue will go to a vote. The county has until the end of May to decide how to raise the money, or the state will give the $177 million to other road projects.
Beach FanaticAuthor
The amount the State and Federal government is kicking in all the bridge is $177 million, NOT $102 million. The State is telling us they need a $75 million match. I believe there were well over 80 folks at this meeting just based on the number of chairs that were in the room that were filled. The toll option, which in my opinion would go on forever is a lifetime payment, the 1% tax is shorter, max of 10 years if these numbers are correct. The only tol bridge I know for a fact that is no longer tolled is the Navarre Beach bridge which the county took over from the State, there may be others but I know this one. Man who was looking at buying $1500 dollar lawn mower would pay an extra $15 in sales tax, depending on where you live, what you drive and the amount of time shopping you may end up paying more in time and fuel to avoid paying the $15 tax. The lady who complains her summer renters will blow a gasket because the TDC tax and sales tax, think Sandestin, the Village has an additional tax they charge their customers. I am unsure whether that tax goes throughout the whole property but they seem to stay busy. Walton County is different, we are not over built like the Counties to the east and west of us, we have attractions that draw folks here. I understand folks resistance to a tax, but its cheaper in the long run for a tax vs a toll and beats not having a bridge. This is just my opinion.
Beach FanaticAuthor
Now I am confused, just found out the handout they gave us at the meeting last night was incorrect. It is $102 million that the State is comitted.
Beach Fanatic
Not a single number on that handout was correct. It's Obvious they have not thought this through or they are incompetent.
:mad:
:mad:
Beach Fanatic
Are you saying that Bill lied to us on his handout? I don't think so. The county's share is a 75 million match for DOT's grant of 177 million. You are getting 102 million in construction funds for our 75 million, if you want to look at it that way. I don't like spending money anymore than the next person but I think it is disingenuous for the WCTA to paint this expenditure of tax funds in the the light they have chosen to do. Oh, and by the way, I am a paid up member of the WCTA and so is my wife. Progress is a strange thing. It requires that someone pay for it.
Beach Lover
[h=1][FONT=arial, helvetica, sans-serif]Andy,[/FONT]
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[FONT=arial, helvetica, sans-serif]Prior informational sessions by the “Blue Ribbon Panel” stated clearly and unambiguously that the total funds involved were in the amount of $177 mil, 102 from FL, 75 from Walton. Please feel free to ask Bonnie McQuiston to verify that fact. She has done so earlier today. Either the Panel was provided wrong information, or the numbers given by Mr. Imfeld Th night were incorrect. If the latter, the remainder of his numbers were obligatorily wrong.[/FONT]
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[FONT=arial, helvetica, sans-serif]Based on unambiguous information in hand, it may be fairly stated that Mr. Kisela was at best evasive in stating that he first came to know of this in the Dec BCC meeting. As Bob stated at the Th meeting, there is an email in his possession that is dated in Sept which clearly states that Mr. Kisela met with DOT officials and proposed himself that should Walton County come up with 20-25% of the funding for the bridge, would the state be willing to partner with the county in building the bridge.[/FONT]
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[FONT=arial, helvetica, sans-serif]There are those who would suggest that a half-truth is an untruth. The timeline belies the public statements of county officials, unequivocally so.[/FONT]
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[FONT=arial, helvetica, sans-serif]I think there are few who don’t want the bridge. There are however legitimate concerns being raised about the manner in which this particular campaign is being conducted.[/FONT]
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[FONT=arial, helvetica, sans-serif]The sense of urgency and the dissembling about the origins of this proposal in aid of creating this sense of urgency lead directly to the suspicion that we are being deceived, hardly a unique experience with our county government.[/FONT]
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[FONT=arial, helvetica, sans-serif]The evacuation benefits to be gained are as yet not demonstrated. What is known, however, is that Walton has never in recorded history suffered a Cat 4 or 5 hurricane, and that Walton County has never experienced a single death related to evacuation from a hurricane. Given the acknowledged continued existence of other choke points for traffic north of the Bay and the bridge, and further given the total lack of commitment by the DOT, not to mention Alabama, to widen the roads and freeway entrances, it is reasonable to assume that a bridge will do little toward public safety in evacuation scenarios and would only move the choke point negligibly north.[/FONT]
