Bruce Henry Remains Commission Chair

Bruce Henry was renamed chairman of the county commission and Steven Ledford was re-named vice-chair when the commission met for its first meeting of the year Monday evening. The commission re-appointed Sheila Jefferson as county clerk, and the Nelson Law Group as the county’s legal representation.

That action came after the commission had several public hearings and approved several zoning matters to start off the meeting. The commission approved a preliminary plat for Lake Pines Subdivision off Landers Lane. The subdivision will have nine lots, down from an initial 30 or so. It is 52.19 acres, and conforms with the zoning requirements.

They also approved dividing 22.07 acres into two lots. The other public hearings were on ordinance amendments which is just cleaning up the ordinance to match what the commission has approved for development.

The amicable meeting was the first for District 3 Commissioner Rob Alexander who was elected last year, and takes the place of Don Jernigan on the commission.

The commissioners added a new topic to their agenda, that being a follow-up on previous citizen comments. In the follow up, County Manager Mike Benton told of how one complaint had been dealt with, and the resident is now satisfied with what Public Works has done.

Then he addressed another compliant…this one about the patching machine and the operation of it. Public Works Director Michael Walsh said the patching machine will be a great asset, but that it is a very complex machine and they are still learning. In fact, the operator is going this week to another county to train some more on its operation.

Then it was on to public comments, and Cathy Benson who had complained about the patching machine was the first to speak. She asked about accountability and said she had turned in the same properties three times to code enforcement, and to her knowledge nothing has been done. One recently burned she said, and asked if that was the solution for all of them. She appreciated the better patching on Lakeshore Drive while recognizing there’s still work to be done.

Sherry Benton spoke about the “industrial park” Jason Pope has on Landers Way, and said she wants her rural neighborhood back. She said Mr. Pope started there in 2017, and is violating standards, but the county has done nothing. She told commissioners they need to enforce the rules, and said she sees a lot of nepotism. She referred to her vibrating hill, and the smell of diesel fuel, and said his company is growing.

Jason Bunn, who has been vocal at commission meetings for the past couple years, said he just wanted to welcome Rob Alexander, and encourage all the commissioners.

Mary Patrick said that she thought the county should adopt the word accountability for 2025. She suggested putting logs in all vehicles. She said the Board of Assessors are not governed by the county and accused the county manager of overstepping his bounds in relation to an employment issue. She also said that she though before they made an appointment to the library board, they should ascertain if that person is opposed to drag queens reading aloud at the library.

Bill Nash expressed concern about the scenic byways which was on the agenda to be considered. He says there’s a lot involved, and he is interested in the input. However, when it came to that part of the agenda, commissioners voted not to establish a scenic byways commission.

Pat Will of the American Legion pointed out the county had lost a statesman in veteran Julius Funderburke who recently died.

Commissioners heard from Suzanne Ward about the hazard mitigation plan and approved it being put out to bid. They then heard from Cain Bentley on the statewide mutual aid plan. Ms. Ward and Mr. Bentley are deputy Emergency Management Agency (EMA) directors for the county, under the leadership of Ed Westbrook. Mr. Westbrook says he plans to step down soon, and leave them in charge.

The commission approved the package sales and pouring license for Bear Creek Marina…both the store and the restaurant with the appropriate use.

Commissioners unanimously named Ashley Johnson to the Library Board, and named Tameka Carter to the Department of Behavioral Health and Disabilities, Region 2 Advisory Council.

The commission unanimously approved a Tax Levy Resolution for the School System General Obligation bonds. The bonds are to be paid back with sales tax, and was approved by the voters last March. The school has done all it can until now, and it required the county’s approval.

Commissioners recently voted to improve the county’s retirement offering, and therefore changed the defined benefits plan. They had to make it official and vote on it again this month, which they did.

The commission voted to name Chair Bruce Henry to the Public Facilities Board in the absence of former commissioner Don Jernigan. They also voted to name Shelia Pounds to the Board of Health.

The next to the last thing on the business item agenda was to discuss House Bill 581, and they tabled that discussion, or any action, until after a work session next Monday, Jan. 13, at 6 p.m. at the Courthouse. They opened it up so representatives of the cities can attend if they desire. The county manager, attorney, and chief appraiser will all be on hand to lend their knowledge, and explain it to those gathered.

In the county manager’s report, Mike Benton reviewed building permit data, and told commissioners the 2024 audit should be complete by January 17.