By AMBER PATINO
The Bonifay City Council held its regular meeting on Tuesday, January 20, completing the first reading and public hearing for a proposed election‑process ordinance, accepting a grant for the police department, and recognizing two Employees of the Quarter.
During the public hearing, the council reviewed a proposed ordinance that would amend the city’s election process and municipal charter. The changes would extend council member terms to four years and shift Bonifay’s municipal elections to align with state and national general election cycles. City officials have previously said the adjustment is intended to streamline the election process and bring local elections in line with broader voting schedules. A second public hearing will be held at 9 a.m. on Monday, February 2 at Bonifay City Hall before the council takes any further action on the ordinance. The public is encouraged to attend the hearing to provide input and ask questions regarding the ordinance and its impact.
The council also heard from Bonifay Police Chief Johnny Whitaker regarding a $133,058.80 criminal justice grant awarded through the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) to upgrade the department’s records management system. The reimbursement‑based grant will cover software costs, data migration, and staff overtime needed for implementation. Whitaker noted that the upgrade will bring the department into compliance with FDLE’s Florida Incident‑Based Reporting System (FIBRS), which collects and forwards local agency data to the FBI. The transition to the new SmartCop system is expected to be completed by May 2026. The council voted to accept the grant.
In other business, the council recognized two Employees of the Quarter.
Public Works Director Aaron Taylor presented the first award to public works employee Colby Merritt, commending his reliability and strong work ethic. “He’s a good employee—any time you call, he answers the phone. He does his job to the best of his abilities; he’s very responsible,” said Taylor. “You won’t find many people his age, at 23, with the level of maturity he has.” Merritt thanked the council and Taylor for the recognition.
Chief Whitaker then recognized Lieutenant Chelsey Castro as the Bonifay Police Department’s Employee of the Quarter, praising her attention to detail and efficiency in her duties. Castro expressed her appreciation for this recognition.
The next meeting of the Bonifay City Council is scheduled for 9 a.m. on Monday, February 2.
GARETT VALCOURT 
Staff Report 