Walton County officially hires County Administrator and County Attorney

Walton County – August 14, 2025 – The Walton County Board of County Commissioners (BCC) approved written agreements for two important positions at its regular meeting Tuesday. Former Beach Operations Director Brian Kellenberger and Acting County Attorney Clay Adkinson were officially installed as county administrator and county attorney, respectively.

The BCC took up the county attorney contract first and details of the contract were reviewed and discussed. Clay Adkinson explained some of the attorney services and responsibilities, while Chief Financial Officer Melissa Thomason outlined the salary and benefits part of the agreement. Under the terms, Adkinson Law Firm will continue to serve as attorney of record for other governmental agencies and will receive a super-majority termination requirement, the same as for Ms. Thomason.

County Administrator Brian Kellenberger (L) and County Attorney Clay Adkinson

After discussion regarding salary, exclusivity and the super-majority termination clause, Adkinson stated, “I’m saving the county a hard number – guaranteed over that FTE (full-time employee) which is in your budget right now – of $552,000 a year… I’m giving you something with no escalators and no cost increases.

“I want this board to understand – I am here to serve this county,” he said. “I am here because this is where I live. This is my county. This is where I was born and raised and there is where I’ve chosen to raise my child, and my family is right here… That being said, I am here to help this county.”

Following additional discussion and public comment, a vote was taken and the board voted to approve Adkinson’s contract.

Next, the Commissioners took up the issue of Brian Kellenberger’s contract for the position of county administrator. Commissioner Tony Anderson voiced concern that the proposed starting salary was $12,000 higher than that of the previous county administrator.

Several local citizens spoke in support of Kellenberger. There were no other objections raised by board members and the motion to approve the contract was passed unanimously.