A grassroots citizens’ group in Walton County is escalating its fight against a nearly 20 percent property tax increase, calling for the resignation or recall of Commission Chairman David G. Thompson.

The group, Walton in Action, announced plans for a rally outside the historic Walton County courthouse on Tuesday, September 2, at 5 p.m. ahead of the commission’s 6 p.m. meeting. Organizers say dozens of residents plan to speak during public comment.

The dispute stems from the commission’s August 5 vote to raise the county’s millage rate by 19.55 percent, a move supporters say was necessary to cover major expenses, including construction of a $42 million park and operating two jails. The increase passed narrowly in a 4–3 vote.

The activists’ case

Walton in Action says the hike represents

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