JWC has an office space question

Here’s a memory from years gone by.

We had a County Administrator who took the job around the same time I joined the Chronicle. His name was Chris Chinault, and I hope his career took off after leaving Citrus because the guy really knew his stuff.

However, he arrived about 30 years too soon. Chinault took a look around and determined that Lecanto was the center of the county, and that’s where the County Commission and administrative offices should be located.

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Citizens disagreed. So did the County Commission. Even though the Lecanto offices were eventually consolidated into one building, and county services expanded countywide, Chinault’s vision of moving the entire county government from Inverness to Lecanto never materialized.

I somehow weave that tale of yesteryear into today’s blog about County Commission offices.

It comes as a surprise to many people that commissioners have individual offices. Some wonder if commissioners rank high enough on the political food chain for a perk. A congressman has an office, sure. Five personal offices for five individual commissioners? Hmmm.

The County Commission is about to lease office space from the City of Inverness. The lease is up for a vote at today’s board meeting. It’s around $30,000 a year, annual increases of about 3%, and provides administrative offices in City Hall for the County Administrator, County Attorney, and Commissioners.

We’re doing this to clear out the second floor of the Courthouse to allow for more court-related space.

So, let’s talk about it some.

First off, very important: The commission meetings will still occur in the Courthouse. The county isn’t moving its meeting site. Only offices.

Second, this is a seven-year lease with a pair of 3-year renewals. That makes it a potential 13-year arrangement, so we don’t keep having this conversation. Moving is expensive. I get nervous when I hear bureaucrats and politicians looking to spend millions of dollars for temporary space solutions. 

So, here’s our question today. Nothing major. Not a radar issue at all. I’m just curious:

Should commissioners have their own offices? And, if so, should they all be in the same building?

Let’s discuss.

— Yes: Provides privacy between commissioner and constituent(s).

— No: It’s an unnecessary expense.

— Yes: Commissioners utilize their offices all the time. 

— No: Not necessarily.

Some commissioners liken their job to a legislator, and their individual offices carry those markings of government with numerous personal touches. Commissioners who occupy these offices would say they’re a necessary part of the job.

For others, it’s not a biggie at all. One commissioner meets with constituents at coffee shops. Another meets with citizens on their turf. If they need something formal, they’ll use a conference room in the Courthouse or Lecanto Government Building.

— Yes: It’s convenient for commissioners. Top staff, documents, everything they need. It's all right there. Makes for an efficient setting.

— No: Not convenient for all five when the offices are in Inverness. Why would a commissioner based in Homosassa or Citrus Springs, for example, meet with constituents in his/her office all the way across the county? Wouldn’t it be more convenient to have regional commissioner offices in county-owned buildings? 

— Yes: It’s logical for commissioners in a county our size to have individual offices. The pressure on these commissioners is off the charts. The position pays $81,425. There's a certain decorum that goes with title. Sounds like an office to me.

— No: It’s not their job. This is where it gets tricky. A commissioner’s actual JOB is to vote during board meetings. That’s their job: Voting yes or no. 

I hear complaints that some commissioners don’t answer emails. While that may seem rude, it’s not their job. Same for returning phone calls, or even meeting with constituents. In the budget push-comes-to-shove, commissioners don't need individual offices to do their jobs. I'm sure it helps, though.

— Yes: Just on hunch, seems necessary. 

— No: Just on hunch, seems unnecessary.

The challenge is, one size does not fit all. The County Commission is making a policy decision based on the personal habits and opinions of five individuals. Not ideal. I know these five are not united on this front, so we’ll see if it comes up during the lease discussion.

The County Commission meets today (here's the agenda) at 1 p.m. The Library Governing Board, composed of the County Commission and one representative each from Crystal River and Inverness, meets at 9 a.m. to appoint members to the Library Advisory Board. 

Busy government Tuesday! Enjoy it, friends.

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