The Marion County Board reorganized Monday night.
Current Chair Debbie Smith and Vice-Chair Dr. Creighton Engel both ran unopposed although Smith received one no-vote and Engel two no-votes in the secret ballot election.
Smith discussed her goals for the coming two years.
“My goals for the next two years as county board chairwoman is to continue on with our progress such as finishing the projects that we have started with our ARPA funds with Marion County Courthouse, Jail House, and Public Service Building and get more technology savvy and getting more into the community and still be transparent. We are going to continue on with what we have done in the past. I think this is going to be a great group of people. I can’t wait to get started.”
Smith also hopes to be able to find some grants to complete some additional projects such as surfacing the county parking lot in the 200 block of North Broadway. She notes while they are in very good fiscal shape, money is still an issue for future projects. Smith feels county employees are now happier as a result of new contract agreements.
Dr. Engel says the county is in much better financial shape than when he started ten years ago. He also feels they have accomplished a great deal with building improvements in the past few years.
Before the reorganizational meeting, all county board members were sworn in including four new to the board, Brock Waggoner and Tracy Murray in District 1, Jack Riley in District Two, and Tyson McHenry in District Three.
Board members also drew for their length of term. Steve Whritenour, Bill Henson, David Iossi, Brock Waggoner, Tracy Murray Steve Bradley, and Dr. Creighton Engel will start the ten-year cycle with two-year terms. Tyson McHenry, Debbie Smith, Adam Smith, Sharon Woodward, Chris Krupp, Judith Meeks Akim, Jack Riley, and Deb Reed will all serve four years.
Marion County Board Vice-Chair Dr. Creighton Engel (left) and Board Chair Debbie Smith after being re-elected to board leadership for two more years following Monday night reorganization meeting.
