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Board grants Commissioner Robin Hines temporary leave of absence; process set to fill seat temporarily
Summary
Citing ongoing health issues, Commissioner Robin Hines requested a leave of absence and the board approved the request under N.C. Gen. Stat. 128-40. The board also directed staff to publicize and begin an application process to appoint a temporary replacement for District 7.
The Edgecombe County Board of Commissioners approved a leave of absence for Commissioner Robin Hines after receipt of a written request citing health concerns. The board took the action under North Carolina General Statute 128-40, which authorizes leave for elective officials for protracted illness or other reasons acceptable to the board.
Clerk Tammy Faison Peters read the statute to the record and the board reviewed a letter from Hines asking for a temporary leave to focus on recovery. County Manager Eric Evans and commissioners discussed benefits that commissioners receive, including a monthly stipend, a travel stipend and eligibility to participate in the county health insurance plan. The manager noted that Commissioner Hines participates in the county health plan.
The board debated whether to continue paying certain benefits during the leave. One commissioner said he would favor granting leave and continuing health insurance but not continuing the stipend, citing fiscal concerns about effectively paying two people to represent one district. Commissioner Harris, noting Hines' 26 years of service, advocated for continuing health insurance during the leave. The board ultimately approved the leave; the meeting record indicates the motion passed (commissioners recorded "Aye" and the motion carried; one commissioner spoke in opposition to continuing all compensation). The clerk and manager outlined steps to notify the public and solicit applicants to serve temporarily in District 7.
County staff recommended publicizing the temporary appointment opportunity widely, collecting applications and either having the personnel committee or the full board review applicants and select a temporary replacement. The manager suggested taking applications into August and said the temporary appointee would serve only while the leave is in effect and could be replaced if Commissioner Hines returned.
The board directed staff to prepare public notice, accept applications for the temporary position and return candidates for committee review or full-board consideration as appropriate.
