Commissioners discuss county manager contract process; agree to half-staff flags for Jolie Smith

During board reports at the Sept. 4 planning and zoning meeting, Commissioner Delaney asked how the county manager salary contract would be handled and whether board members would have an opportunity to provide input before the contract returns to the full board.
Chair comments and other commissioners said a designated committee (Chair and Commissioner Morris) had met and that the full board will consider the item and vote; staff indicated the board can amend the item when it appears on a future agenda. Commissioner Delaney said she would propose contract terms such as annual evaluations and a fixed-term contract with review six months before expiration and asked that those considerations be available for amendment when the item is presented.
Separately, the board agreed to fly flags at half-staff to honor Jolie Smith; commissioners shared remarks about Smith's long civic service, academic honors and local recognition. Funeral arrangements were announced as Sept. 13 at Zion Orthodox Primitive Baptist Church; commissioners reflected on Smith's community contributions and recognitions including namesakes for a recreation center and a teaching center.