The Norfolk County Commission on Nov. 12 approved routine personnel actions and warrants, authorized a five-year lease for grounds equipment, and voted to send letters to the Legislature expressing the county’s positions on two bills.

Personnel and warrants: The board approved a resignation (Alyce Anderson, student camp employee), continued employment motions for three coach positions (Colleen Collins, Devin London and Maya Acosta), a regrade for a special-education assistant, and two FMLA leaves. The commission also approved payroll warrant 26-19 (county payroll) for $151,642.90, expense warrant 11-02-26 for $568,865.58, and school payroll warrant 26-19 subsection 10 for $402,261.89.

Procurement: Maureen in procurement recommended and the board approved a five-year lease for grounds-keeping equipment identified in the packet as a Groundmaster 3500. Procurement noted the county’s usual lender would process the lease; commissioners approved the motion by voice vote.

State legislation letters: The board voted to submit a letter of testimony in support of House Bill 3211 (an act relative to deeds excise receipts). Separately, commissioners directed counsel to draft and send a letter of opposition to House Bill 3971, which would direct a study on placing registries of deeds under county government oversight.

County director’s report: Director Cronin told commissioners a carpenter candidate withdrew from recruitment and staff will continue interviews; permit work at Renfro District Court that had been delayed by a building permit was signed and will move forward; and the RSVP/AmeriCorps program is running a veterans gift drive Nov. 27–Jan. 2 with drop-off locations listed in the commission packet. He also noted an advisory board meeting scheduled for Dec. 17 and flagged departmental budget-transfer timelines.

Votes at a glance:
- Motion to instruct counsel to draft revised employee-handbook language (section 3.3.3): approved by voice vote (directional vote; formal adoption pending return of draft).
- Motion to approve payroll warrant 26-19 (county payroll) for $151,642.90: approved by voice vote.
- Motion to approve expense warrant 11-02-26 for $568,865.58: approved by voice vote.
- Motion to approve school payroll warrant 26-19 subsection 10 for $402,261.89: approved by voice vote.
- Motion to approve five-year lease for Groundmaster 3500: approved by voice vote.
- Motion to send letter in support of H.B. 3211: approved by voice vote.
- Motion to send letter opposing H.B. 3971: approved by voice vote.

The meeting adjourned after the agenda was completed; commissioners noted they will meet the Wednesday before Thanksgiving.