Walton County Water & Sewer Auth.

Service commitment: For over 46 years, the Walton County Water Department has maintained its dedication to delivering quality water to Walton County residents. The department continuously explores innovative approaches to provide the highest quality water to our customers while addressing future infrastructure needs, source water protection, and conservation efforts.

Water sources: The primary water supply for WCWD comes from Lake Varner Reservoir and Treatment Facility in Newton County, where WCWD maintains 25% ownership. Additional water is purchased from neighboring systems including Oconee County (Bear Creek Reservoir), Monroe (Alcovy River/John Briscoe Reservoir), and Gwinnett County (Lake Lanier). Raw water undergoes comprehensive treatment to meet Federal Standards.

Treatment process: Various chemicals are utilized during water treatment. Potassium Permanganate helps control Manganese and Iron levels. Chlorine and Chlorine Dioxide eliminate harmful viruses and bacteria. Fluoride promotes dental health, while Phosphate and Hydrated Lime manage corrosion control throughout the system.

Potential contaminants in source water:

• Microbial contaminants from sewage facilities, septic systems, agricultural operations, and wildlife
• Inorganic contaminants including naturally occurring metals and those from urban runoff, industrial discharge, and mining
• Pesticides and herbicides from agricultural and residential applications
• Naturally occurring radioactive materials
• Organic chemical contaminants from industrial processes, petroleum production, and septic systems

Protecting water quality: Walton County Government proactively safeguards water resources through a countywide 50-foot stream buffer requirement on all perennial streams. The county has established two Watershed Protection Overlay Zones with stricter protections: one covering Big Haynes and Alcovy Rivers, and another encompassing Cornish, Beaverdam and Hard Labor Creeks. These zones feature 100-foot natural undisturbed buffers, additional impervious surface restrictions, and 150-foot protection zones around water impoundments.

Water conservation: Residents can participate in conservation efforts by monitoring household usage and identifying potential leaks. A small toilet leak can waste over 30,000 gallons annually. Check your water meter when no water is being used - movement may indicate a leak requiring professional plumbing assistance. If you notice water leaks in your yard or street, contact WCWD immediately.

Health information: Certain populations may be more vulnerable to water contaminants, including those undergoing chemotherapy, organ transplant recipients, people with HIV/AIDS or immune disorders, elderly individuals, and infants. These residents should consult healthcare providers about drinking water guidelines. EPA/CDC information on reducing infection risk from Cryptosporidium and other microbial contaminants is available through the Safe Drinking Water Hotline (800-426-4791).

When is the summer tax payment deadline?

Summer property taxes must be received by the Treasurer's Office by 4:30 p.m. on September 14. Frenchtown accepts postmarks if received within 7 days, so mail your payment with adequate time. A 24-hour drop box is located left of the main entrance at Frenchtown Charter Township Hall. Note that payments deposited after 4:30 p.m. on September 14 may be considered received on the 15th.

Do you accept credit card payments?

Currently, Frenchtown does not accept credit card payments. Credit card companies charge approximately 3% in interchange fees. On a $1,000 tax bill, this would cost the township around $30 from general fund operations. Some municipalities offer credit card processing but pass the 3% fee to customers. Our research with other municipalities shows this option is rarely utilized, so we currently accept only cash and check payments.

How can I obtain a copy of my paid receipt?

The Treasurer's office provides copies of paid tax bills during regular business hours. You can also access this information through our online service at http://frenchtowntwp.Is.bsasoftware.com/. Alternatively, send a request with a postage-paid envelope. Please note there's a $0.50 fee for copies that aren't your own. Payment history is available online going back approximately 10 years, showing both amount and payment date.

Who receives funds from my summer tax bill?

Summer tax collections are mandated to the Monroe County Treasurer, who distributes the State Education Tax (SET) to Michigan's school fund and retains the remainder for general county operations. Frenchtown Township does not keep any portion of summer tax collections.

What do the property value terms on my tax bill mean?

1. Assessed Value (AV) - Set by the assessor at 50% of the property's True Cash Value, helping determine market value
2. State Equalized Value (SEV) - The assessed value adjusted after county and state equalization reviews
3. Taxable Value - The figure multiplied by millage rates to determine tax liability, increasing annually by inflation rate or 5% (whichever is lower)

Will my property taxes decrease if neighborhood values decline?

There's no simple answer to this question. For long-term property owners, your State Equalized Value (SEV) likely exceeds your Taxable Value significantly. In this scenario, decreasing market values would reduce the SEV, but the Taxable Value would still increase by the annual inflation rate. This creates a situation where taxes increase despite declining property values.

Why don't my taxes decrease when property values fall?

Proposal A created a system where many property owners pay taxes on less than half their market value through "capping" the Taxable Value, while still allowing assessors to adjust SEV to reflect market conditions. This has created significant disparities between these values for many property owners.