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WZEP Online Poll

We have updated the poll to make it easier to see the results and keep it cleaner. The results before the switch are in the chart below. Also, you my submit comments through the form below. We have posted some of these. Further down you will find the recent news stories we have done and a submission form to post a comment to Open Line (comment will not be added to poll so vote too!).

• Here are some unedited comments people sent in
• The toll would be the way to pay for the bridge. Extra tax on everyone is wrong.The tourist and people who use the bridge to go to work or to play can afford to pay. There is thousands of people like myself who never uses the brige.
• Let the state pay for it. Many projects have been taken care of in all neighboring  counties, and we sit waiting for our turn. First consider where the state has been considering our need to four lane 331. Not piece meal as has been done. Putting the cart before the horse is happening. Forget the bridge and get back to what citizen`s have been demanding for years.
• Last time I counted, there was one new car dealership in the county. If this sales tax is added,it would make sense to save two cents on the dollar to buy in a neighboring county. If I'm buying a new refrigerator, boat, high end television or appliance, I'd go to the Lowes in Crestview or another store out of the county. One cent doesn't sound bad if you're buying bric-a-braca at dollar store, but it will impact sales in the county.
• As long as I have lived in DeFuniak Springs I always heard Judge Clyde Wells saying he was against a toll-bridge.
• Pay the one cent tax would be easier on everyone.  I have a brother who drives to the south end every day for work that is just about non existant right now.0  Yes, I would love to put the resposibilety on the tourist but there are to may residents of Walton that have to work across the bay.
• Do nothing, the first big hurricane will help settle things. Would it be morally proper to do nothing?
• I don't like the tool bridge tax because they never take them off I would be more in favor of a 1% sales tax or a 1 cent a gallon until the 75,000,000 is collected none of witch gos to the general fund
• Where are all the facts & figures that support the need for a bridge? Why do they not want to build it like the existing bridge? Critical info seems to be strangely missing.
• The Walton commissioners and  the tourist development council want to see U.S. 331 four lanes all the way to benefit the property owners and businesses there.  The property owners and businesses on the island should pay for the bridge they want.  The money from the FDOT and Walton County comes from all tax payers.  Those who choose to live in a the precarious beach environment should appreciate the excellent, wide two-lane bridge that currently exists or donate the money to build their bridge.
• Highway and Bridge Robbery- The reason we are being asked to provide $75 million for the 331 bridge expansion. Depending on the Florida county you live in, state and local gas taxes can be as high as 30.1 cents per gallon. The statewide average is over 26 cents - 22% of the price of gas. The state and local gas tax bite on Floridians is actually higher than recognized by actual national comparisons of state-by-state gas tax burdens. As much as 50 cents (or 43%) of the cost of a gallon of gas purchased in Florida can be attributable to federal, state and local taxes. Since 1990, tax increases upwards of 30% have taken place with no vote and no accountability of the Florida Legislature. While Florida's state taxes on motor fuels are below the national average, Florida has the highest potential local option tax in the nation. So, when total state and local taxes are considered, Florida's maximum tax of 30.1 cents per gallon is the fourth highest in the nation. Besides Florida, nine other states have local option motor fuel taxes and eight other states subject gasoline to their state sales tax. Last year the Florida house propose a raid on the State Transportation Trust Fund of $330 million to balance the state budget.  After considerable objection from voters and the transportation industry, the total amount of the raid on these funds was $150 million. Governor Scott chose not to use his veto power to stop this action.  Between 1998 and 2009 – not counting the most-recent diversion of Florida gas tax dollars – $3.1 billion of state transportation funding sources have been diverted from the Florida State Transportation Trust Fund to fund other general purpose governmental functions.  Additionally, in slightly over a two year period, transportation revenue estimates for fiscal years 2007 through 2014 have been reduced by over $6.2 billion in cash resulting in the deferral or deletion of over $9.3 billion in project commitments. Diverting Florida gas tax dollars away from the Transportation Trust Fund represents a CLEAR breaking of the “moral, political and business contract” between Florida’s state leaders and the motoring public. The state gas tax is a user fee collected from motorists to improve and maintain transportation in Florida – NOT to give state politicians an easier way out of their current budgetary dilemma. Walton County residents and our beloved tourists have paid into the Transportation Trust Fund for years.  Now the Secretary of Transportation would have us believe they are doing smoking for us in providing partial funding for expansion of the 331 bridge.  The reality is something is being done TO US, not FOR US! I am confident that the days ahead will result in much heated debate about the three options which are to increase the local option fuel tax, allow toll booths, or tell the DOT thanks but no thanks cause we can't afford it.  Their will be strong opinions on all side and I fear...little consensus. Here is something we should all agree on and be united in our voice.  The DOT should honor the purpose of the Transportation Trust, and provide a proper return on investment for the millions if not billions we have paid into this Highway and Bridge Social Security System and FULLY fund the 331 bridge project.   To do otherwise is akin to subjecting the people of Walton County and our visitors to a ponzi scheme. Fully fund the 331 Bridge Expansion....we have already paid for it!!!!!
• I feel that a toll would be the best solution.  My reason is that let those that use the bridge pay for it.  Adding a one cent sales tax appears to be cheaper, but in reality it is not.  Just think of the added money spent by everyone every day on clothing, food, etc. it adds up significantly, and with as many seniors living in this area, this would be an added hardship on many.
• I think we need 331 4-laned from the beach to AL like Bay County has (rt 79). Both of these roadways have long bridges and Rt. 79 has WAY less traffic than 331. Seems to me maybe St. Joe had a hand in getting 79 done while we in Walton still wait... but I do not think we should have to endure a sales tax hike nor a bridge toll to get it done. It is not right either that we are held hostage for the promised completion of 331 based on approving sales tax or toll for the bridge. If forced to choose between two evils, I would pick the sales tax, but neither is a good choice. The state should have to figure out the funding of the bridge and 331, not the Walton county taxpayers. As a sidenote, I absolutely could not BELIEVE when I drove the first time on the newer section of 331 north of Freeport that it was only two lanes, not four. Not a lot of forethought in that decision. A waste of money, because now it needs to be reworked instead of done right the first time. That is how they do road construction projects in NY state. They go on forever, and one can easily the financial shape NY is in.
• WHAT ABOUT THE EXCESS MONEY FROM THE ONE CENT SALES TAX FOR GARBAGE. THERE SHOULD BE A CONSIDERABLE AMOUNT OVER AND ABOVE THE COST FOR THAT, OR HAVE THEY ALREADY USED THE MONEY FOR SOMETHING ELSE.

