Okaloosa County BOCC — May 17, 2013 — March 4 Special — reading text

Commissioner Parisot to come forward. He swore in each one individually. Mr. Amunds said at the last Committee meeting, he was asked if anyone on the BCC had spoken with the TDC members to prevent them from coming to Tallahassee. He reported his answer was no. The issue of asking for TDC member resignations was not an agenda item but it was discussed and voted on by the Board. Mr. Amunds stated he asked TDD Director Daniel O’Byrne to speak with the members to tell them about the Board’s action. He said on Thursday afternoon he spoke with each one except Mr. Gourley about receiving paperwork for resigning from his staff. Mr. Amunds stated he told each TDC member he realizes he/she had “busted your butt.” He advised resignations were received from everyone except Mr. Gourley. Mr. Amunds said he told them maybe the resignations would keep them from getting dragged through the mud. Senator Abruzzo stated because time is running short, he does not want to get into a question and answer period on this issue. Mr. Amunds stated he does not want to be falsely accused. Senator Abruzzo replied the record will speak for itself and held up a transcript of the prior meeting. Mr. Parisot said he has a 20-minute PowerPoint presentation but he will cut it down to five minutes. His report was entitled “A Commissioner’s Viewpoint.” Mr. Parisot detailed what he had learned about the debit card program, the Porsche and the Subaru purchases. Senator Abruzzo gave him one more minute for comments. Mr. Parisot said Mark Bellinger learned the weaknesses in the county’s system, told lies, and put false information on invoices. Mr. Harris announced he has taken three oaths and taken them seriously—oath to the U.S. Air Force, oath to his wife, and the March 4, 2013 -15- Minute Book 68, Page Okaloosa County Board of County Commissioners oath as a county commissioner. He stated at the last Committee meeting, the Committee voted for the Auditor General’s Office to conduct operational audits for the county and the Clerk of Court. Mr. Harris stated many citizens are looking forward to the AG’s visit because they believe it will provide vindication. He requested the Committee expand the audit to all Constitutional Offices. Mr. Dowd was called forward and sworn in by Senator Abruzzo. Upon inquiry by Representative Gaetz, Mr. Dowd stated he did review the contracts (advertising agencies). Representative Gaetz asked him what responsibility he thought he had in this. Mr. Dowd remarked that he does not agree with the AGO report which said the contracts subjected Okaloosa County to unlimited liability and he felt there were provisions of the contracts which were overlooked by the AGO. He said the provisions calls for both parties of the contract to comply with all state laws and regulations and requires any items to be purchased to go through the local county purchasing rules. Representative Gaetz asked where the breakdown was and why are we here. Mr. Dowd stated Mark Bellinger made purchases which were not authorized by the BCC. He advised that he spoke with Special Counsel (Greg Stewart) and the County Administrator (Jim Curry) about the mistakes which had been made. Mr. Dowd said “The man stole from us.” He added, we must accept the facts and correct the mistakes. Representative Gaetz referred to Finding #8 and posed questions to Mr. Dowd. Mr. Dowd said he does not agree with the county’s response to the AGO report and pointed out the response was prepared by Greg Stewart. Mr. Derek Lott, 2011-12 President of the Crestview Area Chamber of Commerce, referred to a finding and a contribution to a Crestview activity. He stated that 80% of the people traveling to Destin come through Crestview. Mr. Lott referred to a local TV program and breakfast meeting in which Mr. Bellinger said the TDC team had money to spend. He agreed to give $25,000 for marketing an event. Mr. Lott reported a huge influx, estimating an increase in the Triple B event from 8,000 the previous year to 11,000 or 12,000. He noted the Sheriff took statements about this expenditure. Mr. Steven Menchel stated he is a retired federal agent. He said the purpose of an investigation is to find out if someone March 4, 2013 -16- Minute Book 68, Page Okaloosa County Board of County Commissioners is guilty or to disprove the complaint. Mr. Menchel spoke of the public outcry being very significant. He said there have been a host of scandals and suggested there have been questionable expenditures by the Sheriff. Senator Abruzzo told Mr. Menchel he has 30 seconds and asked if he has any comments about the TDC issue. Mr. Menchel asked for the audit to be expanded to the Sheriff’s Office. Senator Abruzzo assured those in attendance there was no political motivation behind these meetings. He said there was a catastrophic failure, pointing out a senior AGO official said it was as bad as he has seen anywhere. Senator Abruzzo stated the funds must be spent in compliance with the laws. He spoke of the use of funds for private gain and the negative impact it has cast. Senator Abruzzo remarked the citizens have lost confidence, individuals must be accountable, and this must be turned around. He said he hopes when the AGO reports back in 18 months all 25 findings have been corrected and there are no new findings. Senator Abruzzo also commented that he hopes all other counties are paying close attention, saying they have received reports of control issues in other counties. Senator Abruzzo thanked those in attendance, saying some have made the trip two or three times. ADJOURNMENT This portion of the Senate Committee regarding Okaloosa County was completed at 1:05 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.) March 4, 2013 -17- Minute Book 68, Page Okaloosa County Board of County Commissioners