WLKM Radio 95.9 FM
The issue of appointments to various boards and committees evolved into a lengthy discussion by county commissioners during their executive committee meeting Wednesday.
The process of recommending appointments and re-appointments to different boards and committees was explored following an issue raised by commissioner Ken Malone, who asked why candidates are interviewed for some panels but not others.
The recommendations before commissioners centered on 14 people representing seven different boards and committees.
Commission chair Dennis Allen responded to Malone’s query. He said past practice has started with either the chairperson of a specific board or committee, or the county commission representative on that panel. That person would typically submit a letter to commissioners, recommending reappointment or someone new.
Allen acknowledged it’s not unusual for an interview team to meet with potential appointments to higher-profile panels such as community mental health, commission on aging and road commission.
Following a debate lasting more than 30 minutes, commissioners agreed that in the future, all board and committee appointments and re-appointments will be discussed at the executive committee level for recommendation before moving on to the board of commissioners meeting for final approval.
The 14 proposed appointments and re-appointments will head to the board for approval at their meeting Tuesday next week.