Bridge Committee South Walton

How about a half cent for 20 years? That was one sentiment of about 75 people attending the bridge funding meeting in southern Walton. The Task Force is looking at how to fund Walton’s $75 million match to the Florida Department of Transportation for a new southbound Clyde Wells bridge met.  

Committee chair Dawn Moliterno said the government will not simply come in and pay for the total project. Walton County already has a one cent sales tax and this was used to determine the approximate payback time. She also explained that the bed tax can not be used for the bridge.  

Walton Finance Director Bill Imfeld said, with the current finance conditions, a one cent sales tax could pay off the $75 million in 10 years or less. He said the tax would be sunset after the money is paid back. Imfeld said he is not advocating a tax or a toll and knows that either will effect someone. He noted the law allows up to one cent, but it could be less for a longer pay-off time.  

Walton Sheriff Mike Adkinson says the model shows it would take 25 hours to evacuate south Walton. Walton is the second slowest time in the state and with changes in visitor numbers, then the county could even be slower now. Adkinson says he questions the priority when surrounding counties have done well on getting roads paved while Walton has not, even with a slow evacuation time.  

Moliterno said, if they do not come up with the $75 million tax, then there will have to be a toll. She said the commissioners would have to vote to toll and if they do not agree, then the funds would go elsewhere. Three options are being looked at to fund the county’s match: to add a sales tax for the bridge use only, to use a toll on the southbound new bridge or let the funds from the FDOT pass for now.  

