The council approved Ordinance 975, which prohibits smoking and vaping in city parks. This decision followed a discussion on the public health benefits of tobacco-free spaces, particularly for children and pets. Carolyn Zonia from the Prevention Coalition and Tobacco Free Florida presented compelling health statistics to the council, noting that 10% of children in Walton County have asthma, which can be exacerbated by secondhand smoke. A high school sophomore, Austin St., supported the ordinance by sharing personal experiences and emphasizing the dangers of secondhand smoke. The ordinance, which amends Chapter 16 of the city’s regulations, received unanimous support from the council.

In another major discussion, the council grappled with the qualifications required for the Finance Director position. The finance director presented an update, including new applicants and a revised job description. Council members debated whether these qualifications should be codified into an ordinance.

The conversation then expanded to the specifics of the job requirements. Members discussed the necessity of having a bachelor’s degree in accounting, public finance, or a related field, with a minimum of eight years of experience in local government accounting. One member proposed a revision to allow substantial experience to substitute for the degree requirement, emphasizing the value of practical expertise. The council acknowledged the challenges cities across Florida face in filling finance director positions and debated the merits of requiring experience at the level of finance director or assistant finance director to handle the complexities of the role effectively.

Financial oversight remained a focal point as the council reviewed the fiscal year audit presented by Purp Gray Company. The auditors reported a clean opinion on the city’s financial statements, a significant improvement from the previous year. The city’s unassigned fund balance stood at approximately $2.4 million, and discussions included the separation of the airport’s financials into an enterprise fund for clearer monitoring. The audit identified areas needing improvement but also noted substantial progress, particularly in fixed asset management. Council members expressed appreciation for the accounting team’s efforts to resolve past discrepancies.

Further attention was given to infrastructure concerns, particularly the city’s lift stations and wastewater management. The council discussed nearly 18,000 gallons of wastewater spills at various lift stations, raising questions about the effectiveness of current systems and protocols. Issues with a cellular-based alert system were noted, and ongoing bugs were being addressed by a knowledgeable staff member. Council members expressed frustration over the frequency of spills and emphasized the need for better outcomes given the financial investment in these systems.

The council also addressed the financial challenges related to the maintenance of city-owned buildings, specifically the library. A speaker highlighted the library’s importance to the community, with over 48,000 annual visitors, and emphasized the urgency of securing funding for necessary repairs. The council member acknowledged ongoing efforts to explore funding options for the library’s roof and foundational issues, estimating costs around $230,000.

The meeting also featured discussions on the qualifications for the city manager position. A proposal was made to amend the existing qualifications ordinance to allow higher education degrees to substitute for some work experience. This proposal aimed to adapt the qualifications to better suit candidates with relevant experience and certifications.

Public comments included support for interim city manager Kobe, with residents praising his leadership and communication skills. A council member proposed offering Kobe the position of full-time city manager, which was unanimously supported.