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[FONT=arial, helvetica, sans-serif]Day to day public safety and convenience factors far outweigh the probable miniscule hurricane-related advantages of a 4-lane bridge, and economic benefits at the margin are also much larger considerations. However, the net economic benefits are likely to be both smaller and in the longer term (for major benefits, at least) for South Walton in particular. Given the price of real estate and given the relative paucity of private land south of the Bay, and further given the likelihood of a continued significantly depressed real estate market and depressed availability of funds for real estate developments on a large scale, I doubt that making access easier to an already choked Hwy 98 is going to do much for economic development and jobs in the near to intermediate term.[/FONT]
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[FONT=arial, helvetica, sans-serif]We are not operating in a vacuum here, and there are some monstrous threats to the world economy looming in the near term. How well they are addressed remains to be seen, but the record of most governments around the world and here at home gives me scant reason for optimism. How about you?[/FONT]
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[FONT=arial, helvetica, sans-serif]We have had the right to raise our own taxes in this fashion since 2010. It’s legitimate to ask if this is the right time and the right project. No one is debating desirability inhering in 4-laning the bridge. What is being contested is the legitimacy of the process and priorities for our tax dollars, not to mention the putative benefits. I suspect the question will be put to the voters, and I’m absolutely in favor of that.[/FONT]
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[FONT=arial, helvetica, sans-serif]What I am not in favor of is our leadership deceiving us, and it appears to me that there is a strong likelihood, if not in fact a certainty, that such is the case. I think what we are hearing is that Walton County government has lost the confidence of the people, and deservedly so. It has certainly lost mine.[/FONT]
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[FONT=arial, helvetica, sans-serif]The state has not heaped honor upon itself in this matter either. Hundreds of millions of dollars have been diverted from the Trust Fund (Wonder why they don’t call them Distrust Funds?) and given to other uses than the roads and bridges they were intended to fund. The State insists that Walton County guarantee $75 mil for this bridge to perhaps nowhere, the whole while promising Walton county nothing as respects 4-laning 331 north of the bridge beyond what is already underway. A 5 year aspiration of DOT? Try taking that one to get bonded or used as collateral for bank financing. Better yet, work up a full comedy routine around it.[/FONT]
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[FONT=arial, helvetica, sans-serif]The folks north of the Bay are potential beneficiaries of 4-laning 331 and building the bridge, but until such time as 331 is 4-lane to the bridge from DeFuniak or I-10, the bridge will be of little net benefit to them. To suggest a toll bridge without toll booths, relying on the mail and threats to tourists, is perhaps the most asinine proposal of modern times. A toll would also be incredibly destructive of the interests of residents north of the Bay, which in turn would be destructive of the interests of all in Walton County.[/FONT]
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[FONT=arial, helvetica, sans-serif]And let’s not leave out the bed tax collectors and the businesses dependent on the tourists they serve. Walton is already uncompetitive in its tax rates, most of all for bed tax collectors. We are already higher than our neighbors in Bay and Okaloosa Counties. In the age of the internet and VRBO and an economy in poor shape, we stand to lose business to our neighboring counties, not to mention other areas of FL and other states consequent to the comparative costs. In a perfect world, Walton County would kick some serious butt in a competition for tourist dollars. We have some of the most beautiful beaches in the world around which to build a tremendous tourist experience. It’s not, never has been, and never will be a perfect world. We must compete on cost, too.
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[FONT=arial, helvetica, sans-serif]I was reading an article earlier today which caught my eye. The new Porsche 911 S! Whoa! Could I evacuate more quickly with that? Would my purchasing the car, the gas, the insurance, the service have favorable impacts on the economy? Would that baby make the part of Walton County where it might be seen sitting or zooming about more attractive? Yes, yes, and yes! Would I love to have one? Hell, yes! Can I afford one? Sadly, no. Would my wife think it okay for me to borrow the money to satisfy those urges, justifying the action to her by saying I want it, it has the benefits noted above, and besides, FL DOT says it’s their goal to make 331 a 4-lane autobahn in 5 years, and these 911s are only going to get more expensive? What would your wife say?
