By GARETT VALCOURT
gvalcourt@kentsmith.biz
After a controversial weekend where a deputy was bit in the head by a man alleged to be under the influence of drugs and numerous arrests for alleged drug possession were made during an electronic dance music festival at Vortex Spring, the Holmes County Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) is starting the process to submit litigation to recoup costs for law enforcement and related services.
A motion was made to start legal action during a BOCC meeting Tuesday, May 7. Sol Fest occurred May 2-5 at Vortex Spring in Ponce de Leon. The event drew backlash from some in the community, including County Commissioner Brandon Newsom and Sheriff John Tate.
According to County officials, the promoters were supposed to pay over $81,000 but have currently paid 75% of that.
Sol Fest cost $109,000 in just county policing salaries. Other counties, including Walton County, assisted with law enforcement.
Money for worker’s comp for injured workers, as well as medical bills for those who were injured, are also being factored into event costs.
The overall cost is said to be $133,905.
The BOCC is requiring the festival or venue to cover a remaining cost of $69,905.
That amount does not include the numbers for hospital, EMS, and fire services, along with other bills that the BOCC said “taxpayers don’t deserve to pay.”
This is a developing story. Check back for continuing coverage of the aftermath from Sol Fest.
KINSLEY COOK 
NATALIE HOLTON 
Hannah Collins 