Stan Sunday named interim Walton County administrator; McCormick gives up chairman role
DEFUNIAK SPRINGS — On Thursday, the Walton County Commission confirmed the employment of Stan Sunday as the new interim county administrator in a 4-1 vote, with Commissioner William McCormick dissenting.
The appointment comes nine days after the board fired former Walton County Administrator Quinn Robertson with no cause.
Here is what we know.
A surprising opening.
Before the meeting even began, McCormick opened with a brief statement. In that statement, he announced that he had chosen to resign from his position as chairman effective immediately.
"I believe one of the most important relationships, especially (when) working together, is that between the chairman of the board and the county administrator. It has got to be a tight working relationship to keep the day-to-day things going," said McCormick. "At this time, I don't feel I have the ability nor the desire, so efficiently immediately, I hereby resign as chairman of the board and pass the gavel on to the vice chair (Commissioner Donna Johns)."
Both Johns and County Attorney Clay Adkinson were shocked by the revelation, with Adkinson claiming that he could not recall a situation like this. In Walton County history, a chairman has never resigned from his position.
As Adkinson understands, the process of selecting a new chairman and vice chair position will occur at the beginning of the next meeting on Feb. 8 in DeFuniak Springs at 1 p.m.
Contract details
As the contract states, Sunday's employment is in effect as of Feb. 1, and his employment is on an "at-will" basis. Mirroring Robertson's contract, Sunday can be fired at any time, with or without cause.
According to Adkinson, the primary difference between the two contracts mostly pertains to "permanent employment." His employment by the county will be enforced until either the board or Sunday chooses to enact his termination.
Sunday will be paid an annual base salary of $182,000.
Closing thoughts
As the meeting concluded and Sunday's employment was approved, McCormick offered his final thoughts as Sunday approached the podium.
"First of all, I want to say congratulations," said McCormick. "Your destiny is in your hand, as far as with me. I wish you well, and let's get some things where they need to be."
"Looking forward to working with you and serving you," replied Sunday. "I appreciate the opportunity."
This article originally appeared on Northwest Florida Daily News: Walton County names Stan Sunday the interim county administrator
