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Commissioner appoints Jake Patrick to planning board; one commissioner records opposition
Summary
The Effingham County Board of Commissioners appointed Jake Patrick as the 2nd-district representative to the planning board despite voiced concern from Commissioner Beth Helmley about serving on both the IDA and planning board.
The Effingham County Board of Commissioners on Jan. 21 appointed Jake Patrick to the county planning board as the 2nd-district representative, a motion moved by Commissioner Roger Burdett and seconded from the dais. The motion carried with one recorded opposition.
Commissioner Beth Helmley said she opposed the appointment on principle, expressing concern about a perceived conflict in serving both the Industrial Development Authority and the planning board. "The IDA is a board that promotes business, and the planning board has to look carefully at what is brought into the county," Helmley said, explaining her opposition was based on role overlap and not the individual. Commissioner Burdett said he had performed due diligence, including discussions with both boards, and saw no legal prohibition. Burdett said he trusted Patrick to recuse himself if a conflict arose.
The motion carried; the clerk recorded the vote as approved with a noted opposition from Commissioner Helmley. Commissioners present for the vote were Chairman Damon Ron, Commissioner Forrest Floyd, Commissioner Roger Burdett, Commissioner Jamie Deloach and Commissioner Beth Helmley; Commissioner Phil Kiefer was not present.
Ending: The board recorded the appointment in the minutes and staff noted no statutory prohibition had been found; if conflicts arise, the appointee is expected to follow standard recusal processes.
