After public works employees protested the elimination of all take-home city vehicles at a city council meeting last month, resulting in the tabling of a final vote, Walton has reversed its decision with an exception. According to an ordinance passed at a city council meeting Tuesday evening, all employees currently working for the city will […]
Author Archives: Emma Balcom
Posted inNews
Walton Public Works opposes measure to terminate use of take-home vehicles
A tense conversation between Walton City Council and the public works department resulted in the tabling of an ordinance to eliminate employees’ ability to take home utility vehicles. At its Tuesday meeting, city council presented the second reading of an ordinance amending city code and the employee handbook to “terminate the city vehicle home fleet […]
Posted inCulture
Walton recognizes National Public Works Week
Mayor Terri Courtney has proclaimed that Walton will recognize National Public Works Week this year in tribute to the city’s public works employees. The proclamation made at a city council meeting in early April declares that Walton will designate the week of May 18-24 as National Public Works Week, as recognized by the American Public […]
Posted inCulture
Walton to host grand opening for new Owens Lake Park
Walton’s long-anticipated Owens Lake Park will officially open to the public this month. On April 26, the 54-acre property off Church Street and Percival Road will officially open its gates during a grand opening celebration, beginning at noon. The park will include walking trails, ample green space, and a pavilion for gatherings and events. Further, […]
Posted inNews
Walton to begin collecting 2% payroll tax in 2026
Walton workers will begin paying a new 2% payroll tax at the start of next year to help raise money for its nearly at-capacity sewer system. At its meeting Tuesday evening, city council voted 5-1 to move forward working with Boone County to begin collecting a 2% occupational tax on all Walton workers. Councilman Matt […]
Posted inBriefs
Walton names street after local veterans
A new road in Walton has been named in honor of two deceased local veterans. A previously unnamed, dead-ended spur will now be known as Ross Kerns Drive in honor of Woodrow Ross Jr. and Lawrence Kerns, decorated veterans and Walton residents who passed away in 2016 and 2014, respectively. “They were both great citizens […]
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Walton mayor, council member sworn into office
Newly elected city officials in Walton were sworn into office during Tuesday evening’s city council meeting. Mayor Terri Courtney, who has been serving as interim mayor since May after former Mayor Gabe Brown resigned from office following an investigation into his conduct in office, was formally elected into office by Walton residents. She defeated Brown […]
Posted inNews
Walton implements 2% payroll tax for sewer system expansion
Walton will be implementing a new payroll tax to raise funds for its nearly at-capacity sewer system. At a meeting Tuesday evening, city council approved a 2% payroll tax for all individuals working in Walton. The new tax is anticipated to generate about $2.5 million annually. The council had decided at its Nov. 12 meeting […]
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Walton approves new short-term rental guidelines
Walton City Council approved an ordinance laying out new guidelines for short-term rentals, such as Airbnb or Vrbo rentals, at their meeting Tuesday. Under the new policy, short-term rental owners must pay the city a $500 annual fee to operate their rental—up from the original $15 fee. The penalty for violating city policies on short-term […]
Posted inNews
New payroll tax may be coming to Walton. Here’s why
Walton City Council proposed implementing a new payroll tax at its meeting Tuesday evening to raise funds for their nearly at-capacity sewer system. The proposed payroll tax would be 2% for all individuals working in Walton, which is estimated to generate about $2.5 million annually. The funds would be used to expand Walton’s sewer system, […]