HCDC discusses property trade, building use, and executive director contract

The Holmes County Development Commission (HCDC) discussed a proposed property exchange with the county, future use of the former Gap building at Midtown Plaza, and employment terms for its newly selected executive director during its Tuesday, June 16 meeting.

The proposed property exchange was first brought before the Holmes County Board of County Commissioners on June 9, when HCDC Chairman Doyle Majors proposed trading the commission’s recycling property for the former Gulf Power building, which is currently used by Veterans Affairs. Commissioners declined to begin negotiations at that time, saying they preferred to wait until the commission’s new executive director was in place.

In other business, County Coordinator David Corbin also addressed the commission and presented a 2014 Ford Explorer in lieu of the county continuing to cover insurance costs for the vacant HCDC secretary position. Corbin said commissioners had directed him to reduce the county budget by 5 percent and asked departments and agencies to identify ways to help. Commission members said a search for a secretary is expected to begin after the new executive director takes office. The commission voted to accept the vehicle.

The commission also heard a proposal from Ludus Magnus owner Jeremy Angel, who asked to move into the building at 401 McLaughlin Avenue in Bonifay, commonly known as the Gap building. Angel proposed keeping his current rental rate for the upstairs space he leases at Midtown Plaza in exchange for taking over mowing and maintenance for the entire property. He also offered to complete needed repairs to the Gap building before moving in, citing the amount of work required to make the building usable. Angel requested that the HCDC provide a basic floor coating and waive two months of his current rent to help offset the time and labor involved. The commission voted to table the request until its next meeting and to have the executive director arrange for a cost estimate on bringing the building up to code.

Commission members also reviewed employment terms for Christopher Lauen, who was selected as the organization’s new executive director during a June 1 special meeting. Lauen was offered the position at an annual salary of $70,000, along with Florida Retirement System benefits, county‑provided insurance, a 32‑hour work week, and a start date no later than June 29.

HCDC attorney Ben Armstrong told the commission that Lauen requested either a buyout of 240 hours of accumulated leave or a 30‑day delay in his start date, which would move his first day to July 29. The commission ultimately voted to hire Lauen under the county’s standard leave‑accrual policy, with Florida Retirement System participation at 1.6 percent and a $50 monthly phone allowance.