BOCC seeks redevelopment of Development Commission

The Holmes County Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) held a meeting on November 5, where a notable agenda item focused on the Holmes County Development Commission (HCDC) and its compliance with Florida’s Sunshine Law. The discussion followed recent reporting by the Holmes County Advertiser on an investigation into the Development Commission for possible violations of Sunsine laws.

Commissioner Brandon Newsom raised questions regarding the HCDC’s adherence to the Sunshine Law. Citing a statement from HCDC Executive Director Joe Rone in an October 30 article, Newsom referenced a policy review committee that, in the past, concluded that certain meetings were not subject to Sunshine Law requirements. In a statement to the Holmes County Advertiser Rone stated, this committee which included former Circuit Judge, the late Russell Cole, HCDC board member George Robertson, and Holmes County Attorney Nate Nolin, reportedly determined that the Development Commission did not fall under the Sunshine Law for certain meetings.

Directing his question to Nolin, Newsom asked, “Do you hold the stance that the development commission should be under the same standard of the Sunshine Law and ethics now? Like you have before, do you change your stance from the opinion you had in this article?”

In response, Nolin clarified his position, noting that his previous involvement with the HCDC was nearly four years ago. He stated, “I believe that is a state position versus a policy position. Just because you change policy doesn’t mean that changes what the state says it is. That would be like us saying we are not subject to Sunshine when we adopt policy, but we are.” Nolin emphasized that the HCDC operates under state guidelines, even though BOCC appoints its leadership.

Commissioner Clint Erickson then questioned whether it would be beneficial for the county to formally request state intervention. “Do you think it would be in the county’s best interest to send a letter to the state representative to look into this with all these problems?” he asked. Nolin expressed his willingness to draft a letter but noted that the ongoing investigation by the state attorney’s office may soon bring further clarity.

Following this, Erickson motioned to send a letter to the state, seeking clarification on the HCDC’s status and potential structural adjustments to enhance transparency. County Administrator David Corbin recommended, however, that further questions be directed to an attorney other than Nolin due to his past involvement with the HCDC. “Nate did recuse himself for personal reasons, and I believe we should use the other attorney,” Corbin said.

In conclusion, Newsom acknowledged the board’s limited power in addressing the issue. “Everyone agrees that this situation is challenging, but there is nothing that the Board of County Commissioners can do,” he stated. “If we have to fix and realign the charter, then we need the legislature to step in.”

Ultimately, the Commissioners voted unanimously to send a formal letter to the state legislature, requesting both clarification on the Sunshine Law’s application to the HCDC and the possibility of restructuring the Development Commission’s charter to “ensure transparency”.