Fabrizio Gowdy
Gadsden County News Service
After a divided Gadsden County Board of County Commissioners voted 3-2 Monday evening to select Reginald James as the new interim county administrator, the board voted 5-0 Thursday to approve James’ contract.
The role of county administrator has been filled by interim administrator Roosevelt Morris since November 2024, when the board voted 3-2 to fire county administrator Ed Dixon. Morris also serves as a building inspector and has previously spoken to commissioners about the challenges of juggling both jobs.
At Monday’s meeting, Commissioner Alonzetta Simpkins motioned to bring on James as new county administrator on an interim, month to month basis. Commissioner Ronterious Green argued Morris would have to spend a significant amount of time training James.
Commissioner Brenda Holt stated she likes James but questions if he has the necessary experience, instead proposing Chattahoochee City Manager Robert Presnell for the role.
The meeting ended contentiously when Chair Eric Hinson abruptly brought the matter to a vote. James’ selection was approved 3-2, with Holt and Green voting nay. Hinson then immediately adjourned the meeting over Holt’s objections.
“Well, the audience didn’t get to say anything, I wonder why,” Holt said as the mics cut off.
In a meeting that lasted less than six minutes, commissioners met again Thursday night to make James’ hire official. A former Superintendent of Gadsden County Schools, James is a Florida A&M University graduate and a Quincy resident.
