Residents press county on school traffic safety and DSS concerns during public comment

Several members of the public used the meeting’s comment period to press the board on two issues: local traffic and school safety at Union Elementary and other intersections, and alleged problems within the county Department of Social Services (DSS).

Terry Williams, a resident and former county technology director, described pedestrian and vehicle congestion near Union Elementary and Union Intermediate, saying caution lights had been installed but speed-limit signage and other enforcement were still needed. Williams asked for school-zone speed signs (45 mph school zone signs were requested) and suggested a future four-way stop at the Lisbon Ridge Road/0411 intersection because of repeated collisions; he said law enforcement needs posted speed limits to enforce violations.

Apostle Monks (public commenter) raised extensive concerns about the county DSS, saying families and former contractors have reported “venom” and retaliatory conduct by staff and leadership. Monks said he had met with the county manager and requested a sit-down between affected families, he and county leadership to begin dialogue and investigate complaints. He asked the board whether they would address the allegations or “cover it up,” and urged the board to convene a process to hear families’ concerns. The transcript records no formal board action in response and no staff report beyond an acknowledgment that the comment was heard.

Why it matters: Public testimony flagged specific local-safety and public-administration concerns that the board may choose to address administratively; speakers asked for formal follow-up and enforcement actions that would require either department-level action or countywide coordination.

Ending: Commissioners acknowledged the comments; no formal directives or votes were recorded on either traffic signage or the DSS complaint request during the meeting.