Work session names nominees to new Board of Elections; county staff report operations and holiday schedule

Vice‑Chairman Timothy Biddle convened the Nov. 25 work session in the absence of Chairman Charles Coffey. Department heads reported operational items: recreation director Mordie Askew said youth basketball registration had begun; community development staff Samantha Hedgecoke previewed the tree lighting and parade and reminded businesses about license renewals; public‑works staff reported progress on Riverbend Road and Patterson Road aggregate work and ongoing drainage repairs. County Manager Thomas Weaver said an employee climate survey had been completed, the recycling center would be closed only for Thanksgiving Day, and locates for the broadband internet installation were underway.

The commission discussed appointments to the newly created Board of Elections. The County Manager explained why three names were recommended to fill staggered terms: Nancy Hoard, Valerie Lassiter and Crystal Walker were added to the Dec. 3 regular meeting agenda for formal appointment. Resident Queen Spivey attended and asked about voter‑list purging and whether appointees were trained; staff said voter maintenance is handled by county staff and that training can be provided before the next election. Commissioners also discussed scheduling the 2025 meeting calendar, the 2025 employee holiday calendar and a proposed sheriff vehicle; those items were placed on the Dec. 3 agenda.

The work session minutes show the commission must appoint the initial Board of Elections members before Jan. 1, 2025, and that commissioners will set pay or per‑meeting compensation if they choose to do so.