Jason Futch
reporter2.riverbendnews@gmail.com
For years, Chuck Burnett served as the Hamilton County Parks and Recreation Coordinator, ensuring the county's parks were enjoyable for children and families. On Tuesday, July 15, during the regular Hamilton County Board of County Commissioners meeting, the Board chose to elevate Burnett to a position Chairman Richie McCoy said was "a good fit," officially giving him the title of Economic Development Director.
The meeting, held at the county courthouse, began with District 2 Commissioner Robbie Roberson providing the invocation, followed by a public hearing to review a petition by James Warren requesting a variance for agricultural property in the county. Following this, an update was provided on the RapidFiber internet project, which aims to provide high-speed internet to the county.
Animal Control Coordinator Megan Smith then presented the Board a proposed ordinance for Animal Control services in the county, which were recently turned over to the Hamilton County Sheriff's Office. Smith, who was hired on Tuesday, June 17, reported various statistics since she assumed leadership, along with staffing information. She said Animal Control saved $5,000 on training by hosting it at both the Jasper and Jennings locations. The Board chose to set up a workshop to review the ordinance, as they needed clarity on some of the details provided.
Following Smith's presentation, status reports on economic development began. County Coordinator Gary Godwin presented the report, starting with a mention of a meeting with the director of Florida Commerce, who plans to visit Hamilton County in the future. "It was a very good meeting in Tallahassee," McCoy said. "They said it's very good to see someone from Hamilton County there."
Gary Godwin then read a letter from Joy Imperial of PPM Consultants in Pensacola, who boasted about the promotion of Hamilton County on social media, particularly on LinkedIn. He said Hamilton County was gaining recognition across the state.
Clerk of Court Greg Godwin spoke about a draft agreement created by County Attorney Andrew Decker regarding an agreement between the Board and the Hamilton County Development Authority and asked if the Commissioners wanted to set a special meeting with the authority. "If the draft has any preliminary approval, I was going to forward it to the development authority's attorney so they had an opportunity to read it before the special meeting," Decker said. The Board decided to set up a special meeting.
Following the discussion, attention turned to Burnett and his role in bolstering Hamilton County’s development. "We've actually been using Mr. Burnett as the Board of County Commissioners' economic development go-to, and he's been representing you all on the board as economic development, so we just feel like having someone who directly reports to this board and opens up other doors and opportunities since he would be a county employee," Gary Godwin said. "We feel like it's in the best interest of Hamilton County to move forward by moving Mr. Burnett from his current position as being over Parks and Recreation to the Board of County Commissioners' Economic Development Director."
The proposal also included Burnett overseeing the county parks, but the recreation department would still be part of the county's operations. His official job title would be Assistant County Coordinator/Economic Development Director.
McCoy said the position would not cost additional county funds and believed Burnett would be an excellent choice for the position. Following further discussion, the Board voted unanimously to restructure his title, with District 1 Commissioner Jimmy Murphy making the motion and Roberson seconding.
Following the discussion, Kellan Bailey of North Florida Professional Services delivered an update on county road projects, while the Board voted to acknowledge Red Ribbon Week, which is observed from Oct. 23 to Oct. 31.
The next Hamilton County Board of County Commissioners meeting will be held on Tuesday, Aug. 5, at 9 a.m. at the Hamilton County Courthouse, located at 207 NE 1st St., in Jasper.