[{"_1":2,"_122":-5,"_123":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,98,110],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6486909,"mediaKeyId","5566957-185b04ce7cfd6216772828ace5910091","parentId",5566957,"title","Commission rejects proposed county attorney contract after extended debate over conflicts, pay and termination terms","audioSeconds",2410,"startMs",11955000,"endMs",14365000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5566957-185b04ce7cfd6216772828ace5910091&start=11955&end=14365","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5566957-185b04ce7cfd6216772828ace5910091/thumbnail_11955000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6486909/Walton-County/Florida/Commission-rejects-proposed-county-attorney-contract-after-extended-debate-over-conflicts-pay-and-termination-terms","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6486909-4284db9a716f486d94329a572216d997/orig.mp4?Expires=1770453074&Signature=QpNQUUhBrMVrDAM91czoDvaY-Ws12dQT52YCSTysK561iz6BFtsjly0NSQa0SWpYiFm58WIttfwGUHsEbe3y~8tbNwRkWiOH3y075uD72mWNA4BkrpRaqTL-6VVCA-Bpgghh7rCHc4QC6GR1HRGZGQjXhR0ohYX4ZLWqF7y6euQDaetbOklmh41zc2dG9MA~jERFMxzoES1SJhnbZWJgvXoUA6JqbVtD8kcFLm1mgXir4DlFNIWE3RqSj6kIloTeJdCg-7cM6IDUxfPG9A7vFD3ENjSM0d2fABdms0C6KYevJtetPCNqC-VCl~Z~C4oaQr~KKUBVzUlZFCiko1RHqQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Walton County","date","2025-08-13T00:27:47Z","article","DeFuniak Springs — A contested motion to approve a contract with Atkinson Law Firm for county attorney services failed at the Walton County Board of County Commissioners meeting on Aug. 12 after hours of debate by commissioners and public comment.

The proposed contract would have replaced the interim arrangement and moved the county to a retainer model that staff presented as a cost-saving alternative to a full-time in-house county-attorney FTE. The contract terms discussed on the dais included a flat monthly retainer to cover most county legal work, a rate for litigation work outside the retainer, several categories of legal services covered, and a termination/severance provision. Staff presented comparative budget figures showing in-house salary-plus-benefits scenarios across a $200,000–$400,000 range to illustrate total employee cost. The contract presented to commissioners would have cost significantly less than staff projected for an in-house equivalent at the high range, according to staff and the candidate’s remarks.

Public comment and commissioner questioning focused on three principal issues: (1) whether the law firm’s ongoing representation of other local governments and private clients created unacceptable conflicts when the firm would also represent Walton County; (2) the proposed compensation and whether it constituted an appropriate use of public funds compared with an in‑house FTE model or other counties’ legal budgets; and (3) a clause in the draft requiring a supermajority (4 of 5) to terminate the contract, which some commissioners and members of the public argued inappropriately limited the board’s oversight and accountability.

Supporters of the proposed contract, including the candidate, said the arrangement would centralize legal work, reduce overall litigation spending and provide stable legal support while saving public money compared with prior years when outside counsel was widely used. Opponents questioned whether the firm could properly represent the county while holding ongoing municipal and private engagements and whether the severance/termination structure and litigation rate created poor incentives.

After discussion and extensive public comment, the motion to approve the county attorney agreement failed on a 3–2 vote. The board did not vote to terminate the interim relationship; the acting county attorney will continue to provide services under the existing arrangements until the board determines next steps.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Board of County Commissioners - Aug 12 2025","oneSentenceSummary","The Walton County Board debated and then rejected a proposed contract for county attorney Clay Atkinson. Commissioners and public commenters clashed over compensation, conflict-of-interest risks given the firm’s other municipal clients, and a clause requiring a supermajority vote for termination; the motion failed 3–2.","taxTitle","Walton County, Florida","taxId",28197,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6486914,"EDA quarterly report approved; commissioners debate scope, metrics and future county role",233,2890000,3123000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5566957-185b04ce7cfd6216772828ace5910091&start=2890&end=3123","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5566957-185b04ce7cfd6216772828ace5910091/thumbnail_2890000.jpg","/articles/6486914/Walton-County/Florida/EDA-quarterly-report-approved-commissioners-debate-scope-metrics-and-future-county-role","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6486914-ec292238fe5f7408749607ccac803a26/orig.mp4?Expires=1770453074&Signature=MLrcOB7HQYrlPQWz4hhl2N8nxGCXLfsa-GJLdvfe-O-UpVjqoXpktDeproCzpFv1aRLdNV8rpkXP74uvgBh6Sw67uQhjEo8nXdSJerHdr1DEvKyydRpaOVglEKJ2bPs5QR~RAu7CGaiF2Xfpou0QV-M0OiKZ6FJv~xygOeGkiuENGFT5ft5Bs4YHB0HYn2A-3GJwhSiQ34Im-C812is6lkE63E1haNKbf1EmjBmwOTzR1Lhyifb-ubiY04ApXwy2EmZFqLKoq4RWfzs6xmhzKyDNonx3tw~RCwcWG4I8i08XzZ6p1wuP797AVojM6zLPjjb1NbtgpTuF3LcblG3h2w__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","DeFuniak Springs — The Walton County Economic Development Alliance (EDA) presented its quarterly update on Aug. 12; commissioners approved the EDA's quarterly payment after a motion and second. The EDA reported modest wins including new jobs at industrial parks and a site‑selection firm visit; the EDA director described recent business attraction work and an increase in web traffic for Walton brand marketing.

