The Walton County Board of County Commissioners (BCC) officially approved contracts for two key leadership positions on Tuesday, August 14, 2025. Brian Kellenberger, the former Beach Operations Director, was formally installed as the county administrator, and Clay Adkinson became the permanent county attorney.
The BCC first reviewed and discussed the county attorney contract. Clay Adkinson explained his legal services, while Chief Financial Officer Melissa Thomason detailed the salary and benefits. The agreement allows Adkinson's law firm to continue representing other government agencies and includes a super-majority termination requirement, similar to Ms. Thomason's contract. During the discussion about salary and exclusivity, Adkinson emphasized the financial benefit to the county, stating, "I'm saving the county a hard number... of $552,000 a year... I'm giving you something with no escalators and no cost increases." He also stressed his commitment, saying, "I am here to serve this county... This is where I was born and raised and there is where I’ve chosen to raise my child." The board ultimately approved his contract.
Following this, the commissioners addressed Brian Kellenberger's contract for county administrator. Commissioner Tony Anderson expressed concern that the proposed starting salary was $12,000 higher than the previous administrator's. Despite this, several local citizens voiced strong support for Kellenberger. The board had no other objections, and the motion to approve his contract was passed unanimously.
The BCC first reviewed and discussed the county attorney contract. Clay Adkinson explained his legal services, while Chief Financial Officer Melissa Thomason detailed the salary and benefits. The agreement allows Adkinson's law firm to continue representing other government agencies and includes a super-majority termination requirement, similar to Ms. Thomason's contract. During the discussion about salary and exclusivity, Adkinson emphasized the financial benefit to the county, stating, "I'm saving the county a hard number... of $552,000 a year... I'm giving you something with no escalators and no cost increases." He also stressed his commitment, saying, "I am here to serve this county... This is where I was born and raised and there is where I’ve chosen to raise my child." The board ultimately approved his contract.
Following this, the commissioners addressed Brian Kellenberger's contract for county administrator. Commissioner Tony Anderson expressed concern that the proposed starting salary was $12,000 higher than the previous administrator's. Despite this, several local citizens voiced strong support for Kellenberger. The board had no other objections, and the motion to approve his contract was passed unanimously.