State ethics commission determines that Yankeetown town clerk misused her position
The ethics commission determined there was probable cause that Mrs. MacDonald had misused her position to change her employment contract to obtain better benefits than originally bargained for, without the amended contract being properly presented to or voted on by the Yankeetown Town Council.
No probable case was found for one other allegation made against Mrs. MacDonald, which was dismissed, that she misused her position by writing vague headings for agenda items, in order to discourage public comment and ensure that the items proceeded in accordance with the mayor's preferences. The current mayor of Yankeetown is Jack Schofield.
Tom Russell with TheNewsaster.com, reached out to Mayor Schofield, who responded, "I have no comment at this time." However, Mayor Schofield verified that Mrs. MacDonald resigned on January 19, 2022.
The Florida Commission on Ethics is an independent nine-member commission formed in 1974 to review complaints filed under the statutory Code of Ethics and to answer questions from public officials about potential conflicts of interest through its issuance of advisory opinions. If the Ethics Commission believes a violation of the law may have occurred, it may decide to hold a public hearing. If it concludes a violation has been committed, it may recommend civil penalties, including removal from office or employment, and fines up to $10,000 per violation.
The Town of Yankeetown website lists the following details regarding Ms. MacDonald's employment, current town officials, and several other departments:
• Sherri MacDonald assumed the duties of Town Clerk, Treasurer, Administrator and Public Record Custodian as of June 28, 2018, after serving on the town council for 4 years. She can be contacted by phone at 352-447-2511 or by email atyankeetownadm@bellsouth.net.
• Linda Harrington, Deputy Clerk, can be contacted by phone at 352-447-2511 or by email at ytassist@bellsouth.net
• Jack Schofield, who serves as Mayor and Liaison for Water and Stormwater, was appointed to the town council on April 3, 2017. He was appointed by the town council to assume the position of mayor as of May 10, 2017 and he ran for mayor, unopposed, in the 2018 and 2020 elections.
• Town Council member Jean Holbrook currently serves as Vice Mayor and the Financial Liaison. She was appointed to the town council on December 15, 2014 to fill a vacant position, and she ran unopposed in the 2018 election. Prior to her current positions, Ms. Holbrook served as a volunteer for the Town of Yankeetown for many years.
• Jeffry St. John, who serves as Liaison to the Planning & Zoning Commission, was appointed as a member of the town council on October 2, 2017 and was re-elected in February 2021.
• Eddie (Buck) Redd, who serves as Liaison for the Roads, was appointed to the town council on May 7, 2018 and was re-elected in February 2021.
• Daniel (Danny) Pearson, who serves as Liaison for the Parks, was appointed to the town council on August 13, 2018 and was re-elected in February 2021.
• Zoning & Code Enforcement
Yankeetown has contracted with SafeBuilt for Zoning/Code Enforcement for Yankeetown. Contact Mr. Riker by phone at 352-628-7904.
• Community Rating System (CRS) & Floodplain Management
CRS & Floodplain Management has been outsourced to SafeBuilt /MT Causley/ FMS. Contact Dallas Riker by phone at 352-628-7904 regarding the Community Rating System (CRS) or to speak to a Certified Floodplain Manager (CFM).
• Planning and Zoning Commission
Current Board Members include Chairman Tommy Hines, Larry Cohan, Tim Haines, Ron Ormond, and a vacant position formerly held by Kevin McHugh.
• Board of Adjustment
Current members include Helen Ciallella, John MacDonald, Larry Feldhusen, Tommy Sholes and Rob Kubistek.
YANKEETOWN ELECTION FOR MAYOR: FEB 22, 2022
Yankeetown's 2022 election will be held on Tuesday, Feb. 22, 2022, 7:00 a.m. until 7:00 p.m. at the Inglis / Yankeetown Lions Club, located at 22 59th Street, Yankeetown, Florida.
The following individuals qualified for the election (Mayor’s seat):
Eric Israel Erkel
Thomas “Tommy” Hines
Adam McNiece
CONTACT TOWN OF YANKEETOWN
Email the Town of Yankeetown at ytassit@bellsouth.net, or phone Town Hall at 352-447-2511, Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.