Board approves array of personnel, budget and policy items; planning‑commission special‑use get 5‑2 vote

The Smith County Board of Supervisors on June 24 took a series of motions and votes covering personnel appointments, county policies, budget appropriations and board appointments. Several items were approved unanimously in committee or by voice vote; a planning commission special‑use recommendation passed 5‑2.

Key actions recorded in the meeting included:

• Appointment of a building official: The personnel committee recommended appointing Cody Ridge (hired as a building inspector) as building official effective July 1 following completion of his certification steps. Atkins (Charlie Atkins, Atkins District Supervisor) moved the recommendation; Michael Sturgill seconded. The board approved the committee recommendation by voice vote.

• Personnel travel policy: The personnel committee recommended replacing the county’s flat per‑diem travel payment with a schedule following the U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) guidelines, with special situations to be approved case‑by‑case by the county administrator or designee. The committee recommended approval unanimously and the board accepted the recommendation.

• Personnel social‑media policy: Committee members presented…