Task Force member Bonnie McQuiston said she is opposed to a tax of any kind. Walton is currently the 4^th highest and if the additional one cent is added, then they will become the highest. She asked if some of the current sales tax for the garbage collection could be used for the bridge match. Imfeld said, since the tax is for garbage and was put into place by a majority vote of commissioners, it can not be used legally to go against a loan. He said there is not another income source that can be used to go against the $75 million debt.  

Task Force member Sheriff Mike Adkinson said he does not believe the board or the Task Force should make a decision as to a tax or a toll. He said it should go before the voters. Adkinson said, if they do not give the voters a chance, then they can place a toll. He said they should spend the next three months educating the voters and then send it to a vote. He said everybody should be involved. Moliterno said the commissioners and the BCC did not set the time line, it was done by the FDOT who has to set their five year work plan and have it ready by June.  

Task Force member Wayne Brody asked if Walton wants the state to have control over the bridge funding. Member Kitty Whitney said she understands the need, especially for the businesses the Chamber represents.

Bridge Task Force Public Comments  

The first resident asked about the sales tax and the time. Walton Finance Director Bill Imfeld said they can sell bonds or use some other method of getting the money and could take 10, 20 or 30 years to pay it back. The longer they take, the less of a penny would be needed.  

Another resident said he is normally opposed to more taxes. He said the bridge is one thing we need and we have to pay for it. He said a toll never ends and puts a burden on people. He said there are no back roads and everybody pays. He said he supports the tax as a method of funding.  

Another resident said he grew up in Opp Alabama , a county that went to an additional sales tax and now has very little businesses. He said there is a third option, to have the county commissioners go to Tallahassee and bring back the money. He said the county commissioners let money for U.S. 98 go to Okaloosa in the past. He said Bay County got the Hathaway Bridge reworked and there is no toll. He said the county officials need to do the hard job they were elected to do.  

Another resident from Freeport said he and his wife travel to south Walton and would have to pay five days a week. He said the sales tax would effect him less. He also said he likes the idea of the tax being limited to the time it takes to pay it off. He said he supports the one cent sales tax and does so simply by looking at the toll on the Mid Bay Bridge.  

Another resident said he is against tolls because they often will be in the future. He said he was here when the garbage tax was put into place and is glad the commissioners did so. He said the garbage tax allowed some of the people who was creating the garbage to help pay for it. He also suggested making both lanes northbound during an evacuation. The Sheriff said they do use contra lanes.  

Another Freeport resident said, if he had to choose between the two evils, he would choose the sales tax. He suggested making it half a cent instead of the full penny. He said this might be better, keeping it at seven and a half cent.  

Sheriff Adkinson said the Task Force can send wording that would make sure, if the sales tax is used, that it would sunset and would not be extended. He said many fear the sales tax because the do not trust that it will end. Adkinson continued to promote taking the decision to the public. He said he normally supports the elected officials making decisions and representing us, but in this case, he would like the vote.  

Blue Ribbon Task Force Hears From Northern Walton  

The Task Force assigned by the commissioners to look at ways to meet the county’s $75 million match to build a new southbound bridge on U.S. 331 held their second meeting to seek public input. Yesterday afternoon they met in DeFuniak Springs. Around 50 people attended the meeting.  

The meeting started with Task Force Chair Dawn Moliterno gave a review of why the need for a recommendation was being made. She explained the FDOT needs an answer before they submit their 5-year work plan in June. She also said, if there needs to be a referendum then it needs 120 days to take place. County Finance Director Bill Imfeld said the county does not have the money but the state will allow the county to place a one cent tax that could be used to pay back a bond or bank financing. The county’s current one cent tax for garbage brings in about $12 million a year and Imfeld said the $75 million could pay off in about 9 to 10 years. Imfeld said the sales tax could sunset after it is paid off and the state would not have a toll with no control by the county.  

Moliterno said you can not split between a sales tax and a toll, a sales tax would have to go to the voters and there can be a non irrevocable sunset to the tax. The county can not promote a sales tax if it goes to the vote. The new bridge will go shore to shore not using a causeway like the current bridge and if a toll is used it will not have a booth or employees.  

