Residents, long-serving board members object to Burlington Water and Sewer changes; county appoints Cheryl Bennett

Residents and current board members of the Burlington Water and Sewer District pressed the Hancock County supervisors on April 21, criticizing recent changes to the utility district's board and asking the county to preserve diversity on the board.

James Lamy, identified in the meeting as general manager and a member of the Burlington Water and Sewer District, said he had served on the board for many years and objected to removing a recently seated chair. "Was everything done right down in Burlington as far as the rate increase? No. But they they did what they had to do and I can talk at length about that," Lamy said, adding he considered the removal of a recently seated chair "poor judgment." Rosa Jackson, introduced as one of the longest-sitting board members, urged the supervisors to "keep a community of diversity" on the Burlington board and to represent "the community as a whole."

Sharon Maggio, who identified herself during public comment as a member of Burlington, said community members had sought information about board actions and felt the current board was not acting in the community's best interest. "I don't feel the board current board is acting in best interest of the community," Maggio said.

Separately, during the supervisors' motions, District 1 moved to adopt a resolution appointing Cheryl Bennett to the Burlington Water and Sewer District for a five-year term. The board approved the appointment 5-0 after a second by District 2.

No additional conditions or limitations on the appointment were recorded in the public meeting; speakers asked the county to consider community representation when filling district seats.