Commissioners voted 5-0 to approve a county policy that will form the Hernando County Delegation on Government Efficiency (DOGE).
Commissioner Ryan Amsler presented the third and final revision of the policy, which will recruit county residents “to have a further stake and further input into their local government and local government expenditures.”
Amsler explained the reason for the delegation’s formation:
“We’ve seen this to be a major concern, especially over the last few years, nationally and locally, on how governments are spending money. Are they spending it efficiently, are they using accountability and transparency in those decisions, and are there more efficient ways to do so?”
Nine volunteers will be chosen via a lottery system from applications submitted by Hernando County residents before 12 p.m. on May 20, 2025. Applications will not be accepted from individuals who currently sit on committees governed by Florida’s Sunshine Law, nor from their relatives or associates.
If fewer than nine applications are received, five will be chosen to form a quorum.
A media release will be issued soon with details for potential applicants.
The delegation will be governed by Florida’s Sunshine Law, meaning that all discussion regarding HC-DOGE business must take place during public meetings.
During public comment, Hernando County resident Richard Ross—who pronounced DOGE (“doje”) as “Doggie”—shared his thoughts on the policy.
“Department of Government Efficiency, or ‘Doggie,’ which is cute, but like most government boards will grow into a Bull Mastiff that has rabies pretty quickly,” Ross said. “If you can’t get nine people in this county to volunteer to be on it, something’s wrong with the county not giving a rip about whether the government’s efficient or not.”
Ross went on to challenge the salaries of the County Commissioners, who ostensibly work part-time.
“The average (individual) wage in Hernando County: $44,602 (annually)… half the people of this county make less than $66,875 for a family. A family of eight in this county — median income $126,850.”
Ross did not cite sources for his data.
According to the Florida Office of Economic and Demographic Research (EDR), an individual Hernando County commissioner’s salary in fiscal year 2024-25 is $91,124.
“You’re part-time employees,” Ross said. “Yet, the way the State sets it up… you can voluntarily reduce your salaries to the base salary of $16,500 (based on 2023-24 EDR data). That puts a chunk of money back into the General Fund every year… it pays for a lot of different things.
“You spend a lot of time cutting, which I appreciate, but by the same token, when you’re cutting, don’t forget, look in the mirror… there’s some cutting to be done there too. This is not your primary job. You all have other jobs. This is part-time.”
NOTICE:
The Hernando County Board of County Commissioners is now accepting applications from individuals wishing to serve as members on the Delegation on Government Efficiency (DOGE) Committee.
There are nine (9) vacant positions available.
All applicants must be residents and registered voters in Hernando County. These are voluntary, non-paid positions.
Applications are available in the County Attorney’s Office, 20 N. Main Street, Room 462, Brooksville, Florida, 34601; by calling 352-754-4122; or by visiting www.HernandoCounty.us/committees.
Applications must be returned to the County Attorney’s Office no later than 12:00 p.m., Friday, May 20, 2025.