Mine, too.[/FONT][/h]
[FONT=arial, helvetica, sans-serif] [/FONT]
[FONT=arial, helvetica, sans-serif]Prior informational sessions by the “Blue Ribbon Panel” stated clearly and unambiguously that the total funds involved were in the amount of $177 mil, 102 from FL, 75 from Walton. Please feel free to ask Bonnie McQuiston to verify that fact. She has done so earlier today. Either the Panel was provided wrong information, or the numbers given by Mr. Imfeld Th night were incorrect. If the latter, the remainder of his numbers were obligatorily wrong.[/FONT]
[FONT=arial, helvetica, sans-serif] [/FONT]
[FONT=arial, helvetica, sans-serif]Based on unambiguous information in hand, it may be fairly stated that Mr. Kisela was at best evasive in stating that he first came to know of this in the Dec BCC meeting. As Bob stated at the Th meeting, there is an email in his possession that is dated in Sept which clearly states that Mr. Kisela met with DOT officials and proposed himself that should Walton County come up with 20-25% of the funding for the bridge, would the state be willing to partner with the county in building the bridge.[/FONT]
[FONT=arial, helvetica, sans-serif] [/FONT]
[FONT=arial, helvetica, sans-serif]There are those who would suggest that a half-truth is an untruth. The timeline belies the public statements of county officials, unequivocally so.[/FONT]
[FONT=arial, helvetica, sans-serif] [/FONT]
[FONT=arial, helvetica, sans-serif]I think there are few who don’t want the bridge. There are however legitimate concerns being raised about the manner in which this particular campaign is being conducted.[/FONT]
[FONT=arial, helvetica, sans-serif] [/FONT]
[FONT=arial, helvetica, sans-serif]The sense of urgency and the dissembling about the origins of this proposal in aid of creating this sense of urgency lead directly to the suspicion that we are being deceived, hardly a unique experience with our county government.[/FONT]
[FONT=arial, helvetica, sans-serif] [/FONT]
[FONT=arial, helvetica, sans-serif]The evacuation benefits to be gained are as yet not demonstrated. What is known, however, is that Walton has never in recorded history suffered a Cat 4 or 5 hurricane, and that Walton County has never experienced a single death related to evacuation from a hurricane. Given the acknowledged continued existence of other choke points for traffic north of the Bay and the bridge, and further given the total lack of commitment by the DOT, not to mention Alabama, to widen the roads and freeway entrances, it is reasonable to assume that a bridge will do little toward public safety in evacuation scenarios and would only move the choke point negligibly north.[/FONT]
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[FONT=arial, helvetica, sans-serif]Day to day public safety and convenience factors far outweigh the probable miniscule hurricane-related advantages of a 4-lane bridge, and economic benefits at the margin are also much larger considerations. However, the net economic benefits are likely to be both smaller and in the longer term (for major benefits, at least) for South Walton in particular. Given the price of real estate and given the relative paucity of private land south of the Bay, and further given the likelihood of a continued significantly depressed real estate market and depressed availability of funds for real estate developments on a large scale, I doubt that making access easier to an already choked Hwy 98 is going to do much for economic development and jobs in the near to intermediate term.[/FONT]
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[FONT=arial, helvetica, sans-serif]We are not operating in a vacuum here, and there are some monstrous threats to the world economy looming in the near term. How well they are addressed remains to be seen, but the record of most governments around the world and here at home gives me scant reason for optimism. How about you?[/FONT]
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[FONT=arial, helvetica, sans-serif]We have had the right to raise our own taxes in this fashion since 2010. It’s legitimate to ask if this is the right time and the right project. No one is debating desirability inhering in 4-laning the bridge. What is being contested is the legitimacy of the process and priorities for our tax dollars, not to mention the putative benefits. I suspect the question will be put to the voters, and I’m absolutely in favor of that.[/FONT]
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[FONT=arial, helvetica, sans-serif]What I am not in favor of is our leadership deceiving us, and it appears to me that there is a strong likelihood, if not in fact a certainty, that such is the case. I think what we are hearing is that Walton County government has lost the confidence of the people, and deservedly so. It has certainly lost mine.[/FONT]
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[FONT=arial, helvetica, sans-serif]The state has not heaped honor upon itself in this matter either. Hundreds of millions of dollars have been diverted from the Trust Fund (Wonder why they don’t call them Distrust Funds?) and given to other uses than the roads and bridges they were intended to fund. The State insists that Walton County guarantee $75 mil for this bridge to perhaps nowhere, the whole while promising Walton county nothing as respects 4-laning 331 north of the bridge beyond what is already underway. A 5 year aspiration of DOT? Try taking that one to get bonded or used as collateral for bank financing. Better yet, work up a full comedy routine around it.[/FONT]
[FONT=arial, helvetica, sans-serif] [/FONT]
[FONT=arial, helvetica, sans-serif]The folks north of the Bay are potential beneficiaries of 4-laning 331 and building the bridge, but until such time as 331 is 4-lane to the bridge from DeFuniak or I-10, the bridge will be of little net benefit to them. To suggest a toll bridge without toll booths, relying on the mail and threats to tourists, is perhaps the most asinine proposal of modern times. A toll would also be incredibly destructive of the interests of residents north of the Bay, which in turn would be destructive of the interests of all in Walton County.[/FONT]
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[FONT=arial, helvetica, sans-serif]And let’s not leave out the bed tax collectors and the businesses dependent on the tourists they serve. Walton is already uncompetitive in its tax rates, most of all for bed tax collectors. We are already higher than our neighbors in Bay and Okaloosa Counties. In the age of the internet and VRBO and an economy in poor shape, we stand to lose business to our neighboring counties, not to mention other areas of FL and other states consequent to the comparative costs. In a perfect world, Walton County would kick some serious butt in a competition for tourist dollars. We have some of the most beautiful beaches in the world around which to build a tremendous tourist experience. It’s not, never has been, and never will be a perfect world. We must compete on cost, too.
