By Terry Witt- Spotlight Senior Reporter

                Levy County Commissioners Tuesday presented retiring County Attorney Anne Bast Brown with a plaque and expressed how much they appreciated her guidance that kept them from heading in the wrong direction at times.

            “We’re saying goodbye to a friend,” said Commission Chairman John Meeks. “She’s the only county attorney I’ve known since I’ve been on the commission; I can appreciate her keeping me between the lines on a lot of issues throughout the years.”

            When he was receiving commissioner certification from the state, Meeks said he was told it would be wise to maintain a good relationship with the county attorney and the county’s chief administrator. He said he was told they would give him the guidance to stay out of trouble.

            “I can tell you in the nine years Mrs. Brown has certainly kept me out of the ditch on more than one occasion and I appreciate that,” Meeks said.

            Commissioner Mike Joyner added his thanks.

            “I thank you much for all your service. You helped me a great deal and I’ll never forget you and I appreciate you very much,” Joyner said.

            Commissioner Matt Brooks who served as chairman during one of the most trying years in the county’s history – the 2020 COVID-19 economic shutdown – said he relied on Brown for her guidance.

            “I’ve seen your value since day one as our county attorney and I appreciated you deciding to leave Charlotte County and come to Levy County many years ago,” Brooks said. “You’ve done a great service too.”

            In addition to being county attorney, Brooks said she wore a lot of hats, serving as legal advisor to county administrative staff who sought out her guidance.

            “Anytime the staff needed help she’s been right there to jump in – her and Ms. Susan (office manager). “You’ve been an absolute team player and got us through a lot of things in this county. We sure are going to miss you helping us out.”

            Commissioner Lilly Rooks drew a chuckle when she said she was serving as a commissioner when Brown first arrived in Levy County 17 years ago.

            “She does keep me in line. If I’m telling her this, she would say, no don’t do that, even if I tried,” Rooks said. “Not only was she available in working hours, she always was willing to hear me. I appreciate you so much.”

            Commissioner Rock Meeks said he appreciated Brown always leaning toward erring on the side of caution, “instead of just going ahead.”

            “There was a time when I met with Ms. Anne and I told her this is what we want to do and she’s like, no, no, we don’t want to do it that way. I said well this is how everyone else is doing it. She said I don’t care how everyone else is doing it; they aren’t doing it the right way. I thank you for that and I thank you for being a very good friend as well,” Meeks said.

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Board of County Commission Regular Meeting June 22, 2021; Posted June 23, 2021