911 Interim Director Named

Jennifer Smith was named interim director of Jasper County 911 at the end of a called meeting of the Joint 911 Authority Friday morning.

The action came following the resignation of 911 Director Kimberly LeCroy

Those members present went into closed session for an hour or so Friday morning before taking the vote.

The group also met the previous Monday at which they had a two-hour closed session and took no action after the closed session. (By law, they cannot take action in closed session.)

The authority learned that the county approved 10 full-time positions, up one from the previous year, who the director will determine when that position is on duty.

They talked about updating the signature cards at the bank as there was been some turnover in members of the authority, with former members Gail Harrell, Jenny Murphy and Amanda Proctor coming off the board. The sheriff and fire chief are frequently called upon to sign checks, as they are sometimes readily available, but all members present were willing to be on the cards.

Those that were named, as they are readily accessible, included Dee Garland and Ronnie Payne, who join County Manager Mike Benton along with Sheriff Donnie Pope and Fire/Rescue Chief Chris Finch.

The Jasper County Commission is planning to host a meeting soon on the Authority and is planning to reduce the number on the board. Currently the cities of Monticello and Shady Dale must agree to whatever changes are to be made. That meeting has not been announced.

Ms. Bennett attended by telephone.