Walton County Commission Moves to Enhance Stability in County Government

Walton County – July 9, 2025 – The Walton County Board of County Commissioners (BCC) took steps to solidify their choices for county administrator and county attorney during their regular meeting on Tuesday, July 8.

Commissioner Danny Glidewell introduced the issue, saying, “We need stability in this county. We’ve had a big problem for a while now of worrying about personalities instead of policy and we owe it to the citizens of this county to concentrate on policy and to concentrate on projects and doing things for this county and the citizens of this county.”

Commissioner Glidewell noted that Clay Adkinson has been the acting county attorney for over four years. “We’ve got one of the best government attorneys in the state… I don’t know of anybody who doesn’t think that Clay has done a good job, whether you like him or whether you don’t. He’s a good attorney and he deserves the respect of being the permanent county attorney.”

Glidewell motioned for Chief Financial Officer Melissa Thomason and Interim County Administrator Brian Kellenberger to commence negotiating a contract with Adkinson. The contract would then be brought back to the BCC for a vote.

Asked by a citizen to address concerns about potential conflicts of interest, since Adkinson represents other Walton County governmental entities, Adkinson stated, “The county doesn’t wish for me or any other attorney to represent other local governments in this county. That is their prerogative and I full well respect that. That being said, the phrase ‘conflict of

interest’ within the attorney’s canon of ethics is very clear. In fact, we had a bar complaint filed against me asserting that even a year ago. The Florida Bar dispensed with that very quickly,” he said. “Given that multiple firms around the state represent multiple local governments around the state, it is not at all an uncommon circumstance. So, respectfully. I disagree that there is an actual conflict of interest that exists merely by the representation.”

Adkinson also affirmed that “We are not going to do anything that creates a problem there, I’m not going to put myself in a conflict of interest. In four and a half years we have not had a conflict-of-interest scenario and frankly, I’m not sure how many years – it’s probably better measured in decades – since these cities and the county have had actual, real litigation.

“Your (BCC) agreements are policy-based decisions that anybody can get out of under the Interlocal Cooperation Act. So, I understand the point, but I am compelled that when the phrase ‘conflict of interest’ is used, it is a real legal term. If it was a problem, I wouldn’t be sitting here today. I wouldn’t put myself and my law license on the line for that. I respect this board and the position too much, as well.”

A vote was taken on Commissioner Glidewell’s motion and it passed unanimously.

Next, Commissioner Glidewell recommended that Acting County Administrator Brian Kellenberger, who is the longtime Beach Operations Director, assume the administrator role officially.

“To Commissioner Anderson’s point, he’s not been there very long, but on the other hand, he’s been working for us since before I got elected. I think he predates all of us. So, we know how he works. We know him and I have always found him to be honest and willing to do what the board said to do. I have always found him to be an exemplary employee,” said Glidewell. “We need stability and we need to have a permanent county administrator who can make the decisions that need to be made.”

Glidewell motioned to designate Brian Kellenberger as County Administrator immediately and after a period of time, if either party wants a change, Kellenberger could return to his role as Beach Operations Director. If both parties are satisfied, then the BCC could enact a requirement for a 4-1 super-majority vote to terminate him from the position.

Kellenberger thanked the Commissioners for their support and for giving him the opportunity to take on the job. “I think I have demonstrated over the years that while sometimes you may not like the advice or the recommendation that I give you, in general, it’s meant in good standing – that I think it’s the best thing for you individually and the best thing for the political governmental body,” he said.

Kellenberger said he is not against a review period for both sides before the BCC enacts a supermajority requirement, so long as he has the option to return to Beach Operations.

Several citizens voiced strong support for Kellenberger regarding his integrity and capabilities.

The vote was taken on Commissioner Glidewell’s motion and it passed unanimously.