Holmes County looks to pull out of 79 Corridor project

NAN THOMPSON
Nthompson@kentsmith.biz

During the Sept. 19 meeting of the Holmes County Board of County Commissioners, District 1 Commissioner Jeff Good said that Washington County was in agreement with Holmes County relinquishing control of their interest of the 79 Corridor project to the City of Bonifay.

At the 79 Corridor budget meeting on Sept. 13, in which Good was a voting member, it was discussed that Holmes County wanted out and the City of Bonifay was interested. 

Bonifay City Clerk Rickey Callahan asked that members of the city be allowed time to reorganize their board before taking on the responsibilities. Holmes County will still fund the project for the next five to six months until Bonifay takes over.

In other news from the meeting, the Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission also tentatively approved the two and a half-acre site at the Holmes County Sanitary Landfill with a 99-year lease on the property. All costs for fencing and surveying will be at no cost to Holmes County. Any permanent improvements to the property will be left on site. 

Commissioners approved the submission of a grant of $23,676 for the Holmes County Public Library to ensure library services continue. 

The moving of the Holmes County Sheriff’s Office has been delayed until after the Holmes County Rodeo. County Administrator David Corbin said the Bonifay Police Department might be interested in the building. Talks will continue at the next meeting on Oct. 3 at 6 p.m. 

Donnie Sellers of Florida Forestry Service gave their annual report for fiscal year 2022-2023, ending Sept. 30. There were 27 wildfires, burning 213.51 acres. 

The Holmes County Legislative Delegation meeting will be held Oct. 3 at 10 a.m. at 107 East Virginia Avenue in Bonifay. State Representative Shane Abbott and State Senator Jay Trumbull will be in attendance. The meeting is open to all Holmes County residents.