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Board appoints Billy Parker as interim Rockingham County sheriff, sets interim pay
Summary
The Rockingham County Board of Commissioners appointed Billy Parker as interim sheriff effective Aug. 3, 2026, at 8:00 a.m., following statute-driven party recommendation. The board later set interim annual pay at $119,346.49; both actions passed by voice vote.
The Rockingham County Board of Commissioners voted to appoint Billy Parker as interim sheriff to fill the unexpired term left by Sheriff Page’s resignation effective July 31, 2026. County Manager Lance Messler announced the vacancy and said the county executive committee of the sheriff’s party had submitted a recommendation for the board’s consideration. "The process was that the respective party makes a recommendation to you all for consideration," Messler said.
County attorney/staff member Clyde Turner read the controlling statute, stating that when a party makes a recommendation within 30 days the board "shall appoint the person recommended by the county executive committee of that party," adding "that means there's no discretion." Commissioner Berger moved to appoint Billy Parker effective Aug. 3, 2026, at 8:00 a.m.; the motion was seconded and approved by voice vote.
Following a closed session to discuss personnel, the board set interim compensation for Parker at $119,346.49 annually for the interim period. Commissioner Hall proposed the pay motion and it passed by voice vote. The board noted the interim pay is typically lower than permanent elected pay and said Parker could be eligible for further adjustment if elected to the permanent post.
Why it matters: The statute cited by county staff (N.C. Gen. Stat. 162-5.1(b), as read into the record) ties the board’s appointment duty to the recommending party committee when the recommendation is timely, limiting commissioners’ discretion on interim sheriff selections. The appointment and salary setting determine who will carry out sheriff duties during the run-up to the November general election and set the immediate compensation for that office.
What’s next: The interim appointment takes effect Aug. 3, 2026, at 8:00 a.m. The general election is scheduled for November; any further changes to compensation or appointment would depend on subsequent board action or election results.
