Commission approves dissolution of interlocal and opt-in to Basin Alliance for Choctawhatchee Bay program

Melinda Gates, interim executive director of the Choctawhatchee Bay Estuary Coalition and the county’s environmental representative, presented a three‑step restructuring: dissolve the four‑county interlocal agreement, opt into the Choctawhatchee Basin Alliance Estuary Program to implement the conservation plan, and name a commissioner and alternate plus a staff representative for the program. Gates told the board that the other three counties have already approved the interlocal dissolution and recommended that Walton County follow suit.

Commissioners moved on separate motions to dissolve the interlocal agreement, to opt in to the Basin Alliance, and to appoint a commissioner representative, an alternate and a staff contact (Melinda Gates) for implementation. Voice votes carried and commissioners discussed timing and board membership logistics; the board directed staff to finalize appointments and to prepare the county’s transition to the Basin Alliance.