With Walker County’s next commissioner set to take office Jan. 1, the county might soon see a new form of government.
Commissioner-elect Shannon Whitfield said he is “leaning toward” shifting from a single commissioner to a five-person board, with one elected official working full time to manage day-to-day business. The other four would earn part-time salaries, working only during commission meetings.
Whitfield’s inspiration? Dade County, where this style of representation resides.
He believes this structure – a “four plus one” government – would be the easiest way to transition from the county’s current setup: a sole commissioner who makes every decision, without a vote.
“That’s the easiest [type of government] to transition to from a sole commissioner,” Whitfield said of the Dade County model. “It gives the legislative balance of power that citizens are telling us is important. It gives checks and balances overall for budget spending, purchasing of assets, selling of assets – all of those major decisions.”