Okaloosa County BOCC — February 11, 2013 — February 11 Special Meeting Tallahassee — reading text

speak with the County Attorney. Representative Gaetz countered that Mr. Amunds is the commissioner. Mr. Amunds responded he does not go to the individual commissioners to ask about possible conflicts of interest and he feels it is improper for him to address this issue. Representative Gaetz questioned a $42,000 expenditure for an employee Christmas party and asked Mr. Amunds if he attended that party. Mr. Amunds replied that he did attend. Upon further inquiry by the Representative, Mr. Amunds stated he did question where the money came from for the event and was told by Mr. Bellinger it was in-kind donations. Representative Gaetz asked how many were in attendance and if Mr. Amunds filed a form for receiving a value of more than $100. Representative Gaetz asked Mr. Amunds what responsibility he shares in this lack of oversight. Mr. Amunds said his job has many functions. He stated the corrective action plan should be followed to prevent this type thing from happening again. Senator Abruzzo announced it is clear to him the Committee will need more time for the Okaloosa County issue. He said the Senate President has authorized the Committee to have more meetings. Senator Abruzzo stated what has happened is a travesty and the corruption is unbelievable. He said the world was watching the oil spill tragedy and “you had responsibility to have proper oversight.” Senator Abruzzo passed the gavel to Representative Ray and made motion to direct the Auditor General to conduct an operational audit of the Board of County Commissioners and Clerk of Circuit Court. The Auditor General will determine the scope and timing depending on availability of staff and deadline for statutory mandated assignments. The scope will be based on risk assessment with specific attention to operational impact, budgetary controls, grant management, procurement, contracts and vendor payment controls. There was no discussion. Motion passes. February 11, 2013 -15- Minute Book 68, Page Okaloosa County Board of County Commissioners Senator Hays requested subpoenas be issued for the former TDC members who recently resigned. Senator Abruzzo advised a list of individuals to appear will be prepared by Wednesday and immediately following the meeting will look into the subpoena process. Senator Ring stated Senator Bradley is an attorney and asked him if there is a loophole that an individual does not have to appear if he is no longer on a committee. Senator Bradley stated the Committee does have subpoena power and it does not apply only to individuals in public office. Mr. Amunds asked if the PowerPoint presentation he brought could be kept until the next meeting. Senator Abruzzo thanked those present for attending today’s meeting. ADJOURNMENT This portion of the Senate Committee regarding Okaloosa County was completed at 4:00 p.m. CST. _____________________________ _______________________________ DON W. HOWARD DON R. AMUNDS, CHAIRMAN CLERK OF CIRCUIT COURT BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS (These minutes were transcribed by Teresa Ward.) February 11, 2013 -16- Minute Book 68, Page Okaloosa County Board of County Commissioners