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By Jessica Richardson
Staff Writer The Macon County Board of Commissioners presented plaques to outgoing officials at its meeting Monday, Dec. 4 and elected the new chair and vice chair to serve for the next four-year term. Newly elected Chairman Charles Leatherman said that the county must prepare to address its future growth. Jay Dee Shepherd, above, was recognized for serving four years as a commissioner. Jay Dee Shepherd served as a commissioner for four years. “I would like to thank each of you for trusting in me with this job,” said Shepherd. “I have learned a lot in the last four years and I want to thank you for that and all you have done.”Allan Bryson has served on the board for eight years and the last four as Chairman. Bryson also expressed thanks for being able to serve on the board. “I tried my hardest even when we didn’t agree. I thank you,” said Bryson. Allan Bryson, above, was recognized for serving eight years, four of which he served as Chairman. Newly elected vicechairmen Ronnie Beale and Brian McClellan joined the board. Commissioner Jim Davis nominated Leatherman to become chair, which passed unanimously. The nominations for vice chair went less smoothly, with three nominations made until Davis’ nomination of Beale passed. Leatherman addressed changes facing the county and appointed liaisons to county boards. “I think Macon County is going to change more in the next five years than it has in the past 25 years,” said Leatherman. He stressed that members of the board would have to work together. “We need to take the steps to put Macon County in the position that in 10 years from now, we can still talk about the way Macon County is not the way it was.” Leatherman said that it would take a balance between preserving what the county has and having economic growth. Leatherman appointed Beale, who recently resigned as Planning Board Chair, as the liaison for the Planning Board. Leatherman said that he would like to see continuation of a development ordinance that is saturated in “common sense.” Leatherman appointed Davis and Simpson as School Board liaisons. “Our children are the most important thing that we have got,” said Leatherman, and said open communication between the boards and building new schools were key. Leatherman then appointed McClellan to the Economic Development Board. “We need to come up with a plan that develops Macon County in a way that is positive and brings the type of industry that we need.” The board planned a retreat in January to further develop their ideas. Each chairman also addressed their next four years of service. “We need to jump right in,” said Simpson, adding that the county is facing population increases in the schools. Simpson said that the new Southwestern Community College campus would be an asset. Davis said that he considers serving on the board a privilege and is honored to continue to serve. “I hope that the trust people have given me will not be in vain,” said Davis. Beale also thanked the people of Macon County. “We have got a lot to do for the county,” said Beale. “I will always be an open mind and open ear.” McClellan said that he, too, appreciates the confidence of the people. “I think there are a lot of things we can do to move Macon County forward,” said McClellan. “ I want to talk more about what we can do and not what we can’t do.” Monday’s meeting was continued to Monday, Dec. 18, at noon to discuss a moratorium on high-rise structures. The meeting will be held at the Macon County Courthouse. |
