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County attorney outlines process to fill District 5 vacancy left by Commissioner Etheridge
Summary
Following Commissioner Etheridge's death, the county attorney explained that state law requires the county board to appoint a qualified resident of the same political party from District 5 and to consult the local party executive committee before filling the vacancy.
After the board's memorial for Commissioner J. Owen Etheridge, the county attorney explained the statutory procedure to fill the resulting District 5 vacancy.
Under North Carolina General Statute 153A-27, the attorney told the board, the remaining commissioners must appoint a qualified person to fill the vacancy. "To be eligible for appointment to fill a vacancy, a person must, 1, be a member of the same political party as Commissioner Etheridge and, 2, be a resident of the same district as Commissioner Etheridge," the county attorney said in his explanation to the board.
The attorney said the board must consult with the county executive committee of the Republican Party before making a decision; the committee may make recommendations but the board is not bound by them. The attorney noted that Troy Brethwaite had served previously as a temporary commissioner during Etheridge's leave but is no longer serving.
Chairman O'Neil said the board will reach out to the party committee, solicit applications and interviews, and expects to receive recommendations before the board makes an appointment. The transcript shows the board intends to follow the statutory process and hold interviews as part of the appointment consideration.
No appointment was made at the July 6 meeting; the board directed staff to begin outreach to the party executive committee and to publicize the vacancy process to qualified applicants.
