Julius Walker elected chair as Washington County commissioners approve consent items

The Washington County Board of Commissioners held its annual organizational meeting Dec. 5, unanimously electing Commissioner Julius Walker Jr. as chair and Commissioner Ann C. Keyes as vice-chair.

Clerk to the Board Julie J. Bennett administered oaths to returning and incoming commissioners before the votes. John C. Spruill nominated Walker for chair; there were no other nominations and the board approved the appointment by unanimous vote. Keyes was nominated and elected vice-chair by unanimous vote.

The board approved a multi-item consent agenda that included the Nov. 7 meeting minutes, tax refunds and releases, the 2023 regular meeting and holiday schedules, the FY2023–24 budget calendar, and two resolutions: RESO 2022-046 (sale of surplus real property on Weston Road) and RESO 2022-047 (bonding of county officials). Commissioner Keyes moved approval of the consent agenda; Commissioner Phelps seconded and the motion carried unanimously.

Chair Walker recognized Brianne Sawyer, Assistant Register of Deeds, as Employee of the Quarter. Commissioners praised Sawyer’s work during the meeting.

The board adjourned at about 8:15 p.m.