The Walton County Board of County Commissioners (BCC) recently took significant steps to establish stability within their leadership during their regular meeting on Tuesday, July 8. Commissioner Danny Glidewell initiated the discussion, emphasizing the county's need for a steady course. He stated, "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 then highlighted Clay Adkinson's extensive service as acting county attorney, spanning over four years. He praised Adkinson's performance, noting, "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." Following this, Glidewell moved to authorize Chief Financial Officer Melissa Thomason and Interim County Administrator Brian Kellenberger to negotiate a contract with Adkinson, which would then be presented to the BCC for a vote.
A citizen raised concerns about potential conflicts of interest, given Adkinson's representation of other Walton County governmental entities. Adkinson addressed these concerns directly, clarifying the legal definition of a "conflict of interest" within the attorney's canon of ethics. He explained that while the county prefers he not represent other local governments, "The Florida Bar dispensed with that very quickly" when a complaint was filed a year prior. He further elaborated that it's not uncommon for multiple firms statewide to represent various local governments. Adkinson firmly stated, "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." He concluded by affirming his respect for the board and his commitment to not jeopardize his law license, stating, "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." Commissioner Glidewell's motion to proceed with contract negotiations for Clay Adkinson passed unanimously.
Next on the agenda, Commissioner Glidewell recommended that Brian Kellenberger, currently the longtime Beach Operations Director and Interim County Administrator, officially assume the role of County Administrator. Glidewell championed Kellenberger's long-standing dedication and effectiveness, saying, "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." He reiterated the need for stability, emphasizing, "We need stability and we need to have a permanent county administrator who can make the decisions that need to be made."
Glidewell proposed designating Kellenberger as County Administrator immediately. The motion included a provision that after a period, if either party desired a change, Kellenberger could return to his previous role as Beach Operations Director. If both parties remained satisfied, the BCC could then implement a requirement for a 4-1 super-majority vote for any future termination from the administrator position. Kellenberger expressed his gratitude to the Commissioners for their support and the opportunity. He reflected on his tenure, stating, "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 also confirmed his openness to a review period before the supermajority requirement, provided he retains the option to return to Beach Operations. Several citizens voiced strong support for Kellenberger, commending his integrity and capabilities. The vote on Commissioner Glidewell's motion for Brian Kellenberger passed unanimously.
Commissioner Glidewell then highlighted Clay Adkinson's extensive service as acting county attorney, spanning over four years. He praised Adkinson's performance, noting, "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." Following this, Glidewell moved to authorize Chief Financial Officer Melissa Thomason and Interim County Administrator Brian Kellenberger to negotiate a contract with Adkinson, which would then be presented to the BCC for a vote.
A citizen raised concerns about potential conflicts of interest, given Adkinson's representation of other Walton County governmental entities. Adkinson addressed these concerns directly, clarifying the legal definition of a "conflict of interest" within the attorney's canon of ethics. He explained that while the county prefers he not represent other local governments, "The Florida Bar dispensed with that very quickly" when a complaint was filed a year prior. He further elaborated that it's not uncommon for multiple firms statewide to represent various local governments. Adkinson firmly stated, "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." He concluded by affirming his respect for the board and his commitment to not jeopardize his law license, stating, "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." Commissioner Glidewell's motion to proceed with contract negotiations for Clay Adkinson passed unanimously.
Next on the agenda, Commissioner Glidewell recommended that Brian Kellenberger, currently the longtime Beach Operations Director and Interim County Administrator, officially assume the role of County Administrator. Glidewell championed Kellenberger's long-standing dedication and effectiveness, saying, "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." He reiterated the need for stability, emphasizing, "We need stability and we need to have a permanent county administrator who can make the decisions that need to be made."
Glidewell proposed designating Kellenberger as County Administrator immediately. The motion included a provision that after a period, if either party desired a change, Kellenberger could return to his previous role as Beach Operations Director. If both parties remained satisfied, the BCC could then implement a requirement for a 4-1 super-majority vote for any future termination from the administrator position. Kellenberger expressed his gratitude to the Commissioners for their support and the opportunity. He reflected on his tenure, stating, "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 also confirmed his openness to a review period before the supermajority requirement, provided he retains the option to return to Beach Operations. Several citizens voiced strong support for Kellenberger, commending his integrity and capabilities. The vote on Commissioner Glidewell's motion for Brian Kellenberger passed unanimously.