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Commissioners debate confirmation authority for department heads; effort to limit confirmations fails
Summary
After a lengthy debate, Walton County commissioners declined to adopt a resolution listing multiple department heads for board confirmation, leaving hiring authority primarily with the county administrator.
Commissioners spent an extended portion of the meeting debating whether the board should adopt a resolution specifying which department heads require formal board confirmation.
The discussion followed prior ordinance language that reserved to the board the authority to confirm certain department heads by resolution. County Administrator Brian Kellenberger said he needs clarity because filling several vacant leadership positions — including deputy county administrator, planning director and beach operations director — is necessary for day-to-day operations. "For me to be productive and successful in this seat, I need to have some sort of decision today that helps me move forward in hiring people," Kellenberger said.
Commissioners split along operational-versus-oversight lines. Several commissioners argued a robust confirmation list would give the board oversight of key positions. Others said a long confirmation list would impede the county administrator’s ability to run day-to-day government and slow hiring. "I want you to make these decisions. And then this I mean, the—and the question I have is...is this the most efficient way to allow you to do your job?" Commissioner Drake asked.
After multiple proposals and amendments to narrow the list, a motion to adopt a reduced confirmation list (covering around a dozen department heads) was moved and seconded but ultimately failed 3–2. The clerk recorded the failure. Staff advised the board that until it adopts a resolution listing positions subject to confirmation, the county administrator retains authority to fill positions (with the exceptions of the county attorney and the chief financial officer).
Commissioners who opposed the confirmation expansion urged trial period cooperation: several said they will give the county administrator a chance to make hires without broad confirmation requirements, and they can revisit the topic in future meetings if problems arise.
The vote leaves hiring authority largely with the county administrator, and commissioners asked staff to return with any proposed resolution at a future meeting if they wish to change that arrangement.
