County Administrator Retiring

Don't know if its true, but I heard County Administrator Ronnie Bell is retiring. Sorry to see him go, may be difficult in hiring someone from the outside in the current economic climate. Any thoughts?

What's the salary--exlcuding the Family Health Insurance benefit?

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I would venture a guess it would be in around 130,000 but wrobert or the WCTA would surely know.

I would venture a guess it would be in around 130,000 but wrobert or the WCTA would surely know.

...so why do you think it would be difficult to hire someone for a 130K + Family Medical Insurance benefits "in the current economic climate?"

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With the current climate and the decisions that have to be made and the possibility of change in the political climate of the BCC it maybe best to avoid a job that may be politicized.

...so why do you think it would be difficult to hire someone for a 130K + Family Medical Insurance benefits "in the current economic climate?"

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Maybe, if we are really lucky...the county will hire someone that works well with the commissioners in the further ripoff of our $$$$$...

Why would anyone not want to see these people go?

The high level officials of Walton County ARE the problem...

With the current climate and the decisions that have to be made and the possibility of change in the political climate of the BCC it maybe best to avoid a job that may be politicized.

...for 130K + Family Medical Insurance Benefits, I'll bet there's lots of outta work white collars around the panhandle who will look past those dalliances.

Maybe, hopefully they find someone qualified to do the job and perform the job at the direction of the BCC. Whoever it is hopefully its long term and not changed after each election for the sake of continuity.

With Gary Mattison, HR Director, ill and the County Adminstrator retiring, it will be worth watching to see the process of how the BCC hires the next person. Will there be a formal search process? Will they look at what qualifications and work experiences are needed for the position? This is a very important position to fill and will impact the quality of county government.

And, FF 2, it was in the newspaper so it must be true! It was confirmed to me by a county commissioner as well.

I must have missed it, thanks.

Maybe, if we are really lucky...the county will hire someone that works well with the commissioners in the further ripoff of our $$$$$...

Why would anyone not want to see these people go?

The high level officials of Walton County ARE the problem...

I don't see how that could be said, first the County Administrator works at the direction of the BCC. The Board has directed he cut the budget to less than what he had to work with last year. Daunting task by anyones measure. Second, the BCC has changed at least a couple of times and if some had thought he was doing a poor or sub standard job the opportunity was there to dismiss him. I hope that they find a well qualified individual to perform the job.

How about dropping that salary a little to help with the current budget shortfall. Better yet, each commissioner gets a day of the week to be acting county administrator that saves the county $130,000+medical.

I think the salary for that position is controlled by the State, and even if the person wanted to reduce his own salary, he couldn't.

The big question is "why is he leaving a $120,000 salary?" I would hope that any new candidate would want to know that answer. Mr Bell wears the nicest suits at the BCC meetings.

Tuning in from Orlando this morning...what a surprise!

Ronnie is an awesome guy and has done a great job. Congrats to him & Gennifer and the kids on a well-earned, well-deserved retirement!!

Tuning in from Orlando this morning...what a surprise!

Ronnie is an awesome guy and has done a great job. Congrats to him & Gennifer and the kids on a well-earned, well-deserved retirement!!

I agree SN. For those that worked for him and with him, he will be missed.

Tuning in from Orlando this morning...what a surprise!

Ronnie is an awesome guy and has done a great job. Congrats to him & Gennifer and the kids on a well-earned, well-deserved retirement!!

I, also, agree. I wonder if OnLakePowell has ever even talked to Mr. Bell, been to a BCC meeting and seen him perform his job or attended a presentation regarding county finances and operations. I would bet not.
Some have the idea that everyone that works for government is a crook. That is not true and I hate to see that attitude prevail so often. I worked for government, in one capacity or another, for 37 years and never stole a penny. Then, of course, I never held a position where I could do so, either.

With my limited dealings with the county, I've been very impressed with Ronnie Bell. He seems to be everywhere and know about everything that is going on in the county. To oversee all that he does must have meant a lot of hours and hard work. He has always been pleasant and did his job well. He earned every penny the county paid him. Walton County is losing a good guy.

I've never had to deal with Mr Bell, but I've never seen anything to lead me to believe he is anything other than a honest, hard-working man. He does indeed seem to know just about anything to do with the County.

Ronnie called today .. said his wife has been Mom and Dad .. his kids are excited .. he will be able to come watch their school activities! This will be good for the Bell family.

...so why do you think it would be difficult to hire someone for a 130K + Family Medical Insurance benefits "in the current economic climate?"

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Seriously! I'll submit my application if I am qualified. What's the job entail?

I can listen to people biatch for $130K + benefits.

I've never had to deal with Mr Bell, but I've never seen anything to lead me to believe he is anything other than a honest, hard-working man. He does indeed seem to know just about anything to do with the County.

Yes, that's kind of the general job description too. ;-)

I don't see how that could be said, first the County Administrator works at the direction of the BCC. The Board has directed he cut the budget to less than what he had to work with last year. Daunting task by anyones measure. Second, the BCC has changed at least a couple of times and if some had thought he was doing a poor or sub standard job the opportunity was there to dismiss him. I hope that they find a well qualified individual to perform the job.

Maybe it works different in good 'ole Walton County than other counties...

Hillsborough County administrator taking heat, facing scrutiny from commissioners - St. Petersburg Times

I guess the county spending spree our county officials have been on for the last several years does not bother people...but then again Katherine Harris won in this county...it is starting to make sense...

Yes, I do not trust anyone in power (be it the BCC or an adminsitrator) from this county.

Maybe it works different in good 'ole Walton County than other counties...

Hillsborough County administrator taking heat, facing scrutiny from commissioners - St. Petersburg Times

I guess the county spending spree our county officials have been on for the last several years does not bother people...but then again Katherine Harris won in this county...it is starting to make sense...

Yes, I do not trust anyone in power (be it the BCC or an adminsitrator) from this county.

Run for office or apply for the position and be part of the solution. Unless you would not be able to trust yourself with the power? I venture to guess it may also depend on the oversight of said elected officials. When elected official fail that oversight then a scapegoat maybe found, although without reading your article it may be just criminal.

Maybe it works different in good 'ole Walton County than other counties...

Hillsborough County administrator taking heat, facing scrutiny from commissioners - St. Petersburg Times

I guess the county spending spree our county officials have been on for the last several years does not bother people...but then again Katherine Harris won in this county...it is starting to make sense...

Yes, I do not trust anyone in power (be it the BCC or an adminsitrator) from this county.

OLP

In my profession, I have interacted with several of the County Administratiors/BOCC's in the State including Okaloosa, Walton, Holmes, Jackson, Gadsden, Leon, Taylor, Orange, Ocala, Martin, Miami-Dade and Monroe.

I can state without a doubt that Ronnie is one of the most honest AND better admininstrators that I have encountered. It will be very difficult for Walton County to find someone that has the knowledge, passion and true desire to help OUR county as Ronnie.

I think that when an administrator with this tenure retires, it is a huge loss for the organization. We change commissioners (sometimes) every four years, it's always a big advantage to have an administrator with the mileage to know how to get things done.