Walton County Commissioners Take Action on Multiple Issues

during June Meeting

Walton County – June 27, 2025 – The Walton County Board of County Commissioners (BCC) worked through a lengthy agenda at their last regular board meeting. The following list of items were approved by general consent of the Commissioners.

The County Attorney’s Office requested the BCC to authorize Chair Donna Johns to sign Walton County Property Appraiser application to split an existing parcel and extend the contract for sale and purchase of real estate with Turas Technologies LLC until July 31, 2025.

Walton County Emergency Management requested to approve and authorize Chair Johns to sign an Interlocal Agreement between Walton County and the City of DeFuniak Springs regarding utilization of the DeFuniak Springs Community Center during emergencies and disasters. They also entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Tri-State Christian Camp regarding utilization of Camp property and facilities during emergencies and disasters.

Environmental Services requested the BCC approve and authorize Chair Johns to sign an amendment to the Solid Waste Collection and Disposal Franchise Agreement with Waste Management Inc. of Florida. The document will be brought back to the July 8 regular meeting for approval.

The Facilities Maintenance department requested approval to partner with the Greater Driftwood Homeowner’s Association to construct a 24 x 36 pavilion with amenities at Driftwood Park.

Planning & Development asked the BCC to authorize the Chair Johns to sign the Walton County Roadway Activities Application Road Closure Request form to

allow a temporary road closure of County Hwy 30A for the outdoor event – the 30A 10K Thanksgiving Day Race. The Chair also signed a second Road Closure Request form to allow a temporary road closure on July 4 this year regarding portions of several streets in Grayton Beach for the annual Grayton Beach 4th of July Parade.

The Chair was also authorized to sign a three-year agreement between Walton County and the Emerald Coast Regional Council for the administration and implementation of the State Housing Initiatives Partnership (SHIP) program.

Tourism Department Beach Operations requested the Chair sign a Resolution and Joint Participation Agreement (JPA) with Florida Department of Transportation for beautification and updated irrigation project on Highway 331 from US 98 to north of Chat Holley Road.

Following conclusion of the Consent Agenda, Emergency Management Director Jeff Goldberg gave the Commissioners an update on the implications of the Florida budget on local disaster operations due to the Statewide WebEOC Initiative the Division of Emergency Management Enterprise System (DEMES) being removed from the state’s budget. Director Goldberg requested the Commissioners send a letter to Representative Abbott and Senator Trumbull urging them to advocate the funding of this program from the Florida Catastrophic Disaster Trust Fund.

Human Resources Director Tarey Franxman introduced officials from the Gehring Group to discuss the Self-Funded Florida Blue health insurance option and the associated financial data. After hearing the presentation, the Commissioners approved moving forward with establishing the insurance plan for Fiscal Year 2025-2026.

Tourism Administration Director Matt Algarin requested direction from the Commissioners regarding the possibility of partnering with the PGA TOUR

to establish an annual tournament in Walton County. The Commissioners voted to

have Tourism director Matt Algarin, attorney Clay Adkinson, Commissioner Brad Drake and a bed tax collector, negotiate with PGA on a contract and bring it back to the TDC and BCC for consideration.

Walton County Chief Financial Officer Melissa Thomason recommended raising the salary of Beach Operations Director Brian Kellenberger to match that of the previous administrator while Kellenberger is acting as Interim County Administrator. The Board approved.

The BCC held a Public Hearing to consider an ordinance of Walton County Board of County Commissioners adopted under its home rule powers; amending Chapter 2, Administration, Article I, in general, and Article II, Officers and Employees, of the County Code of Ordinances to create new sections related to the position of County Administrator. This was approved, with no confirmation process and reducing and identifying the number of department heads included in the confirmation process by resolution.

The Commissioners also approved a change in ADU language regarding Short Term Rentals Emergency Ordinance, removing section 2.02.00 B. 3(C) from the Land Development Code.

Commission Vice Chair Dan Curry led a discussion on ‘Consent Agenda Items,’ contracts and funding agreements, plus what needs to be on the Consent Agenda, and how records are kept. Following discussion, no further action was taken.

Commissioner Cury also discussed contract agreements and asked about the county policy on rotations of vendors with all contracts? How are the decisions made? Following clarification by staff, no further action was taken.

Commissioner Curry also inquired about an outside audit on the Planning Department to include, but not limited to, processes and fees collected and the formulations used. Direction was given to obtain a quote from Maximus to review mobility, preservation, recreation, sidewalk, and proportionate fair share fees. A forensic audit may be considered later by the BCC, pending review of the findings of the Maximus review. Solicitations being advertised for additional feedback and quotes.

Commissioner Danny Glidewell discussed the possible abandonment of a small parcel located at 771 Railroad Avenue. Following additional clarification by realtor Johnnie Kay Ealum, the Commissioners approved the abandonment of the 20-foot

platted alley between lots 526 and 535. A resolution to that effect will follow at the next regular BCC meeting.

Commissioner Tony Anderson requested approval to allocate District 5 Recreational Plat Fees in an amount not to exceed $150,000 for restroom facilities and site work, including utility tap and connections, at the South Walton Dog Park. This was approved.

Commission Chair Donna Johns led a discussion about potential changes in the county’s Land Development Code (LDC). Commissioner Johns suggested removing the option from the LDC regarding the exchange of 5% of land in lieu of

paying recreational plat fees. No action was taken pending the outcome of SB 180 in the Florida Legislature.

Johns also suggested removing the exemption for beach vending in the definition of businesses section of the LDC. Planning, Code and Legal staff will work on solutions for cleaning up the language in the code.

Johns also asked that staff include all receipts of all fees due and paid on all developments in the staff report. Staff is in the progress of providing those updates.

Commissioner Johns also discussed maintaining standards on Highway 98, though no BCC action was taken.

Commissioner Johns also led discussion regarding the status of the Scenic Corridor/30A falling under the Design Review Board. The Planning Department will follow through with creating the DRB for Scenic Gulf and 30A Corridors.

The next meeting of the Walton County Board of County Commissioners will be held Tuesday, July 8, at 1 p.m., at the Walton County Courthouse in DeFuniak Springs. The public is invited to attend.