During the meeting Commissioner Drake and several residents questioned the EDA’s return on public investment. Commissioners and commenters compared job counts and capital investment: the EDA said it had recently reported several wins, including deals at industrial parks and increased investment pipeline activity; critics noted the EDA’s historical job/cost ratios and asked for clearer metrics and stronger private investment commitments.

Commissioner Drake moved (then withdrew) a motion to defund the current EDA structure and asked staff to return alternatives; the board ultimately directed staff to convene a stakeholder review with the EDA board and private-sector partners to identify what has not worked and what reforms might improve performance. Staff was asked to engage the EDA director, private investors and municipal partners and return with recommendations.

EDA representatives said some projects take many years to mature and pointed to recently secured grants and prospect activity as evidence of progress. Commissioners directed staff to report back with a stakeholder-informed plan that evaluates performance metrics, alternative governance models and options to increase private-sector contributions or to create a county-run economic development function if stakeholders recommend a change.

The board approved the EDA's quarterly report and payment; staff will schedule the stakeholder review and return findings to the board at a future meeting.","The Walton County Economic Development Alliance presented a quarterly update and received board approval for its quarter payment. Commissioners and community members debated EDA performance metrics and whether county-funded economic development should continue in its current form or be restructured.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":91,"_47":92,"_49":93,"_51":94,"_53":95,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":96,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":97,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6486918,"Public raises concerns about beach renourishment and state law change; county staff outlines path forward",0,13060000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5566957-185b04ce7cfd6216772828ace5910091&start=13060&end=13060","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5566957-185b04ce7cfd6216772828ace5910091/thumbnail_13060000.jpg","/articles/6486918/Walton-County/Florida/Public-raises-concerns-about-beach-renourishment-and-state-law-change-county-staff-outlines-path-forward","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6486918-82df2fc4507854f901c06edb025e4b3d/orig.mp4?Expires=1770453074&Signature=UMdJHtFAn4AckHsdrnt8B~~aNX2M74f9SdguHH4T95lsCPBcnHwEUowl5fOQGnlgLuKSLVl9Ru7FJ1ZxuJq3Lt74X9M8mtVHW5Xwwq7gkMUE6njsGr8p0TV74Gwb1a~StNW4EOZkZfknq4mCZ3eUJhlmUm5ArG-bgt~kXSGr0g3TLH9Q5FRB2JBQTS9aGcG2xXebau~R7n4njFXQHY7VltFXaf0GW~LzDi6dmjhsqVOSbhD4lzr89naKxZtB7EQGZ0QQPp4IUHzB~cGifBXZSBU4pWldKAvSZmwXKtT5jhG1Pzihfs74tVP7qo733oW8YRA6lsG62oPd7AtJo6EAMA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","DeFuniak Springs — Multiple members of the public urged the Walton County Board on Aug. 12 to postpone beach renourishment projects until federal, state and local authorities clarify whether new state law protects public beach access and easements.

Speakers referenced Senate Bill 1622 and quoted Florida Statute 161.141 during public comment, saying the amended state language removes a state-required public easement for restoration projects and may weaken long-term public rights. Several speakers asked the commission not to proceed until language is amended to “match the intent and protect public rights.”

