SEBRING, FL – Highlands County is saddened to learn of the passing of former County Administrator Rick Helms, who dedicated almost four decades of service to the citizens of Highlands County.
Helms served over 38 years in Highlands County government. He was with the Highlands County Board of County Commissioners from May 17, 1989, through July 3, 2012, including his tenure as County Administrator from 2010 to 2012.
Over the course of his 23-year career with the Board, he also served as director of the Office of Management & Budget for 14 years and as assistant county administrator for five years.
Prior to working for the Board, Helms worked for the Clerk of Courts for about 15 years.
Throughout his career, Helms was widely recognized for his leadership in financial management, organizational modernization, and professional mentorship. He played a key role in advancing and computerizing the county’s financial and budget processes, helping transition operations from manual ledgers to modernized systems that improved efficiency and transparency.
“We are all saddened by Rick’s passing,” County Administrator Laurie Hurner said. “He not only was an important part of the county family for many years but has remained a strong supporter of the entire county after retirement.
“I will miss his huge smile and the question he asked every time I saw him: ‘How goes it at the County?’” Hurner said.
Helms’ contributions extended well beyond Highlands County. A respected leader in the field of public finance, he was an active member of the Florida Government Finance Officers Association (FGFOA) for more than 30 years, serving in numerous leadership roles including president from 2009 to 2010.
In 2024, he received the FGFOA Lifetime Achievement Award, recognizing his lasting contributions to local government finance and his dedication to advancing the profession statewide.
During his tenure with FGFOA, Helms helped establish the Heartland Chapter, contributed to legislative policy discussions before the Florida Taxation and Budget Reform Commission, and led the completion of the Small Government Handbook—a resource that continues to assist local governments with limited staff and resources. He also served on the Financial Condition Task Force, helping develop recommendations to strengthen the financial health of local governments across Florida.
“I knew Rick during his final years with the county, when he served admirably as County Administrator,” Commissioner and Board Chair Don Elwell said. “He was a calm, level-headed leader who genuinely cared for his team, though I suspect he loved the County budget even more at times, since he knew that budget inside and out, down to the very last dollar.”
Elwell remembers Helms’ dry and understated wit. He recounted times when situations were tense, Helms would “drop a perfectly timed line with a sparkle in his eye.” It was a good reminder for everyone to not take life so seriously, he said.
“He was a steady hand and a good friend that I considered myself lucky to know whenever our paths would cross,” Elwell said.
Colleagues remember Helms as a thoughtful leader and mentor who was deeply committed to succession planning and developing future public servants.
“Rick Helms was one of the finest men I’ve ever known,” said David Flowers, former county commissioner for District 1.
Flowers and Helms worked together for 18 years, but their history goes back 60 years. Both were raised in Avon Park and were only a year apart in school.
“Ricky was a dedicated public servant and one of the finest budget officers in the state, having been recognized numerous times by the Government Finance Officers Association for his excellent work,” Flowers said.
“He was honest, humble, kind, and had a strong Christian faith. I never saw him get angry or lose his temper. He was a true professional. When you met Ricky Helms, you met a friend. He will be missed by all who knew him,” he said.
“Rick Helms was a valuable employee of the Clerk’s office for many years, serving in the Criminal Division,” Highlands County Clerk of Courts Jerome Kaszubowski said. “He was instrumental in preparing for and handling various criminal trials in the courtroom. He will be dearly missed.”
“I was so sad when I heard the news,” David Nitz, OMB manager, said.
Nitz remembers Helms as “an all-around good, moral human being.”
“Ricky was sharp, very intelligent. He brought the County into the 21st century, from budget preparation using Excel spreadsheets to implementing budget software,” he said.
Beyond his professional accomplishments, Helms was deeply involved in the community. He was an active member of Avon Park Christian Church, where he served as treasurer, elder, and temporary pastor. He also served as vice president of the Historical Society of Avon Park and Depot Museum, on the board of the Ridge Area ARC Foundation, and as bookkeeper for the Avon Park Chamber of Commerce.
Helms’ legacy is reflected in the strengthened financial foundation of Highlands County government and in the many public servants he mentored throughout his career. His dedication, integrity, and commitment to excellence will long be remembered.
Highlands County extends its deepest condolences to Mr. Helms’ family, friends, and former colleagues during this difficult time.
SOURCE: HIGHLANDS COUNTY GOVERNMENT
