Washington County Administrative Office
The Washington County staff strives to administer the day to day operations as efficiently as possible. Working closely with agencies such as the Economic Development Council and the Tourist Development Council, our staff creates a welcoming environment for potential businesses to locate to our rural county. All Departments are staffed with professionals that take great pride in ensuring all citizens are treated with dignity and respect.
Partnered with the five municipalities that make up our County, our staff works diligently to ensure taxpayer resources are carefully managed. Public input is always welcomed.
Our efforts to seek continuous process improvement and attention to detail make us one of the most thriving rural counties in the State of Florida.
Washington County Title VI Nondiscrimination Policy
About the Choctawhatchee Bay Estuary Program
The Choctawhatchee Bay Estuary Program was established for the protection and enhancement of the water quality, natural resources, and quality of life within the Choctawhatchee Bay watershed, an area of over 5,000 square miles. The program is guided by the Choctawhatchee Bay Estuary Coalition, formed in 2017 by an interlocal agreement of the Board of County Commissioners of Holmes, Okaloosa, Washington, and Walton Counties, consistent with Florida Statutes.
For more information about the Estuary Program, please contact: Brian L. Underwood, AICP, Executive Director, Choctawhatchee Bay Estuary Program by phone at (850) 609-5382 or by Email at bunderwood@myokaloosa.com.
Choctawhatchee Bay Estuary Program Webpage
Public Participation Policy
Public Participation Policy of the Washington County, Florida. Enacted pursuant to Florida Statute 286.0114
As used herein the term "The Commission" shall refer to the County Commission of Washington County as well as any committees or agencies of the Commission which are subject to the Florida Public Record Law.
WHEREAS, the Commission encourages public participation in the affairs of local government; and
WHEREAS, the Commission wishes to allow orderly consideration of the public's concerns and comments regarding matters of local interest; and
WHEREAS, Florida Statute §286.0114 directs local governments to formulate a policy for public comments:
IT IS THEREFORE RESOLVED that the following shall serve as the Washington County Board of County Commissioners Public Participation Policy:
APPLICABLE MEETINGS
This policy shall apply to all meetings of the Commission. Unless exempted by Florida Statutes, all meetings of the foregoing are subject to the Florida Open Meeting Law commonly referred to as the Sunshine Law. The foregoing notwithstanding, the requirements set forth in this policy do not apply to:
A. An official act that must be taken to deal with an emergency situation affecting the public health, welfare or safety if compliance with the requirements would cause an unreasonable delay in the ability of the Commission to act; or
B. An official act involving no more than a ministerial act, including but not limited to approval of minutes and ceremonial proclamations; or
C. A meeting or any portion of a meeting that is exempt from the Florida Government in, the Sunshine Law; or
D. A meeting during which the Commission is acting in a quasi-judicial capacity, as the rights of persons to be heard during quasi-judicial hearings shall be as provided for by applicable law.
PROCEDURE
Prior to the time-a meeting has been called to order, should an individual or group wish to address an item which is on the agenda for consideration, the individual or group shall obtain, from the Commission Secretary or Clerk, a public comment form and shall write on the form their name and the agenda matter which they wish to address. The completed form(s) shall be returned to the Commission Secretary/Clerk who shall provide the form(s) to the Chairperson. Should a particular group wish to address an item, they shall nominate a spokesperson to voice their ideas, comments and concerns.
Prior to any vote, or the closing of discussion on any matter that is the subject of a public comment form, the Chairperson shall recognize those individuals who wish to speak. Each speaker shall be allowed three (3) minutes to address the Commission regarding the particular agenda item. At the discretion of the Chairperson, audience members may provide input on a matter after a motion and second has been made. Those who have signed up at the beginning of the meetings shall be given precedence over anyone who failed to sign the form. Speakers may only address the Commission one time per item.
Speakers are to refrain from personal attacks, interrogation and use decorum appropriate for meetings for government bodies.
The Commission or its members are not required to respond to specific questions set forth by speakers but may do so if they so choose.
If a member of the public wishes to speak on a matter which is not on the agenda of the Commission, they should notify the Commission secretary within 48 hours of the agenda being published of their desire to address the Commission. The individual shall provide as much detail as possible regarding the proposed issues. The provision above regarding time limits shall apply to non-agenda items which have been properly requested to be placed on the agenda. The failure to timely requests that an item be placed on the agenda may require the item to be placed on the next regular Commission meeting.
Adopted this_9th_ day of _September_ 2021.
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CHAIRPERSON
