Zephyrhills City Council honors retiring consultant Christopher Hatton after 25 years of service

The Zephyrhills City Council convened on June 23, 2025, to address several key agenda items, including financial assistance from FEMA, the appointment of an audit selection committee, and a farewell to a long-serving consultant.

The meeting began with discussions surrounding FEMA's public assistance program. A representative detailed the complexities involved in reconciling billing for services rendered, particularly regarding the "pump and haul" process. The representative emphasized the challenges faced in documenting and verifying each load, which required significant effort. Concerns were raised about the individual assistance side of FEMA, particularly for residents whose homes were severely impacted by flooding. The council expressed skepticism about the adequacy of FEMA's support for these individuals.

Following this, the council moved to approve the hiring of the FEMA consultant, with a motion and second received unanimously. This decision was aimed at ensuring the city could secure the necessary funding for recovery efforts.

The next item on the agenda was the formation of an audit selection committee, which had not been convened for several years. The committee will consist of Amy Chappell, Mike Ward, and Councilman Burgess, who will serve as chair. The council unanimously approved this appointment, acknowledging the need to comply with state law regarding auditing services.

In a notable moment, the council recognized Christopher Hatton, a consultant from Kimberly Horn, who attended his last meeting before retirement. Council members expressed their gratitude for his contributions over the past 25 years, highlighting the positive impact he had on the city. Hatton reflected on his long tenure and the friendships formed during his service, emphasizing the unique bond he developed with the city.

The meeting concluded with brief remarks from council members, who praised the collaborative spirit of the council and the importance of respectful debate. Councilwoman Ferguson highlighted the success of a recent community event, while other members shared their well-wishes for Hatton's retirement.

Overall, the meeting underscored the council's commitment to addressing community needs and ensuring effective governance as they navigate recovery efforts and transitions in leadership.