The Person County Board of Commissioners used its Dec. 1 meeting to reorganize leadership for 2026, approve statutorily required fidelity bonds, hear a quarterly strategic plan update, and receive training on quasi‑judicial procedures in advance of an upcoming special‑use permit.

County attorney (speaker 4) opened the organizational business by asking for nominations for chairman and vice chair. By voice vote the board approved the nominated chair for the coming year and later elected Sherry Whitwin as vice chair by voice vote. The new vice chair was recognized and asked to swap seats with Vice Chairman Thomas.

The county attorney explained that state law requires annual board approval of bonds for several positions. He listed the amounts presented for approval: $25,000 for the sheriff, $50,000 for the register of deeds, $100,000 for the tax administrator and $1,000,000 for the finance director. The board approved all four bonds in a single motion by voice vote.

County Manager (speaker 14) provided a brief strategic‑plan quarterly report (July–September FY26) describing the county’s second fiscal‑year progress on plan objectives and associated departmental budget items; the report was included in the meeting packet and no action was required.

County Attorney (speaker 4) then delivered a focused training on quasi‑judicial procedures ahead of an upcoming hearing for a special use permit (Hot Rock Haulers). The presentation covered conflicts of interest, the lower bar for conflicts in quasi‑judicial matters, standing and the showing of special damages for third‑party standing, evidentiary standards (competent, material, substantial), the burden on applicants to make a prima facie case and the requirement to make written findings of fact and conclusions of law when rendering decisions. He told commissioners that three members had already said they had conflicts in the Hot Rock Haulers matter and explained the 'rule of necessity' that can allow a decision when most decision‑makers are disqualified because no alternative tribunal exists.

The board later moved into two closed sessions under statutory citations referenced in the meeting and then adjourned.