By GARETT VALCOURTThe Holmes County Development Commission (HCDC) voted during its 20 January meeting to formally engage the Holmes County Board of County Commissioners (HCBOCC) in discussions regarding the hiring and funding of a full-time administrative assistant to support Holmes County Development Commission operations.
During the meeting, commission members reviewed information indicating that, under applicable statute, funding for a full-time administrative assistant to assist Joe Rone, director of the Holmes County Development Council, would fall under the responsibility of the Holmes County Board of County Commissioners.
Commissioners noted that the Development Commission previously employed a full-time administrative assistant until funding concerns were raised during a County Commission meeting. At that meeting, a commissioner made a motion to withhold payment of the administrative assistant’s funding until interest payments associated with the Busy Bee loan were reconciled between the Development Commission and the County Commission.
Shortly after that discussion, the administrative assistant submitted her resignation.
While HCDC members agreed it would be appropriate to discuss the matter further with the County Commission, the board also emphasized that the position falls within the Development Commission’s existing budget authority. Commissioners indicated that, regardless of the outcome of discussions with the HCBOCC, the Development Commission retains the ability to move forward with hiring an administrative assistant.
The HCDC ultimately agreed to pursue dialogue with the County Commission regarding funding options and statutory responsibilities, while also acknowledging that the search for a full-time administrative assistant would proceed as needed to support the commission’s operations.
No final action was taken during the meeting regarding the specific timeline for hiring, and further discussion with the County Commission is expected at a future date.
ANDREA WATERS 
Staff Report 