County staff, legal counsel and state legislative representatives on the dais summarized the changes. County staff said the legislature enacted a repeal of previous provisions and added clarifying language that: (1) declares beach restoration projects to be in the public interest; (2) states additions seaward of the erosion-control line that result from restoration remain sovereign submerged lands; and (3) notes that restoration conducted under the statute does not require a public easement. County counsel explained that where sand is added and an erosion control line established, the new dry-sand area is treated under sovereign-submerged-lands doctrine and will be available for public use consistent with state law.

Commissioners and staff urged patience and said the county and Corps of Engineers are resuming an HSDR (hurricane/storm damage reduction) project engineering and design phase that had earlier been paused for lack of construction easements. Staff said survey work will begin soon, and the Corps will prepare construction plans; staff promised a public informational campaign about project scope, benefits and tradeoffs before construction.

Several commissioners and staff cautioned that repeal restored the legal status quo that existed before the earlier statute and that the pathway to renourishment — including necessary easements, approvals and federal work — will take time and may not produce immediate outcomes. Staff encouraged public attendance at upcoming briefings and said they would coordinate meetings with Corps and legislative staff to explain the project timeline and legal implications.

No formal county vote to begin construction was taken; staff indicated the next steps will be engineering, surveying and public outreach.","Citizens urged the Walton County Commission to pause restoration plans until new state law language protects public rights; staff and commissioners said the legislature repealed prior law and produced language that returns the county to pre‑existing legal framework and sets a path for future renourishment.",{"_33":99,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":100,"_41":101,"_43":102,"_45":103,"_47":104,"_49":105,"_51":106,"_53":107,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":108,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":109,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6486923,"Walton County hires MGT to audit planning fees and operations; commissioners discuss potential forensic review",330,7054000,7384000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5566957-185b04ce7cfd6216772828ace5910091&start=7054&end=7384","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5566957-185b04ce7cfd6216772828ace5910091/thumbnail_7054000.jpg","/articles/6486923/Walton-County/Florida/Walton-County-hires-MGT-to-audit-planning-fees-and-operations-commissioners-discuss-potential-forensic-review","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6486923-727b984b4a5b2043701e8d46202b19ef/orig.mp4?Expires=1770453074&Signature=IFXPNxp4g8Gat0mnOU9jz8NaIjnqg2tPHtfAEZHz4~yczIuwuCcFM0t9jG3ubo6y~TYs9vbSZH8dXg363APXttclCK1mZDU11cKE8ecynhhBCLRiAJ1gmVrQEHQWGz1HwyyqIY2vCjtE3SpU0RzrWLCqPsliUq0PXxURV4DUHoE0Uz-z6ZmnAXsu6HxcpH1uODpbdrDSiBr4bIvainzdIskt0xzjQtP~AHoF7aBhDklq8X4iLeJ-u9hnscCR6Q-MPk3AIQe5IvIcSnjUBUoHW73OX-It9jxeIkXgMA1yF8bSfqj-KEDdl9rfQKoMyE6uyjKPRXhG2voe7KIdlZtMCg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","DeFuniak Springs — Commissioners on Aug. 12 authorized county staff to negotiate with consulting firm MGT and proceed with a comprehensive recalculation of Walton County’s planning fees and a review of planning operations, including fee calculation, permitting flows and recommended efficiency improvements.

Melissa Thomason, who led the procurement summary, said the county sought firms with Florida experience and that MGT’s team includes an auditor who recently retired from the state auditor general’s office. Thomason recommended negotiating in a range of roughly $85,000–$99,000 to cover a full recalculation of fees (recreation, impact/plant fees, mobility) and a report of findings, benchmarks and recommendations.

Commissioners and members of the public repeatedly asked whether the review would be broad enough to uncover past wrongdoing or systemic problems. Several residents and attorneys urged a forensic audit — a deeper, transaction-level investigation — to identify misapplied fees or improper approvals. County staff and the county attorney recommended a two-step approach: (1) bring in MGT for a comprehensive process and financial audit to identify anomalies and (2) if MGT finds specific irregularities, deploy a targeted forensic audit to investigate defined transactions, rather than opening a large open-ended forensic probe that can be costly.

Planning Director Steven Shone and County Administrator Brian Kellenberger said the department has experienced staff turnover; Shone noted the department is climbing out of permit backlogs and that some delays resulted from departures and a surge of applications. Commissioners directed staff to return with recommendations and a negotiated agreement; staff said MGT could begin work under a purchase order if the firm will accept it, otherwise the contract will come back to the board.

