The Planning! & Development Commission
Before any major land-use change reaches the Board of County Commissioners, it must pass through the PDC. These seven appointed members — not elected — shape what gets built in Citrus County.
What Is the Planning & Development Commission?
Appointed, Not Elected — Here's Why That Matters
Unlike the five members of the Board of County Commissioners, PDC members are not elected by voters. They are appointed by the BOCC itself. This has significant implications for public accountability:
- No ballot box. Voters cannot remove a PDC member through an election. The only path to removal is through the appointing commissioners.
- No campaign finance disclosure. PDC members are not required to file campaign finance reports because they don't run for office. Their financial ties to developers and industry may be less visible than those of elected officials.
- Gatekeeping power without electoral accountability. A PDC recommendation shapes the political path of resistance for elected commissioners. A unanimous PDC approval creates significant political cover for a BOCC "yes" vote.
- The BOCC holds the levers. If you want to influence the PDC appointment process — or challenge an existing appointment — your elected BOCC members are the key.
What the PDC Does NOT Do: The PDC does not make final decisions. It issues recommendations. The BOCC can accept, modify, or reject those recommendations. However, in practice, a strong PDC recommendation — especially a unanimous one — carries substantial weight with the full board.
How a Major Land-Use Application Moves Through the PDC
Application Filed
Developer submits comprehensive plan amendment or rezoning to county staff.
Staff Review
County planning staff analyzes the application and prepares a recommendation report.
PDC Public Hearing
PDC members hear public comment, question staff and the applicant, then vote on a recommendation.
BOCC Final Vote
The elected Board of County Commissioners holds its own hearing and makes the final decision.
Public participation happens at Step 3. The PDC public hearing is your primary opportunity to speak directly to the body reviewing the proposal. PDC hearings are open to all residents. Written comments may also be submitted to county planning staff before the hearing date. After the PDC votes, the matter proceeds to the BOCC — a strong PDC approval creates significant momentum for the applicant.
Current PDC Members
Richard Barmez
Chair
Serves as the presiding officer of the PDC. As Chair, Barmez controls the agenda, manages public hearing procedure, and sets the tone for deliberations. Made the motion to deny a 7-lot variance case (7–0) in 2025.
ChairDavid Bramblett
Member
Publicly quoted expressing concern about preserving the character of the Nature Coast and limiting intense development. Made the motion to approve the 2025 Inverness Walmart monopole (7–0) and the motion to deny the 7-lot variance case.
Nature Coast PreservationJeanette Collins
Member
Member of the PDC as documented in January 2026 records. Full professional background, voting history, and appointment details pending public records research.
Michael Facemeyer
Member
Seconded the motion to approve the 2025 Inverness Walmart monopole in a 7–0 vote. Additional professional background and full voting history pending research.
Timothy Gilbert
Member
Member of the PDC as documented in January 2026 records. Full professional background, voting history, and appointment details pending public records research.
Janice Murphy
Member
Member of the PDC as documented in January 2026 records. Full professional background, voting history, and appointment details pending public records research.
Chuck Dixon
School Board Representative
Represents the Citrus County School Board on the PDC. This seat is designated for a School Board representative rather than a BOCC at-large appointment, though the BOCC confirms the position.
School Board Rep.Known PDC Votes on Major Cases
| Date | Case / Description | Outcome | Notable Detail |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dec. 2025 | Industrial rezoning/PUD — warehouse units & 150-ft telecom tower | 5–0 Approved | Recommended with additional buffering and wastewater conditions |
| 2025 | Inverness Walmart monopole (145-ft) | 7–0 Approved | Motion by Bramblett, second by Facemeyer |
| 2025 | Variance — 7-lot nonconforming garage expansion | 7–0 Denied | Motion by Barmez, second by Bramblett |
| Pending |
CPA-2025-00012 & CPA/AA-2025-00013 Proposed data center campus — comprehensive plan amendment |
Not Yet Scheduled | This is the vote that matters. Watch meeting agendas closely and sign up for county notifications. |
How to Engage With the PDC Process
Watch Meeting Agendas
PDC hearings are posted by Citrus County Planning & Development at least 15 days in advance. Sign up for agenda alerts through the county clerk's office so you never miss a scheduled hearing.
Speak at Public Hearings
PDC hearings include a public comment period. You do not need to register in advance — show up and sign in. Oral comments are typically limited to 3 minutes per speaker. Bring notes and be specific about your concerns.
Submit Written Comments
Written comments submitted to planning staff before the hearing become part of the official public record and are reviewed by PDC members prior to the meeting. You do not need to attend in person to have your voice counted.
Contact Your BOCC Members
Because PDC members are appointed by the BOCC, contacting your elected commissioners about PDC appointments is a legitimate and powerful lever for accountability. Let them know you are watching both bodies.
The Most Important Thing You Can Do Right Now
Watch for the PDC hearing date on the data center applications CPA-2025-00012 and CPA/AA-2025-00013. When it is posted, show up — or submit written comments in advance. A packed public hearing sends an unmistakable signal to both the PDC and the BOCC.
Not sure what to say? Visit our Commissioner Contacts page for sample scripts and talking points you can adapt for the PDC hearing.
The Accountability Gap — And How to Close It
Since PDC members cannot be voted out, the most direct pressure point is your elected BOCC commissioners. They hold appointment and reappointment authority. Let them know you are watching who they place on the PDC — and how those appointees vote on major development proposals.
PDC members who have potential conflicts of interest — property near a project, business relationships with an applicant, etc. — are required under Florida law to disclose those conflicts and may be required to recuse themselves from a vote. Conflict-of-interest disclosure filings can be reviewed through the Citrus County Clerk's office.
PDC vs. BOCC: Understanding the Relationship
Confusion between these two bodies is common — and understandable. Here is a plain-language breakdown:
Board of County Commissioners (BOCC)
- 5 members, elected by voters
- Makes final decisions on land use
- Can be removed by voters at elections
- Must file campaign finance disclosures
- Appoints all PDC members
- Meetings publicly noticed, streamed
Planning & Development Commission (PDC)
- 7 members, appointed — not elected
- Issues recommendations only
- Cannot be voted out by citizens
- Not required to file campaign disclosures
- Appointed by & accountable to the BOCC
- 4-year terms, Feb 1 – Jan 31
In practice, the PDC functions as a critical filter. A unanimous PDC recommendation for approval signals to BOCC members that the project has cleared a technical review — and provides political cover for commissioners who want to vote yes. Conversely, a PDC denial or a recommendation loaded with demanding conditions creates a much harder path for the applicant at the BOCC level.
This is why public engagement at the PDC stage matters enormously. It is an earlier and often more accessible intervention point than the BOCC vote itself. The PDC hearing may have fewer attendees and less media attention — which means your voice carries more weight, not less.