[/FONT]
[FONT=arial, helvetica, sans-serif]I was reading an article earlier today which caught my eye. The new Porsche 911 S! Whoa! Could I evacuate more quickly with that? Would my purchasing the car, the gas, the insurance, the service have favorable impacts on the economy? Would that baby make the part of Walton County where it might be seen sitting or zooming about more attractive? Yes, yes, and yes! Would I love to have one? Hell, yes! Can I afford one? Sadly, no. Would my wife think it okay for me to borrow the money to satisfy those urges, justifying the action to her by saying I want it, it has the benefits noted above, and besides, FL DOT says it’s their goal to make 331 a 4-lane autobahn in 5 years, and these 911s are only going to get more expensive? What would your wife say?
Mine, too.[/FONT][/h]
Beach Fanatic
Are you saying that Bill lied to us on his handout? I don't think so. The county's share is a 75 million match for DOT's grant of 177 million. You are getting 102 million in construction funds for our 75 million, if you want to look at it that way. I don't like spending money anymore than the next person but I think it is disingenuous for the WCTA to paint this expenditure of tax funds in the the light they have chosen to do. Oh, and by the way, I am a paid up member of the WCTA and so is my wife. Progress is a strange thing. It requires that someone pay for it.
Andy my reference was to the sheet handed out dealing with the cost to citizens for a toll ($750.00 when if you take what the state said the toll would be it's $500.00 and if you heard Kitty the cost for a 1% sales tax is not $213.00 it's $213.00 per household member - the calculations were based on the average house hold composition of 2.4 people - which means the project cost should have been 2.4 times $213.00 or $511.20. Kitty also agreed with me that the houldshold income that those numbers were based on was 37K per year. For most residents who live south of the bay that number is very unrealistic. The more spendable income the more "taxable items" people buy.
Those numbers are what most people base their decision on in a tax or toll decision and they are at best misleading and at worst skewed to alter the true costs.
I have no qualms with Bill Imfelds sheet that dealt with bank loan cost projections and various bond structures and loan and bond periods.
When I borrow $75million dollars I think I have the right to know straight answers to simple questions.
Why can't they get the number right ? Larry, Daryl and Daryl need to get the story straight.
Beach Fanatic
83 Million and Counting
This item is buried within the Consent Agenda items which will once again mean "No Public Comment"
It appears based on this submission form that without most people knowing the BCC is now tentatively agreeing to a Bank Loan of 8.5 million dollars to match a Tiger Grant if we were selected to receive.
This would be in addition to the 75 million we are being asked to fund to build the bridge and would appear to conflict with statements made that the "State" was committed to complete the balance of 4-lane Hwy 331 to the I-!0 connector.
Once you "kick-in" the process continues over and over for each section of 331. We were told the other night that the State was committed to 4-Lane the balance of 331 if we contributed $75 million. Now we know that we are on the hook for even more debt if this grant is approved. The state is paving it with our money once again.
This would bring the debt load increase to 83 Million dollars if we received the Tiger Grant.
No other source of revenue for repayment other than from "Property Taxes" would appear to be available.
If Walton County approves a 75 million dollar loan or bond and we were to receive the Tiger Grant and then be forced to secure a Bank loan of 8.5 million you would carry the debt load in Walton County from $30,725 million to $113,725 million dollars.
This would raise the per capita debt from $555 dollars to $2106.00.
This represents a growth of 280% in one year.
That is worse than the National debt growth !
COUNTY DEPARTMENT
SUBMISSION FORM BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS WALTON COUNTY, FLORIDA
Requested Meeting Date:
February 14, 2012
Meeting Location:
SW Annex Courthouse
Submission Deadline:
February 2, 2012
County Department: Public Works Contact Person: Greg Kisela
TOPIC:
Tiger IV Grant application to add lanes and reconstruct the segment of US 331 South from SR 20 to Owl's Head Road.
