1. Leadership Changes
- Chairman Selection: The board reelected Paul O’Neal to continue serving as chairman.
- Vice Chairman Selection: Selina Jarvis was chosen to serve as vice chairman.
- Board Vacancy: The board officially extended the leave of absence for Commissioner J. Owen Etheridge (District 5) through March 1, 2026, due to ongoing health reasons. Troy Breathwaite will continue to fill his seat during this time.
2. Library Director Pay Dispute
A point of contention during the meeting was the compensation for the Library Director.
- The Conflict: Some commissioners expressed disagreement over the proposed salary level for the position.
- The Argument: Those in opposition raised concerns regarding how the pay scale for the library role compared to other department heads and whether the salary was justified within the current budget.
- The Outcome: The discussion highlighted a split on the board regarding fiscal priorities and administrative pay structures, though the board ultimately moved forward with their broader organizational agenda.
3. Looking Ahead: Electoral Changes
Beyond personnel and pay, the board discussed a major upcoming shift in county governance:
- Redistricting Referendum: The board is preparing for a public hearing on January 5, 2026, to discuss changing the electoral structure.
- The Goal: Moving from the current system (five residency districts and two at-large seats, all elected countywide) to a system where district representatives are elected solely by the voters within that specific district.
