Residents allege improper permitting; city manager says legal guidance found no city wrongdoing

Brooksville — Multiple residents used the public‑comment period to press the council about alleged improper permitting and construction oversight by the city’s building department and a named building official.

A resident described a newly built home and in‑ground pool where he said the final pool inspection was canceled, permit fees returned, and an occupancy permit later issued despite alleged violations. “How is this acceptable?” the resident asked, and later told council: “There are only two possible answers here. Ron is either completely inept and incompetent at his job, or … is he corrupt.”

City response: City staff and the city manager told council they had investigated, driven by the residents’ submissions, and sought legal guidance. The city manager said staff were advised not to involve themselves in what was characterized as a private construction dispute and told the council that the review found "no wrongdoing found on the side of the city." Staff also said they had forwarded information to the city attorney and would investigate operational concerns such as street‑sweeper practices and debris blown onto private property.

Why it matters: The residents described health and safety concerns (flooding, mold, structural damage) they attributed to alleged permit irregularities. They also said system reporting problems—COs (certificates of occupancy) not recognized by the permitting software—led to administrative gaps. One commenter said that when COs were not properly recorded, property tax assessments can be affected.

What the sheriff comment: A resident said he contacted the Hernando County Sheriff’s Office, which told him the sheriff’s office “can’t investigate any city employee without the city manager initiating it,” an assertion the resident relayed as part of his complaint about limited outside‑agency remedies.

What happens next: Staff and council said they will continue to follow up. The city manager said she had already requested legal advice and will remain in contact with the complainants; staff also promised to look into operational matters such as hydrant meters, debris pickup, and drainage in affected neighborhoods.

Representative quotes: Resident: “Is this not criminal activity?… Ron is either completely inept and incompetent at his job, or is he corrupt.” City Manager (paraphrase as stated during the meeting): “This is between the contractors and the homeowner. There was no wrongdoing found on the side of the city.”

Ending: Complainants said they will pursue available remedies; council and staff said they would continue to investigate operational and record‑keeping concerns and report back to the residents.