REQUESTED ACTION:
Request permission to apply for a (design and build) Tiger IV Grant for US 331 South with a County match of $8,500,000.00 to be funded through a bank loan.
SUMMARY EXPLANATION OR HISTORY:
Walton County has the opportunity to apply for a Tiger IV Discretionary Grant to four-lane the section of US 331 South from SR 20 in Freeport to Owl's Head Road in Freeport. A funds match of $8,500,000.00 would be necessary if Walton County is awarded the grant. These funds would be made available through a bank loan.
MATERIAL/EXHIBITS ATTACHED:
ADMINISTRATION CONTACT INFORMATION:
Name: Dede Hinote, Executive Assistant
Phone: 850-892-8155
Fax: 850-892-8454
Email: hindede@co.walton.fl.us
Address: PO Box 1355, DeFuniak Springs, FL 32435
This item is buried within the Consent Agenda items which will once again mean "No Public Comment"
It appears based on this submission form that without most people knowing the BCC is now tentatively agreeing to a Bank Loan of 8.5 million dollars to match a Tiger Grant if we were selected to receive.
This would be in addition to the 75 million we are being asked to fund to build the bridge and would appear to conflict with statements made that the "State" was committed to complete the balance of 4-lane Hwy 331 to the I-!0 connector.
Once you "kick-in" the process continues over and over for each section of 331. We were told the other night that the State was committed to 4-Lane the balance of 331 if we contributed $75 million. Now we know that we are on the hook for even more debt if this grant is approved. The state is paving it with our money once again.
This would bring the debt load increase to 83 Million dollars if we received the Tiger Grant.
No other source of revenue for repayment other than from "Property Taxes" would appear to be available.
If Walton County approves a 75 million dollar loan or bond and we were to receive the Tiger Grant and then be forced to secure a Bank loan of 8.5 million you would carry the debt load in Walton County from $30,725 million to $113,725 million dollars.
This would raise the per capita debt from $555 dollars to $2106.00.
This represents a growth of 280% in one year.
That is worse than the National debt growth !
COUNTY DEPARTMENT
SUBMISSION FORM BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS WALTON COUNTY, FLORIDA
Requested Meeting Date:
February 14, 2012
Meeting Location:
SW Annex Courthouse
Submission Deadline:
February 2, 2012
County Department: Public Works Contact Person: Greg Kisela
TOPIC:
Tiger IV Grant application to add lanes and reconstruct the segment of US 331 South from SR 20 to Owl's Head Road.
REQUESTED ACTION:
Request permission to apply for a (design and build) Tiger IV Grant for US 331 South with a County match of $8,500,000.00 to be funded through a bank loan.
SUMMARY EXPLANATION OR HISTORY:
Walton County has the opportunity to apply for a Tiger IV Discretionary Grant to four-lane the section of US 331 South from SR 20 in Freeport to Owl's Head Road in Freeport. A funds match of $8,500,000.00 would be necessary if Walton County is awarded the grant. These funds would be made available through a bank loan.
MATERIAL/EXHIBITS ATTACHED:
ADMINISTRATION CONTACT INFORMATION:
Name: Dede Hinote, Executive Assistant
Phone: 850-892-8155
Fax: 850-892-8454
Email: hindede@co.walton.fl.us
Address: PO Box 1355, DeFuniak Springs, FL 32435
Beach Fanatic
83 Million and Counting
This item is buried within the Consent Agenda items which will once again mean "No Public Comment"
It appears based on this submission form that without most people knowing the BCC is now tentatively agreeing to a Bank Loan of 8.5 million dollars to match a Tiger Grant if we were selected to receive.
This would be in addition to the 75 million we are being asked to fund to build the bridge and would appear to conflict with statements made that the "State" was committed to complete the balance of 4-lane Hwy 331 to the I-!0 connector.
Once you "kick-in" the process continues over and over for each section of 331. We were told the other night that the State was committed to 4-Lane the balance of 331 if we contributed $75 million. Now we know that we are on the hook for even more debt if this grant is approved. The state is paving it with our money once again.
This would bring the debt load increase to 83 Million dollars if we received the Tiger Grant.
No other source of revenue for repayment other than from "Property Taxes" would appear to be available.
If Walton County approves a 75 million dollar loan or bond and we were to receive the Tiger Grant and then be forced to secure a Bank loan of 8.5 million you would carry the debt load in Walton County from $30,725 million to $113,725 million dollars.
This would raise the per capita debt from $555 dollars to $2106.00.