The task Force members spoke first. Sheriff Adkinson reiterated his call to take the matter to the voters. He also noted the bridge is key in more funding for the rest of the highway to I-10. Wayne Brody said there are three choices, toll, tax or not build. Bonnie McQuiston said she is concerned there is such a short time frame, saying the FDOT is, in a way, holding the county hostage. Kitty Whitney talked about the need for a second bridge to help businesses. Leigh Grantham said she feels there has been some misinformation and noted the toll could be more than $2.  

As public comments were taken, resident Ron Kelley said no one would dispute the need for four lanes. He said the bridge was designed for a second two lane span, but we are now told that can’t happen. Kelley said he is not in favor of the toll. He said tourists would pay the $2, while the workers would pay $750 a year. He said skimming an extra penny from tourists would be more equitable. He agreed local residents would pay, but would also benefit year around. He talked about the tax benefiting the citizens through safety, economic development and jobs. He told the Task Force to recommend the tax and make the right choice.  

Doug Nolin talked about traffic jams during an evacuation. He said some think tourists can solve all Walton’s problems, but feels they might be causing problems. He said he is against any type of tax.  

J.B. Hillard recommended placing a toll on the bridge. He asked about the current one cent tax for garbage and asked how it could be used. He questioned the committee’s methods and said he feels they are trying to push it through. He said they need something to justify, not just opinion.  

Art Dees asked if the tax is put to referendum and fails, what happens. Moliterno said the commissioners would have to support a toll or let the funds go elsewhere. He asked about a half cent tax. Moliterno said this is a possibility. Imfeld said they have been working with banks and the half cent would take it out to 22 years with an additional $18 million in interest costs. The FDOT expects a toll to be 30 years. The design is shore to shore and does not use the causeway. Dees asked to have that reconsidered.  

Robert Carmen said he is apprehensive about the government putting the county in a situation of having to do something now or else. He said he is favor of a toll. Linda Morse agreed, saying she does not think they have a choice and that it is being crammed down the throats of the residents.  

Art Miller said the lower cost to build a bridge now is better than it was. He said a toll is like a loan and will cost to pay off. He said a tourist going over the bridge goes once, but a one cent sales tax will put more in the coffers. He also said we need to start looking at the situation as positive, something that will be a benefit.  

Cory Godwin talked about the changes in society and the loss of industry. He suggested a tax so changes can happen. Tom Baker suggested the third option, not taking the money and staying with the two lanes.  

Blue Ribbon Task Force Meeting  

As the Task Force meeting started, member Bonnie McQuiston said it has become clear to her there is a premise the bridge is needed now. She said it makes her angry the government comes up with funding on the backs of the taxpayers. She said 331 and the bridge are not effecting the tourists. She said the once cent will make Walton the highest sales tax in the state. She said she would go with a user fee, a toll.  

Sheriff Adkinson said he has heard from people that a vote was taken on the garbage tax and the will of the people was overridden by the commissioners. He said to not give the people the option to speak their mind is an avocation of personal responsibility. He said he understands there is a representative form of government, but putting it in front of the people is the right thing to do. He also said, if it goes to a referendum for the tax, and the people give a resounding no, then he would take it that the issue is not as important to them and they should not go with the toll either. He said this is his opinion.  

Member Kitty Whitney said they can not back up in time and change what happened in the past. She said there is an offer on the table and going to a referendum still offers a backup option if the voters decline the tax.  

Task Force member Wayne Brody said we often say government should operate like private business, but sometimes it can’t. He said Walton is being held, somewhat hostage, but the dollars. Brody suggested the commissioners educate the public and the county make sure there is not some money somewhere in the budget. He said it needs to go to a voter referendum and the commissioners need to look at all the issues.  

Leigh Grantham said she still is not clear and would like to have more public opinion. Possibly a meeting before they have to turn in a recommendation on the 24^th to the commissioners.  

Walton Finance Director Bill Imfeld cited the HASS Center report that 57% of the sales tax will be paid by tourists. He said the FDOT is willing to build the bridge and is asking Walton to take care of a percentage through the use of a toll or find some other way to come up with the match, or let the money go somewhere else. He says Walton simply can not write a check for $75 million.  

This was sent from the Walton Area Chamber of Commerce

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