Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Personnel Complaint topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Resident alleges assault by employee, questions airport manager's role; commissioners say they await legal outcome
Summary
At the meeting, local resident Bill Catalina alleged an employee strangled a disabled man and questioned why airport manager Steve Fultz remains in his role; commissioners urged patience, noting county options hinge on conviction and describing portions of the account as hearsay.
WAKULLA COUNTY — During the citizens-to-be-heard portion, resident Bill Catalina alleged that an employee strangled a 66‑year‑old disabled person and criticized airport manager Steve Fultz for still serving in his role. Catalina referenced conversations he said he had with a state investigator and said he has proof of the incident.
"Why is Steve Fultz still the airport manager?" Catalina asked at the meeting, describing the alleged attack and saying a state investigator told him that "the scrapes on your back prove you were drugged." Catalina characterized the conduct as malfeasance on the part of the Wakulla County Sheriff's Office, and said he and others had tried legal remedies previously but encountered difficulties with counsel.
Chair and staff responded that the county's options could change after a criminal conviction. "I'm waiting for the conviction. As soon as we get the conviction, we'll probably have grounds to do that," the chair said. County staff and the chair cautioned that some of Catalina's statements were hearsay and outside the scope of the board's authority.
Separately, a member of the public asked county staff whether the airport manager was a paid employee; staff confirmed he is a volunteer and does not receive pay. No formal personnel action or vote occurred at the meeting.
The board did not take formal action on the allegation; commissioners and staff emphasized that criminal proceedings and verification would shape any administrative options.
Note: The allegations reported here are claims made by a member of the public at the meeting. The county did not announce any finding, personnel action, or criminal verdict during the session.
