LETTER: Hwy. 331: Tax or Toll — The answer is obvious
A toll would be a huge penalty for Walton County residents. We are the ones who pay property taxes and live and work here, traveling north and south over the Clyde B. Wells Bridge daily.
A 1-percent sales tax would have minimal effect on Walton County residents. Look at what is tax exempt already, the necessities of life. Groceries, medical supplies, baby formula, prescriptions, farm equipment, funerals and more.
What IS taxable? Junk food, soda, deli items, paper goods, cigarettes, liquor, etc.
Our revenue comes from tourism, visitors on vacation, here to enjoy themselves and spend money at our shops, restaurants and entertainment. I'm sure it will have no effect on them whether they pay $0.07 or $0.08 sales tax on each dollar they spend.
The 1 percent increase in sales tax will assure that the new bridge is paid off in less than 10 years and future revenue can be put aside for repairs and maintenance.
Has a toll ever been 'removed' from a bridge after it's paid off? Or, at that point, does it have to remain to handle repairs?
The toll would cost the average Walton County household approximately $750 a year to work, shop and enjoy the world’s most beautiful beaches.
The one percent increase in sales tax would cost the average household approximately $200 a year. Most taxable items are an 'option', not a necessity to purchase.
Just where is the question here as to the fair and just way to handle this?
Helen C. Flaws
Freeport
