Anson County commissioners limit pay for assistant elections director pending state review

At a special meeting on April 27, 2026, the Anson County Board of Commissioners voted 5-1 to "only pay the assistant elections director salary of $43,387.50 until further notice," a motion made by Commissioner Joshua Ellerbe and seconded by Commissioner Lawrence Gatewood.

County Attorney Scott Forbes told commissioners that the elections director "was currently under review by the State Board of Elections" and said the State Board had placed two deputy directors in the county office to keep the building open and answer questions while the appeals process is ongoing. County Manager Leonard Sossamon confirmed that the former assistant director had been terminated and the director was suspended and that an appointment letter had been forwarded to the board.

The motion limiting pay passed with Commissioners Jarvis Woodburn, Robert Mims, Priscilla Little-Reid, Joshua Ellerbe and Lawrence Gatewood voting yes. Chairman Jamie Caudle cast the lone no vote; Commissioner Kyle Leary was not present for the vote. The motion text and tally were recorded as formal board action during the open session following a closed-session consultation with the county attorney.

Chairman Caudle said he opposed the pay restriction and asked that county counsel further review the legal implications of the board’s action. The board did not adopt any additional personnel action or a separate pay resolution at the meeting. The county attorney indicated attorneys would handle next steps related to the State Board review and any legal questions arising from the board’s vote.

The board adjourned following the action. No additional timeline or date for further board consideration of the elections staffing issue was set during the meeting.