Leon County Administrator Vince Long received perfect performance scores from all seven county commissioners in his latest annual evaluation, with commissioners praising his leadership, financial management and handling of major county projects during the past year.
The evaluations cover Long’s performance from Oct. 1, 2025, through Sept. 30, 2026, and are scheduled for consideration by the Leon County Commission on Oct. 13. Under county policy, commissioners individually evaluate the administrator before the results are compiled for board review.
All seven commissioners — Christian Caban, Carolyn Cummings, Nick Maddox, Brian Welch, David O’Keefe, Bill Proctor and Rick Minor — gave Long an overall score of 5, the highest possible rating. The evaluation includes 44 individual factors covering professional skills, relations with commissioners, policy execution, reporting, citizen relations, staffing, supervision, fiscal management and community involvement.
Several commissioners provided written comments highlighting Long’s management during a year that included major economic development initiatives and county projects.
Minor wrote that Long has “deep knowledge of Leon County’s policies and ordinances” and praised his ability to provide ideas and alternatives to commissioners. Minor also cited the county’s financial position, writing that Leon County has maintained the lowest net budget per resident among comparable Florida counties and has realized nearly $100 million in savings and avoided costs since 2013.
O’Keefe praised Long for leading the county “through an extraordinary year with steady, strategic leadership.” He specifically cited the Firefly Data Center project, the Leon County Health Center and improvements to Apalachee Regional Park. O’Keefe also said Long handled a “challenging working relationship with City leadership professionally.”
Welch cited Long’s work on the Bradfordville School House renovation, coordination with the construction industry and economic development efforts.
However, Welch also identified areas where he would like improvement. He said most communication with Long comes through the administrator’s office rather than directly from Long and asked for “more frequent updates on issues of concern.”
Welch also called for additional information when commissioners consider financial decisions.
“Given the increased pressure on affordability in our State and County and given the likelihood of future revenue reductions, I would appreciate a staff analysis option on all future budget items that includes the real-world implications of adopting the rollback millage rate,” Welch wrote.
He also pointed to problems associated with the county’s JIS implementation, saying the disruption and failure of the system caused significant problems and was a rare example of the county failing to meet its “well-established high standard.” Still, Welch said the county responded quickly and effectively.
The evaluations also have compensation implications. Under Long’s contract, he is eligible for the same annual cost-of-living increase provided to county employees — 4% for fiscal year 2027 — plus a merit increase determined by the commission.
However, the agenda item states that Long informed commissioners during the 2027 budget process that he would not accept the additional contractual merit increase this year, citing “the financial interest of the County and consistency with all County employees.”
County staff is recommending commissioners ratify the annual evaluations at the Oct. 13 meeting.
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