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Stew Lilker’s

Columbia County Observer

Real news for working families.  An online news service

Columbia County Commission News
Index of Stories 2009 - 2007
2011-2010

Ellisville Utility Project boondoggle • The saga continues

Chairman Stephen BaileyCom Bailey in the shadows works to kibosh 100 million dollar fed project

Empty computer work stations
Empty computer work stations at the Columbia County main library. The library director's policy is designed to keep computers unused at all library branches.

Columbia County Internet Policy "Asinine-Crazy-Insane"


The Columbia County Com, still homeless, had their county utility meeting in the...

The Ellisville Utility Project
Money down the drain


This double wide on 10 acres pays the same fire assessment as Commissioner Bailey's father pays to have a home on 147 acres.

The Great Columbia County
Fire Rate Rip Off

DuPree parks on grass in handicapped area - againCommissioner DuPree puts Sheriff on the spot

Fuzzy math • fuzzy numbers • a fuzzy presentation
(Budget workshop no. 2)

County Commission gives the order to roll back workers salaries (Budget workshop no. 1)

Com DuPree's truck on grassCommissioner DuPree too lazy to park in lot

$227,100 Columbia County Land Deal  • Business As Usual

Board Chairman Bailey
Chairman Bailey reads from a prepared script.

County Commission ignores rule of law
The Florida Crown Affair continues

Deputy Clerk Sandy MarkhamA Columbia County Trip Down Memory Lane
Minutes recorded by Deputy Clerk Sandy Markham, Dec. 6, 2007

County Manager Dale WilliamsFlorida Crown's harassment continues
The Columbia County Commission Position

(Part II)

Hon. P DeWitt Cason - Clerk of the CourtsColumbia County Clerk P. DeWitt Cason
Stands up for the rule of law

Impact fees going the way of the dodo bird. Only Board Member Maxwell speaks up for the  district.

Quick action by local families averts disaster at Bluebird Landing

Quick thinking neighbors avoided disaster

Late on Monday morning, February 16th, quick and decisive action by South Columbia County residents averted disaster, as a brush fire, whipped by twenty mile an hour winds, threatened homesteads, livestock, and a large area of south Columbia County only a mile and a half from the Santa Fe River in Bluebird Landing.

Dale Williams18% Employee Pay Raise Put On Hold

2008_1120_Billy Ray Franks_web_130 x.jpg_2Board tells Fort White resident Too Bad • You have to pay

2008_1120_Ronald for Franks_file photoCommissioner Ronald Williams challenges the Observer to “go behind the barn.”

County Commission Pleads the Fifth • Law Firm Gets 10% Raise It’s business as usual in Columbia County.

County Commission Looks the Other Way
Columbia County’s Working Families Continue To Take It On The Chin
(part II)

County Commission Puts Private Gain Ahead of Public Trust. Columbia County’s Working Families Take It On the Chin -- Again. Part I (Part II coming Wednesday, Nov. 26)

Public left in the dark as County Manager gives annual report with 12th hour  notice to an empty room.

Columbia County Workers On Edge As Board Decides Raises

New Public Works Director To Be Chosen Tonight • The Interviews

Columbia County's search for a public works director to be responsible for the maintenance of 700 miles of dirt roads and 1100 miles of paved roads are nearing a conclusion after the interviews of six final candidates. County Manager Dale Williams said that he was looking to put the final decision in front of the County Commission at this week’s County Commission meeting, but no later than June 19th, “Unless something goes terribly wrong.”

Bo Beauchemin_2One Candidate Stood Above the Rest
One Question Gave It All Away

Columbia County Florida (posted June 5, 2008)

A Unified Fire Department – Round Thre080505_LCFD_Bldge
Will the city fall into the county’s trap?

On the agenda for this evening’s 7 p.m. Lake City Council meeting is the continuing discussion of a unified county fire service and the fate of the Lake City Fire Department. It is now up to the City Council to not fall into the well worn trap of the County Commission and throw in the towel before the discussion really begins.

080423_LCFD TruckA Countywide Fire Department
The Issue Is People – Not Money

Ethically Challenged Board Votes No On Disclosure
IDA executive director says: “I depend on the people’s Dale 1.25x1.25trust.”

County Commission Drags Lord Through Coals

NewMeeting Calendar New