County to honor Williams

County commissioners will pass a resolution Tuesday that will declare Feb. 20 as Annie Williams Day in Hernando County.

The resolution will be passed in conjunction with African-American History Month, which recognizes the central roles African-Americans have played in the nation's history.

Williams, a lifelong resident of the county, will be cited for her 37-year service to the county in the elections office, the last 10 as supervisor.

"(Williams) has demonstrated dedication to her profession, outstanding service to our community and has set a positive example for our youth," the resolution reads.

County Commissioner Rose Rocco, who will present the resolution Tuesday, said Williams is deserving of the honor.

"She's been working in the community for years and, as an African-American, she's being honored as well," Rocco said.

Commissioner Jim Adkins said he's "known Annie and her husband for many years and she is a fine woman - she and her husband."

Williams was out sick Friday and could not comment on her award.

However, Sherri Williams, the department's administrative assistant, said Annie is worthy of the honor.

"She's worked her way from the bottom to the top of the department," said Williams, who is no relation and has been with the elections office since 1992. "She's been a mentor and an inspiration to me."

As Hernando County celebrates African-American History Month, the county board "joins its citizens in celebrating our diverse heritage and culture," the resolution says.

"The board of county commissioners pays tribute to Annie D. Williams, an African-American, who through her accomplishments continues to inspire," it says.

Williams came under fire last year from county commissioners for her reluctance to trim some $43,000 from her budget.

But at a strategic planning workshop in January, Williams announced cost-cutting options to reduce that budget.

Effective with the next election, she said she will use a new kind of ballot system designed to save money and also consolidate precincts to reduce the number of poll workers.

Instead of the more costly method of ordering the ballots in advance, voters would get a printed ballot at the time of voting.

The county commissioners will meet at 9 a.m. Tuesday at the Hernando County Government Center, 20 North Main St. in downtown Brooksville.

Also Tuesday:

• Commissioners will discuss scheduling a date for a workshop on illegal alien workers.

Rocco called for the workshop to make sure county contractors are using documented workers and not taking jobs away from Americans.

• The board will discuss a rate increase proposal from Bright House Networks. The price for standard cable service (which includes both the basic and cable programming service tier) will increase from $52.49 to $55.49 per month.