Board approves a confirmation process for county directors after heated debate; substitute motion to confirm all directors passes 3–2

After extended debate, the Walton County Board of County Commissioners adopted a policy direction on Oct. 28 to require board confirmation for director‑level positions. Commissioner Danny Gladwell first moved to ask the county attorney to draft a confirmation resolution for a targeted list of senior positions (HR director, public works director, TDC executive director, planning director and deputy county administrator). The discussion exposed significant philosophical disagreement about whether confirmation diminishes the authority of the county administrator, how broadly to define "director," and whether a confirmation requirement would discourage candidates who do not want their job search disclosed in an open meeting.

Commissioner Drake and others expressed concern about weakening the county administrator's hiring authority and the confidentiality of applicants; county administrator Brian Kellenberger noted a practical recruiting risk: candidates often do not tell employers they are looking for another job and public confirmation requires public disclosure. Commissioners discussed several options and a substitute motion that expanded the requirement to all county director positions was put forward and passed on a 3–2 vote. The board directed county counsel to prepare a resolution and draft language to formalize the confirmation process, with implementation details to be returned to the board. The board also discussed process details such as whether confirmation would come before or after a contingent offer; staff advised that confirmation can be framed as a condition in an offer (similar to contingent drug screens or background checks). The board asked that confirmation rules include a standardized submittal package (resume and job description) and a short public comment allowance tied to the board's existing public input rules.

What the action does: The board did not change pay or positions at the meeting but set a governance rule requiring future director hires to be presented to the board for confirmation. The county attorney and administrator will draft a resolution that spells out which positions are included, the process for notification and the timing of confirmation relative to hiring and onboarding.