BY MARK J. CRAWFORD
The new fiscal year has brought a change in leadership to the Starke City Commission, with Shannon Smith stepping down and Bob Milner taking his place.
The Oct. 1 meeting began with a farewell to Smith, who is running as a Republican to replace Carolyn Spooner as the District 1 commissioner on the county commission. That meant resigning during the middle of his second term as a city commissioner. Smith was on the board for six years and has said he hopes to take what he has learned working for Starke and as a business owner to help the county get spending under control.
Fellow commissioner Scott Roberts said while it is voters who usually decide who sits on the board, every member volunteers themself for the job — one that can be filled with the highest of highs and the lowest of lows.
Roberts said he thoroughly enjoyed serving with Smith in a capacity he compared to growing up together — they’ve been through some things.
“On behalf of the city and your dedication and the time that you spent, we give you this plaque. It reads, ‘In recognition and appreciation for the six years of outstanding service as a Starke city commissioner,” Roberts said.
Smith shared his appreciation of the board.
“We did a lot of good work in the last two years. In my six years, we did a lot here, a lot of tough decisions, but hopefully Nov. 5, I get elected on the other side and I can continue working with you guys. I appreciate everybody. It’s a true honor,” he said.
The chair didn’t remain vacant for long, as Bob Milner was sworn into office by County Judge Tatum Davis. Milner qualified to run for the seat, but was unopposed.
Milner’s many active roles in the community include serving as sheriff for 16 years, being first elected in 1992. But his Starke specific roles have included past service on the city commission and more recently as city manager. Milner served as city manager from March 2017 through February 2020, but he reminded everyone he and Jimmy Crosby, now serving as chief administrative officer, were both elected to the commission in 1980 — 44 years ago.
“It’s a pleasure to be back up here,” Milner said, calling it an honor to replace Smith, who along with the rest of the commission, did a great job. He attributed his own accomplishments to God and Carol, his wife of 50 years.
The evening also included the board’s annual reorganization, and Commissioner Andy Redding was unanimously appointed as mayor. Redding joined the board following his election in 2022. This is his first term as mayor. He served as vice mayor during the 2023-24 Fiscal Year. Taking his place as vice mayor this year is Commissioner Janice Mortimer.