The board also discussed bringing short-term management/consulting support into Planning to help with day-to-day processes while the audit proceeds. Commissioners asked staff to return with options for immediate, temporary operational assistance and to prioritize streamlining single-family dwelling and temporary power permits, which residents reported as the most urgent problem areas.","The Walton County Board authorized staff to negotiate and proceed with MGT for a comprehensive recalculation of planning fees and an operational review. Commissioners and members of the public pressed for wider process and, in some cases, forensic auditing if the review turned up anomalous transactions.",{"_33":111,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":112,"_41":113,"_43":114,"_45":115,"_47":116,"_49":117,"_51":118,"_53":119,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":120,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":121,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6486928,"Walton County meeting: administrator contract approved; county attorney contract rejected; planning audit, road contract and grants approved",1680,1184000,2864000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5566957-185b04ce7cfd6216772828ace5910091&start=1184&end=2864","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5566957-185b04ce7cfd6216772828ace5910091/thumbnail_1184000.jpg","/articles/6486928/Walton-County/Florida/Walton-County-meeting-administrator-contract-approved-county-attorney-contract-rejected-planning-audit-road-contract-and-grants-approved","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6486928-42809dedce3e596b6749a1f1306065be/orig.mp4?Expires=1770453074&Signature=OjHnJ5yJGSoyifbHJIDBLGw~eQgMI-SXb~QDd8CQaCKo1ddAhuAF63G-1pqqJ-ydFCAuzP6-E7r-fqBFT8YzHN0B1pNtWpZC8L3efWKrTbZpvlfMID3cETsHU4CS6QkW7E1gyczrADVEtTn6lRV7HC6BKbLQg5vUUWvCzZvncS2~kipO8c0iWrhihJL4OmLlAq7I9VM8f9Wz1qDXaBKClY0Mj7miD8VoQbM9v3EEA35nefCcqBwG6AIj9g-7TGD6xR1Eb-DjEvbxERBL0miauBiMhIAC1k~JhtzC3kMAXk7G9JwAxeKwHE0IT4pvvQzp3641EPn9t~rwqrzxHXAOiA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","DeFuniak Springs — The Walton County Board of County Commissioners took several formal actions Aug. 12, approving an administrator employment contract, authorizing an operational audit of the planning department, awarding a resurfacing contract and approving the tourist development council's slate of event grants, while rejecting a proposed contract for the county attorney.

The board approved a multi-year contract for County Administrator Brian Kellenberger by a 5-0 vote. Commissioners said they wanted to provide the administrator stability for ongoing operational work including planning department reforms and capital project coordination.

In a separate, closely watched vote, the board declined to approve a proposed contract for County Attorney Clay Atkinson. After a lengthy public and commissioner debate about conflicts of interest, compensation, and contract terms, the motion to approve the Atkinson Law Firm agreement failed on a 3–2 tally.

The board also approved a professional services engagement for MGT to perform a recalculation and operational review of the county planning department's fees and internal processes. Commissioners directed staff to negotiate a price in the $85,000–$99,000 range; the board voted to move forward with the firm.

On capital work, the board authorized contract 2516 with Southeast Construction Co. LLC in an amount not to exceed $2,650,557.72 for Phase 1 of County Road 1883 (milling and resurfacing, ~4.97 miles). Commissioners said grant funds will pay for the project.

In tourism funding matters, the board accepted the Walton County Economic Development Alliance quarterly report and approved its payment tied to that update. Commissioners also approved the tourist development council's recommended slate of event grants for FY 2026, with three high-profile events referred back to the TDC for additional vetting.

Other formal actions included appointment of a citizen member to the Value Adjustment Board (Mark Walker) and a municipal franchise ordinance updating the service territory for Florida Community Services Corp. (doing business as Regional Utilities) in Inlet Beach.

The board recorded motions, seconds and roll-call outcomes for the items above; the meeting also included extended public comment on beach renourishment and S.B. 1622, planning operations, and economic development.","At its Aug. 12 Walton County Board of County Commissioners meeting, the board approved a permanent county administrator contract, voted down a proposed county attorney contract, authorized a planning fees audit, awarded a road construction contract and approved a slate of event grants and other routine items.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Commission rejects proposed county attorney contract after extended debate over conflicts, pay and termination terms

EDA quarterly report approved; commissioners debate scope, metrics and future county role

Public raises concerns about beach renourishment and state law change; county staff outlines path forward

Walton County hires MGT to audit planning fees and operations; commissioners discuss potential forensic review

Walton County meeting: administrator contract approved; county attorney contract rejected; planning audit, road contract and grants approved