Holmes County keeps Pat's Electric on library HVAC after inquiry over a notice of claim

The Holmes County Commission discussed potential legal claims involving a vendor tied to the library HVAC project and decided to leave the board's earlier motion in place to proceed with the contract.

During discussion of the library HVAC item, a staff member reported receiving a letter from a law firm dated April 28 that included a "notice of claim" referencing "Florida statute 7 68" and listing a claimant named in the letter. The staff member told the board that the county’s procurement policy allows the board to accept or reject bids even after a vote, and raised the question whether it was wise to engage a vendor mentioned in a potential claim.

Michael Patterson, who identified himself as the owner of Pat's AC Heating Electric Contractor, told the board he was not a claimant on the notice and said the bid submitted under the contracting name was current and properly licensed. "My name is Michael Patterson," he said, continuing that his corporation remains separate from another entity that had "folded in 2025." He denied personal involvement in the claim that prompted the inquiry.

Becky, the library director, spoke in support of the contractor, saying he had "come out and checked our units on multiple occasions," that he "knows our systems, all 3 of them," and that she had "100% confidence" in his ability to do the work. Several commissioners said they had no problem proceeding and noted that there was no active lawsuit at the time, only a notice of claim.

After the discussion, the chair stated that the motion the board had previously made would "stand," and the board moved on to the next agenda item. The board did not record an updated roll-call vote on reversing the earlier decision during this discussion.

What comes next: Board members asked staff to follow up on the paperwork and insurance details referenced in the notice, and to confirm licensing and any legal status before finalizing contract documents.