City Commissioner Billy Keel announced at the City Commission meeting on Monday, Jan. 11, that he will not seek reelection for his commission seat. Nate Kilton, Greater Plant City Chamber of Commerce immediate past chairman, announced his candidacy for Keel’s seat following the meeting.
“I have always tried to make decisions on what I truly believed to be the best for this community, which I love so much,” Keel said. “It has been an honor to do so.”
Keel has served on the City Commission for four years, but his service to Plant City goes far beyond the walls of City Hall. Keel served eight years on the City of Plant City’s Planning Board, and is the owner of W. J. Keel Holdings, LLC. On Monday, Keel’s company was announced as one of the newest general members for the Economic Development Corp.
Keel, who turns 47 next month, decided not to seek reelection to pursue further business endeavors. He sold his company, Matrix Medical, last year. Since then, he has purchased Beach House Real Estate, a business based in Anna Maria Island.
He has other real estate investments in the area.
“I plan to spend more time there over the next few years,” Keel said in a statement. “That has played a major role in my decision not to continue as commissioner for another term … I have enjoyed my time as a city commissioner, and I have especially enjoyed working with a wonderful group of commissioners and a fantastic staff.”
Though Keel will devote much of his time to his new business, he and his wife, Donna, will remain rooted in the Winter Strawberry Capital of the World. Donna Keel is the Strawberry Queen Coordinator Chairman for the Florida Strawberry Festival. The couple’s youngest son, Bryson, is a junior at Plant City High School.
“We will continue to live here,” Keel said.
After his announcement, Keel’s fellow commissioners expressed their appreciation for his service. Besides serving on various boards and committees, including the city’s police and fire pension board, Keel also helped both the City of Plant City and the Greater Plant City Chamber of Commerce in times of financial despair.
“We go way back,” City Commissioner Mike Sparkman said. “I’ve always looked to you for (financial) guidance. I hate to see you go, but you’ve done a fantastic job. Thank you for your time here.”
“You’re the numbers man,” City Commissioner Mary Thomas Mathis added. “You were able to look at those numbers and dissect it. I know you won’t be too far away.”
Mayor Rick Lott, a longtime friend of Keel, also expressed his gratitude.
“I’m very sad to see you not run for reelection,” Lott said, noting the numerous organizations that he has served on with Keel.
“Every single one of them ended up being a better organization with your leadership.”
Keel said that he hopes the next City Commissioner will be one who is willing to talk through the issues and come to a consensus.
“We have a wonderful group of commissioners,” Keel said. “I hope that the person who fills this seat will continue in that regard.”
ON THE BALLOT
Keel’s potential successor, Nate Kilton, shares Keel’s financial wisdom. Kilton is the owner of Sedita Kilton Life & Wealth Management, LLC and Sedita Kilton & Company, Certified Public Accountants, PL. In January, he became a sales associate with Coldwell Banker Residential Real Estate.
Kilton, who is a co-owner of the Plant City Times & Observer, is a graduate of both Florida State University and the University of South Florida. He obtained his MBA at the University of Tampa. He is both a certified public accountant and a certified financial planner, and is heavily involved in the newly founded Economic Development Corp. and the Greater Plant City Chamber of Commerce. He’s also active with GracePoint Church, the Plant City Rotary Club and the Plant City Planning Board.
“For years, I’ve thought about serving our community as a City Commissioner,” Kilton said in a statement. “I believe that it’s important to give generously of my time and talents, and I know that I can make a positive impact as a City Commissioner.”
“I’ve thought about this and prayed about it for a long time,” Kilton added. “I’m excited for the opportunity to serve the City of Plant City.”
Contact Emily Topper at etopper@plantcityobserver.com.
IN OTHER NEWS
City commissioners accepted a bid with Evergreen Solutions LLC to perform a comprehensive pay plan study, which compares the City of Plant City’s employee pay rate to that of neighboring counties, including Pasco, Polk and Pinellas counties. The last time the pay scale was adjusted to current market rates was in the 2008-09 fiscal year. The contract amount for the pay plan study is $38,000.