This represents a growth of 280% in one year.
That is worse than the National debt growth !
COUNTY DEPARTMENT
SUBMISSION FORM BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS WALTON COUNTY, FLORIDA
Requested Meeting Date:
February 14, 2012
Meeting Location:
SW Annex Courthouse
Submission Deadline:
February 2, 2012
County Department: Public Works Contact Person: Greg Kisela
TOPIC:
Tiger IV Grant application to add lanes and reconstruct the segment of US 331 South from SR 20 to Owl's Head Road.
REQUESTED ACTION:
Request permission to apply for a (design and build) Tiger IV Grant for US 331 South with a County match of $8,500,000.00 to be funded through a bank loan.
SUMMARY EXPLANATION OR HISTORY:
Walton County has the opportunity to apply for a Tiger IV Discretionary Grant to four-lane the section of US 331 South from SR 20 in Freeport to Owl's Head Road in Freeport. A funds match of $8,500,000.00 would be necessary if Walton County is awarded the grant. These funds would be made available through a bank loan.
MATERIAL/EXHIBITS ATTACHED:
ADMINISTRATION CONTACT INFORMATION:
Name: Dede Hinote, Executive Assistant
Phone: 850-892-8155
Fax: 850-892-8454
Email: hindede@co.walton.fl.us
Address: PO Box 1355, DeFuniak Springs, FL 32435
This item is buried within the Consent Agenda items which will once again mean "No Public Comment"
It appears based on this submission form that without most people knowing the BCC is now tentatively agreeing to a Bank Loan of 8.5 million dollars to match a Tiger Grant if we were selected to receive.
This would be in addition to the 75 million we are being asked to fund to build the bridge and would appear to conflict with statements made that the "State" was committed to complete the balance of 4-lane Hwy 331 to the I-!0 connector.
Once you "kick-in" the process continues over and over for each section of 331. We were told the other night that the State was committed to 4-Lane the balance of 331 if we contributed $75 million. Now we know that we are on the hook for even more debt if this grant is approved. The state is paving it with our money once again.
This would bring the debt load increase to 83 Million dollars if we received the Tiger Grant.
No other source of revenue for repayment other than from "Property Taxes" would appear to be available.
If Walton County approves a 75 million dollar loan or bond and we were to receive the Tiger Grant and then be forced to secure a Bank loan of 8.5 million you would carry the debt load in Walton County from $30,725 million to $113,725 million dollars.
This would raise the per capita debt from $555 dollars to $2106.00.
This represents a growth of 280% in one year.
That is worse than the National debt growth !
COUNTY DEPARTMENT
SUBMISSION FORM BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS WALTON COUNTY, FLORIDA
Requested Meeting Date:
February 14, 2012
Meeting Location:
SW Annex Courthouse
Submission Deadline:
February 2, 2012
County Department: Public Works Contact Person: Greg Kisela
TOPIC:
Tiger IV Grant application to add lanes and reconstruct the segment of US 331 South from SR 20 to Owl's Head Road.
REQUESTED ACTION:
Request permission to apply for a (design and build) Tiger IV Grant for US 331 South with a County match of $8,500,000.00 to be funded through a bank loan.
SUMMARY EXPLANATION OR HISTORY:
Walton County has the opportunity to apply for a Tiger IV Discretionary Grant to four-lane the section of US 331 South from SR 20 in Freeport to Owl's Head Road in Freeport. A funds match of $8,500,000.00 would be necessary if Walton County is awarded the grant. These funds would be made available through a bank loan.
MATERIAL/EXHIBITS ATTACHED:
ADMINISTRATION CONTACT INFORMATION:
Name: Dede Hinote, Executive Assistant
Phone: 850-892-8155
Fax: 850-892-8454
Email: hindede@co.walton.fl.us
Address: PO Box 1355, DeFuniak Springs, FL 32435
Beach Fanatic
From wzepAM
What promises were made, what is the FDOT saying they will do and what are others doing. Some are also saying the FDOT wants a match to build the bridge or they will pull all highway funds. While Walton County has been working to see U.S. 331 widened for around 50 years now, the FDOT is widening some parts of the road and have plans for other parts. They also want the bridge widened sooner than later and have told Walton County they will expedite funds for a second bridge if the county comes up with a $75 million match.
The state transportation only gave Walton until May to decide if they want the bridge widened sooner or want to wait until future funds are available. The FDOT says budgeting has changed and the days of full funding are gone. Local governments are now asked to participate in funding some projects. Since the FDOT has to turn in a budget by June, the decision has to be made now. The state and district three secretaries said the match is required for funds to stay on the project in Walton and they do not tell the local government where to get the money from. If the new bridge is wanted sooner than later, the state says it needs the $75 million or an agreement to allow them to place a toll.
