Jones County work session interviews Grover Murray for Historic Preservation Commission seat

At a Jones County work session, board members interviewed Grover Murray for a position on the Historic Preservation Commission and approved routine motions including adjournment.

Grover Murray, the applicant, told board members he has "worked this October will be approximately 19 years" in local government and said, "I now serve as a criminal clerk and chief deputy clerk of the superior court." He said he has a longtime interest in history and that some of his ancestors, the Oxford family, were early inhabitants of Jones County.

Mr. Risner, a committee member who led the questions, asked Murray about his motivation and relevant skills. Murray said he views service on the commission as an extension of his public service and stressed that preserving local history matters "for my kids to know where they came from." He described himself as a "lifelong learner" and said he would study county ordinances and applicable state and federal laws to learn commission responsibilities.

On handling difficult decisions, Murray cited work at the sheriff's office and responsibility for personnel and disciplinary matters, saying such positions "require kinda split 2nd decision making." Asked how he would handle disagreements among commissioners, he emphasized communication, reliance on facts over opinion and that the commission operates democratically, with majority votes deciding outcomes.

Board members did not take a recorded vote on Murray's appointment during the session. Earlier in the meeting, Mr. Risner moved to approve the 07/07/2026 work session, the motion was seconded and favored; at the close of the session Mr. Risner moved to adjourn, the motion was seconded and members said "aye," after which the work session ended.

The interview concluded without further questions. The transcript does not record any formal appointment vote or next steps for the candidate.