District 5 Commisioner White Honored By Commission; Other Business Conducted

December 7, 2007

kevinwhite.jpgDistrict 5 Commisioner Kevin White was honored at Thursday night’s meeting of the Escambia County Commission for his work as this past year’s chairman of the commission.

“He served in a year that was certainly difficult,” said new commission chair Mike Whitehead. “It was budget issues…it was a turbulent year. I think there was a number of issues that this board had to tackle, and I believe that you did a very good job of leading us through those issues.”

“I believe we came out a better, a stronger, a leaner meaner county than we were before,” he said. “Unfortunately, I think we are looking at another year of the same thing.”

“I appreciate the time, the effort and the talent you brought to the job; it is not as easy one,” Whitehead told White. “On behalf of the entire board…we appreciate what you have done.”

White was present a plaque by the commission.

— In other North Escambia area business, the commission refused to alter a code enforcement lien against property owned by the estate of Roxie Mae Blackmon at 2390 Chance Road in Molino. Mark Whittaker from Hammons, Longoria & Whittaker, P.A. requested the lien be removed.

But code enforcement officer Charles Walker stated that the property was still in violation of county ordinances, with an abandoned mobile home on the property having numerous broken windows.

— The commission also voted to implement a tougher ethics policy required commissioners and county employees to make more explicit disclosures about business relationships. This comes after former County Admistrator George Tuart’s resignation following undisclosed business relationships.

— Increased false fire alarm fees. The 1992 ordinance charged $50 after three false alarms.  The new fee scheduled is $50 after the second false alarm and up to $500 for eight or more false alarms in a year.

— Began a nationwide search to replace County Attorney Janet Lander who retires in January.

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