The Walton Commissioners tasked a group of residents with making a recommendation on how to fund the project. The committee, administered by Walton TDC Director Dawn Moliterno who did not vote, agreed to recommend the commissioners take the funding question to the voters.
The exact question will be if the voters want to increase the sales tax in Walton up to 1 cent. Commissioners will have to decide if they want to take the question to the voters and at what percentage. If Walton uses the full one cent, it will make the county the highest sales tax county in the state. If the commissioners do not take the question to the polls, or the voters say no, then they will have to decide of they want the toll or not. If there is no toll, if there is not sales tax approved, and if there is no $75 million match, then the FDOT says it will use the funds designated for the bridge elsewhere.
At a meeting with the state and local transportation secretaries, the Walton Commissioners were told the state wants to see U.S. 331 widened to I-10. They also said the bridge is part of that widening and there are funds available, but Walton will have to have the $75 million match. A sales tax or toll can be used as a dedicated source for a bond or loan. The commissioners were told they need Walton to show them and others wanting to invest that the county is serious about seeing the road widened.
The section south of the bridge is already at four lanes. The section north of the bridge to Highway 20 is funded and currently in the process of being made four lanes. The bridge needs to be made four lanes to make the road wider all the way to Highway 20. The section near Freeport has a new two lane road and is ready for an additional two lanes. A small section just north of that is being worked on now through a joint County/State project. The rest has some plans, but the funds are not currently in the short term budgeting. Walton was told by the state that if they help with the bridge, then the state will find more funds quicker to complete the widening to I-10. No guarantee was made funds will come, only that the state knows the need and wants to see the project move quicker than what is in the current budgeting and work plan. The FDOT says the bridge is needed now to take advantage of the lower construction costs currently available.
Walton Commissioner Sara Comander told WZEP she understands the FDOT is asking for the $75 million match and will pull money from the bridge portion if it is not met. She also says she has the impression the state saying the funds will be taken elsewhere likely also means any other attempts to fund the remaining portion could be delayed.
The state has indicated it has funds to complete the second bridge so there will be four lanes to Highway 20. At Highway 20 travelers can go east, west or north. At this point there are two north routs to I-10, U.S. 331 and Highway 81. Walton was told the bridge and commitment by Walton is needed to keep them working on expediting the funds for further expansion.
In several meetings, many in the public have said there is a need and they are willing to add up to the one cent to the sales tax. This would be paid off in about 10 years for a penny or just over 20 years with half a cent. Half a cent would not make Walton the highest sale tax county. Over half the sales tax is paid by the tourist industry sales. A lot less say there should be a user fee, rather a toll. It is pointed out a toll would be operated by the state, would be at least 30 years with no guarantee it would ever come off and could increase. Quite a few have also said the county should not fund the bridge at all. Some say that Walton has been asking for years and surrounding counties have had projects paid for with no match. Other question the very need for an additional two lanes right now.
Recently Escambia County, Walton’s neighbor to the west, was also asked to pay a match for a new Pensacola Bay Bridge. The Pensacola News Journal reports the Escambia Commissioners approved a resolution opposing the state toll to help pay for replacing the structurally deficient bridge. They also plan to ask local cities and the local TPO to also approve resolutions. The Escambia commissioners say, “The bridge has been a free connection and is the only connection between South Escambia and South Santa Rosa counties.” The Escambia Commissioners say the public should not have to pay to cross the bridge.
Like Walton, the bridge is the only connection. Other local toll bridges have been built, but they offer a quicker connection and a second connection. Tuesday afternoon, when the Walton Commissioners meet, they will have to decide what to tell the voters, taxpayers, visitors and the state.
What promises were made, what is the FDOT saying they will do and what are others doing. Some are also saying the FDOT wants a match to build the bridge or they will pull all highway funds. While Walton County has been working to see U.S. 331 widened for around 50 years now, the FDOT is widening some parts of the road and have plans for other parts. They also want the bridge widened sooner than later and have told Walton County they will expedite funds for a second bridge if the county comes up with a $75 million match.
The state transportation only gave Walton until May to decide if they want the bridge widened sooner or want to wait until future funds are available. The FDOT says budgeting has changed and the days of full funding are gone. Local governments are now asked to participate in funding some projects. Since the FDOT has to turn in a budget by June, the decision has to be made now. The state and district three secretaries said the match is required for funds to stay on the project in Walton and they do not tell the local government where to get the money from. If the new bridge is wanted sooner than later, the state says it needs the $75 million or an agreement to allow them to place a toll.
