Walton County government reorganization underway

DeFuniak Springs — The reorganization process of Walton County’s government is underway, according to Interim County Administrator, Lyle Seigler. Budget constraints, caused by a downturn in the national and state economy, have caused county government leaders to find ways to provide services under the Board of County Commissioners within a shrinking budget.

Seigler addressed the reorganization process at the Oct. 13 Board of County Commission meeting where he advised commissioners that he and the county’s Human Resource Department will continue to evaluate all positions and department functions. The Administration’s and Human Resources’ review of the county’s organizational structure reveals areas within each division that can be improved by the elimination of positions or reassignments.

“We’ve made some tough decisions in an effort to provide county citizens with a high quality of service,” says the Interim County Administrator. “All of the changes we are making are designed to help the county through this unprecedented economic time and to prepare our county and citizens for a better future.”

While the reorganization process has streamlined services in various departments making local government services more efficient, the process has involved recent realignment of positions impacting those employed as Director of the Emergency Response Division, the Fire/Rescue Chief and the Director of Planning.

“Each of these employees served our county and citizens throughout the years with a high level of professionalism and dedication,” says Seigler. 

County officials say they look forward to a future economic upswing.  However, officials say that until there are more demands on the county government’s services in the area of development and regional growth, they are committed to finding ways to work within a smaller budget, just as every family in the Walton County community is having to do.