Monroe mayor praises county after year-long push for property assessment equity

A year after raising concerns that commercial and industrial properties were being undervalued compared to homes and small businesses, Monroe Mayor John Howard says the city’s goal has been achieved.

In a letter to the editor, Howard commends the Walton County Tax Assessors Department, Chief Appraiser Tommy Knight and the Walton County Board of Commissioners for their work to bring property assessments closer to fair market value.

Last year, the City of Monroe released a survey arguing that residential homeowners and small businesses were carrying a disproportionate share of the property tax burden because many commercial, industrial and multifamily properties had not kept pace with market values. The city called for a broader, more equitable tax digest that would spread the tax burden more evenly across all property types. This issue was chronicled in an article by Jim Thompson on Aug. 7, 2025 for The Walton Tribune.

In his letter, Howard said the updated valuations “promote fairness across all property classifications” and “help reduce the disproportionate tax burden that had fallen on residential properties and small businesses.”

Howard added that bringing all properties closer to fair market value broadens the tax base, helping maintain lower millage rates while generating revenue needed for essential government services.

The mayor concluded by praising the county’s efforts, writing, “We commend the Tax Assessors Office for its diligence and applaud Tommy Knight, and his entire team, for a job well-done.”

The letter marks a notable shift from last year’s public debate, when city officials questioned commercial property valuations and Knight defended the county’s assessment process, saying Walton County was already meeting state appraisal standards. Howard’s latest remarks indicate the city believes significant progress has since been made toward achieving more equitable property assessments.