Board of Elections policy gets first reading; commission places multiple items on Oct. 1 agenda

At the Sept. 23 work session Chairman Charles Coffey and County Manager Thomas Weaver led discussion on a draft Board of Elections policy. Coffey read Section 5 aloud while managers and commissioners discussed the supervisor role: the draft anticipates the three-member Board of Elections will present one to three candidates for an Elections Supervisor, and the County Manager would assign the supervisor; the clerk (already certified and performing elections duties) was mentioned as the current de facto election official. Commissioner Damon Hoyte voiced concern about separation of duties between the board and day-to-day administration and asked for clarification on roles.

Commissioner Timothy Biddle moved and Commissioner Gerald Douglas seconded to hold a first public reading of the Board of Elections policy at the work session; the vote was recorded as unanimous. The item is scheduled for second reading and final action at the next meeting if required documentation is ready.

County Manager Weaver reviewed other items to be placed on the Oct. 1 regular meeting agenda, including: the Board of Education's request to use Old City Hall (if an agreement is prepared), a cardboard compactor agreement for the recycle center, reappointments to the tax assessor, vehicle purchases and trades for EMA and sheriff vehicles, naming Paul Rakel/SOWEGA as engineer of record, cemetery bylaws, and rescheduling the November meeting (from Election Day to Nov. 12). Many items were listed as voting items if agreements or paperwork are provided by the Oct. 1 meeting.