The Citizens Academy, an initiative sponsored by the Walton County Board of County Commissioners (BCC), began its second annual class Monday night. Citizens Academy is designed to provide an in-depth understanding of the inner workings of our local government. This is accomplished through the use of informative presentations and interactive discussions with senior department heads from across county government.
This year’s class is being led by Program Development & Outreach Coordinator Meredith Crum, who welcomed the new class members and facilitated the session. Ms. Crum explained that over the next nine months, the individuals who signed up for the class would be participating in monthly sessions in which they will gain valuable insights into the services and operations that impact Walton County communities.
The first presentation came from Administration, led by Assistant County Administrator Matt Trawick and Director of Administrative Services Mary King, who discussed the way in which Administration interacts with each county department to carry out the wishes of the BCC. Matt Trawick explained the duties of County Administrator Stan Sunday, who was unable to attend due to prior commitments, and noted that Sunday acts as the executive link between the members of the Walton County Commission and the county department directors.
Mary King noted that Administration performs a variety of functions that assist the county administrator in the performance of his duties. Among other things, Administration staff schedule and advertise public meetings and workshops, as well as departmental meetings. Ms. King recalled that in 2024, Administration staff created, retained and posted 135 new and amended documents, grants and interlocal agreements. Administration crafted 42 contracts, 13 final orders, 31 formal letters, 29 ordinances and 62 resolutions. Administration published 10 satisfactions documents of SHIP mortgages, processes 24 change orders and 22 task orders. Much of Administration’s time is spent directing senior staff, researching agreements and contacts, as well as organizing, and implementing BCC directives.
Next, the Office of County Attorney, represented by Staff Attorneys Matt Richardson and Frankie White, presented an overview of the legal department. They noted that in addition to the legal advice they provide to the commissioners, they also work on a large number of related issues, such as contracts, litigation, and public records. Throughout last year, legal staff drafted or reviewed over 275 contracts or agreements and 42 procurements. The county attorney’s office participates in all pending county litigation and in 2024 processed over 450 public records requests. Both attorneys answered questions and clarified common misconceptions about what the county’s legal department does and does not do.
The third presenter of the evening was Human Resources Director Tarey Franxman, who gave a thumbnail sketch of the myriad duties his department handles. Among other things, Director Franxman noted that HR is involved whenever county staff members are hired or promoted into roles with greater responsibility. They are also involved when an employee moves from temporary to permanent positions, and they conduct new employee orientations. He also noted that HR staff receive and process applications for all county positions, assess qualifications and fill open positions, including temporary or seasonal jobs and temporary summer students. When necessary, they handle complaints and disciplinary actions. Franxman said HR works with all department directors to help with staffing, training and resolving a variety of employee issues.
The next Citizens Academy class will be held July 14, in the BCC Boardroom in the Freeport Commons office complex on Hwy. 20 in Freeport.
