By DOTTY NIST
The Walton County Taxpayers Association (WCTA) elected board members and officers and approved a new mission statement and objectives at the organization’s 30th anniversary annual meeting.
The meeting took place on March 20 at the Coastal Branch Library, featuring remarks by Bob Halfhill, newly hired county administrator.
The Walton County Taxpayers Association was incorporated in 1982 as a not-for-profit corporation and a voice for taxpayers’ interests and concerns.
WCTA President Don Riley thanked members and Executive Director Bob Hudson for their efforts toward making the organization successful in its goals. Special thanks was conveyed to officers and board members, present and past. Hudson updated members on WCTA projects and accomplishments over the past year, and WCTA Treasurer Dan Scupin provided a financial report.
The WCTA’s updated mission statement, approved at the meeting, reads: “The Walton County Taxpayers Association believes government should work honestly, transparently, effectively, and affordably for the people of Walton County. Our mission is to be a nonpartisan voice for the taxpayers to county government, assessing how government is using taxpayer money, evaluating the priorities established and services received, and providing feedback on government’s effectiveness in serving the people of Walton County.”
Approved objectives included: being a nonpartisan organization; representing “North and South Walton County,” consistently extending hand of partnership to the county; being actively involved in county meetings and affairs; performing professional, fact-based business assessments of the county’s performance in providing cost-effective services; providing those assessments to the county in a spirit of partnership; making recommendations to the county on improving quality and cost effectiveness; keeping an open, continuous dialog with the county and taxpayer; and developing a feedback mechanism for monitoring of the WCTA’s own performance and effectiveness in advocating for the taxpayer.
Riley was elected to continue as president. Other WCTA officers for 2013-14 include: Jim Bagby, vice president, Bill Fletcher, treasurer; and J.B. Hillard, secretary.