Putnam commissioners authorize request to state for formal vacancy appointment procedure

The Putnam County Board of Commissioners voted Nov. 18 to authorize the chairman to sign a resolution requesting local legislation that would amend the county's local act to establish a formal procedure for filling vacancies on the Board of Commissioners.

The item, described in the agenda as the "Gary McElhenney Resolution," was previously tabled at the Nov. 7 meeting. During public comment Pamela Smith questioned the need for the change, and Jennifer Ray asked for more advertising and public input on items of this nature. County Attorney Adam Nelson explained the revisions made since the item was tabled and reminded the board that the county is only requesting lawmakers consider the change; state legislators may or may not adopt it.

The board voted to amend the language in Section 3(a)(2) to require that nominees be members of the local political party of the prior office holder; that amendment passed (yea: Commissioners McElhenney, Garrett, Wooten, Hersey). The final vote to authorize the chairman to sign the resolution passed with Commissioners McElhenney, Garrett and Wooten voting yea and Commissioner Hersey voting nay. Chairman Bill Sharp joined the prevailing side in the final motion.

The authorization directs the chairman to submit the resolution to the county's legislative contacts; any legal change would require state action to amend the local act governing Putnam County.