Montgomery County commissioners elect new chair and approve audit contract amendment

The Montgomery County Board of Commissioners reorganized leadership and handled several administrative actions during its Dec. 16 regular session.

An unidentified commissioner moved to elect Jeffrey Pope as the board’s new chair; the motion was seconded and approved by voice vote. The board then selected Chip Herley as vice chair following a motion and second.

The board approved the meeting agenda and later passed a consent agenda that included the minutes of the Nov. 18 meeting, the appointment of Russ Hollers as county attorney, and the register of deeds report. Commissioners and attendees offered recognition to departing county employee Mike Burrows.

Under the county manager’s report staff said a federal government shutdown had delayed guidance needed for auditors completing the single audit for federal funds, and the Local Government Commission granted a 43-day reprieve to complete the audit. Because the timeline change falls outside the original audit contract term, staff requested a contract amendment solely to revise the audit date (not the audit scope). The board moved, seconded and approved the amendment by voice vote.

No contested roll-call tallies were recorded in the transcript; items were approved via voice vote with commissioners saying “Aye” when asked. County staff said further budget discussions will follow in coming months to address ongoing program funding needs raised elsewhere on the agenda.

The meeting closed with brief community remarks and seasonal greetings.