By GARETT VALCOURTThe Holmes County Development Commission (HCDC) held its most recent meeting on December 15, during which board members elected officers, discussed potential restructuring, and addressed several governance and appointment matters.
The meeting opened with the annual election of officers. From the floor, Jeremy Rolling nominated Brian Gammons for secretary-treasurer, and the board unanimously approved the nomination.
Nominations then proceeded to the office of vice chairperson. Rolling nominated Johnny Sutton, who stood as the sole candidate, and the board voted to approve his nomination.
For chairperson, nominations were made for both Doyle Majors and Rhonda Byrd Lee. Following a vote, Majors received six votes while Lee received three. Majors will continue serving as chairperson through September 30, 2026.
The board next addressed a request from the Holmes County Board of County Commissioners (HCBOCC) to schedule a joint meeting. The proposed meeting would be open to the public and focus on discussing potential restructuring of the HCDC or changes to its processes to improve collaboration between the two entities. The discussion stemmed from a prior motion introduced by Commissioner Clint Erickson during an HCBOCC meeting. The HCDC recommended holding the joint meeting on Thursday, January 15, at 6 p.m. The board approved the recommendation to be forwarded to the HCBOCC for final approval.
Another agenda item involved a proposal to reduce the frequency of HCDC meetings from monthly to quarterly. The board’s bylaws require meetings to be held no less than quarterly. Gammons made a motion to move to quarterly meetings, with the option to call special meetings as needed. The motion was seconded by Byrd Lee but ultimately failed. The board agreed to continue meeting on a monthly basis.
HCDC attorney Ben Armstrong then presented an engagement letter to continue providing legal services to the board. The engagement was unanimously approved. Armstrong also introduced a drafted independent contractor agreement for the executive director position. While several board members commented that current Executive Director Rone was performing well, others stated that the position should be put out for bid to ensure transparency and provide additional options. The board agreed to advertise the executive director position for bids.
The board then addressed upcoming term expirations scheduled for September 30, 2025. Johnny Sutton, Judy Powell, and Jeremy Rolling are among those whose terms will expire. According to the HCDC bylaws, expiring positions, as well as current vacancies resulting from resignations, must be submitted to the HCBOCC for reappointment or replacement. The bylaws also state that board members may continue serving until successors are appointed.
Discussion followed regarding appointment recommendations, including an at-large position. Rolling noted that due to Powell relocating out of the district for which she was originally appointed by the HCBOCC, she would need to be considered for an at-large seat upon reappointment. Powell stated she was unaware she had been appointed to a District 3 seat and requested that HCDC meeting minutes reflect when the board approved recommendations brought forward by Rone, including her own. Rolling also expressed concern that the board did not address expiring terms during its September meeting, stating, “Clearly the ball was dropped.” Jason Powell questioned whether the board could simply recommend reappointments if that was the case.
The board currently has a vacancy in District 2 following the resignation of Brian Schultz, as well as an at-large vacancy previously held by Stephanie Cloud. Armstrong advised that, under the HCDC charter, Powell’s district seat should have been vacated immediately upon her relocation to another district. However, Armstrong stated he would need additional time and information to determine whether Powell should be removed from her position immediately.
No final action was taken on the matter pending further legal review.
The next meeting of the HCDC is scheduled for 11:30 a.m. Tuesday, January 20.
Staff Report 
Ali Moreland 