Lowndes County commissioners fill multiple board seats, reappoint several members

The Lowndes County Board of Commissioners on the floor appointed three people to the Lowndes County Development Authority and reappointed several members to county authorities, filling multiple expired terms and two vacancies. The appointments matter because the Development Authority and Public Facilities Authority oversee economic development and public facilities decisions that affect county projects and partnerships. Commissioners appointed Commissioner Scottie Orenstein to a commissioner slot on the Development Authority and named Joe Brownlee of Georgia Power and Robert Green to two other seats by acclamation. County staff, led by Ms. Dukes, advised commissioners that several terms had expired and that incumbents had expressed interest in reappointment. Ms. Dukes also noted that board members remain in their seats after a term expires until someone is reappointed or appointed to the seat. Separately, the board reappointed incumbents Jerome Tucker, Brooks Akins, Gary Cannon and Barry Broom to the Public Facilities Authority after a motion to reappoint the four names listed; the motion was called and the board voted “aye,” and the motion carried. The board also reappointed J.D. Rice and Michael Walker to the same authority for new terms. Two contested appointments to fill an unexpired term produced a vote between Robert Green and Andy Griffin; after commissioners raised hands, Mr. Andy Griffin received the majority required and was selected to fill the seat. Commissioners recorded that Mr. Griffin “has the three votes needed to have the majority.” The clerk confirmed term dates for reappointments; staff noted that reappointed members’ terms retroactively begin on the dates listed in the agenda materials. County staff will record the appointments in the minutes and notify the authorities of their updated rosters. Details: appointments were made by nomination and either acclamation or a roll/hand vote as recorded on the meeting floor. No ordinance or statute was cited in the discussion.