The Walton Commissioners tasked a group of residents with making a recommendation on how to fund the project. The committee, administered by Walton TDC Director Dawn Moliterno who did not vote, agreed to recommend the commissioners take the funding question to the voters.
The exact question will be if the voters want to increase the sales tax in Walton up to 1 cent. Commissioners will have to decide if they want to take the question to the voters and at what percentage. If Walton uses the full one cent, it will make the county the highest sales tax county in the state. If the commissioners do not take the question to the polls, or the voters say no, then they will have to decide of they want the toll or not. If there is no toll, if there is not sales tax approved, and if there is no $75 million match, then the FDOT says it will use the funds designated for the bridge elsewhere.
At a meeting with the state and local transportation secretaries, the Walton Commissioners were told the state wants to see U.S. 331 widened to I-10. They also said the bridge is part of that widening and there are funds available, but Walton will have to have the $75 million match. A sales tax or toll can be used as a dedicated source for a bond or loan. The commissioners were told they need Walton to show them and others wanting to invest that the county is serious about seeing the road widened.
The section south of the bridge is already at four lanes. The section north of the bridge to Highway 20 is funded and currently in the process of being made four lanes. The bridge needs to be made four lanes to make the road wider all the way to Highway 20. The section near Freeport has a new two lane road and is ready for an additional two lanes. A small section just north of that is being worked on now through a joint County/State project. The rest has some plans, but the funds are not currently in the short term budgeting. Walton was told by the state that if they help with the bridge, then the state will find more funds quicker to complete the widening to I-10. No guarantee was made funds will come, only that the state knows the need and wants to see the project move quicker than what is in the current budgeting and work plan. The FDOT says the bridge is needed now to take advantage of the lower construction costs currently available.
Walton Commissioner Sara Comander told WZEP she understands the FDOT is asking for the $75 million match and will pull money from the bridge portion if it is not met. She also says she has the impression the state saying the funds will be taken elsewhere likely also means any other attempts to fund the remaining portion could be delayed.
The state has indicated it has funds to complete the second bridge so there will be four lanes to Highway 20. At Highway 20 travelers can go east, west or north. At this point there are two north routs to I-10, U.S. 331 and Highway 81. Walton was told the bridge and commitment by Walton is needed to keep them working on expediting the funds for further expansion.
In several meetings, many in the public have said there is a need and they are willing to add up to the one cent to the sales tax. This would be paid off in about 10 years for a penny or just over 20 years with half a cent. Half a cent would not make Walton the highest sale tax county. Over half the sales tax is paid by the tourist industry sales. A lot less say there should be a user fee, rather a toll. It is pointed out a toll would be operated by the state, would be at least 30 years with no guarantee it would ever come off and could increase. Quite a few have also said the county should not fund the bridge at all. Some say that Walton has been asking for years and surrounding counties have had projects paid for with no match. Other question the very need for an additional two lanes right now.
Recently Escambia County, Walton’s neighbor to the west, was also asked to pay a match for a new Pensacola Bay Bridge. The Pensacola News Journal reports the Escambia Commissioners approved a resolution opposing the state toll to help pay for replacing the structurally deficient bridge. They also plan to ask local cities and the local TPO to also approve resolutions. The Escambia commissioners say, “The bridge has been a free connection and is the only connection between South Escambia and South Santa Rosa counties.” The Escambia Commissioners say the public should not have to pay to cross the bridge.
Like Walton, the bridge is the only connection. Other local toll bridges have been built, but they offer a quicker connection and a second connection. Tuesday afternoon, when the Walton Commissioners meet, they will have to decide what to tell the voters, taxpayers, visitors and the state.
Beach Fanatic
With pay-by-plate, you can either set up an online account and get e-mail notification when you need to pay a toll or just let them mail it to you. If they have to mail it to you, they hit you up with like a $2-$3 'convenience fee' for every envelope they sent to you. Not so bad for the vacationers from Houston, but the whole point if to push the regulars into the Sunpass or similar system. (Which works well in my experience, but it's annoying not to have a cash option.)
Admin
Hello - threads were merged and many posts became inaccessible. This is an important discussion so we spent all day to repair. Please let me know if you experience any problems. Sorry for the inconvenience.
Edited
Beach Fanatic
Thanks for the hard work reconstructing this thread.
It was worth the effort !
It was worth the effort !
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