The Marion County Board has reappointed two members of the Board of Review and four members of the Health Board under the old appointment system after finalizing how the system would work going forward.
John Wright and Patrick Kyker were appointed to two-year terms on the Board of Review. Supervisor of Assessments Mark Miller says the appointments were needed now because the board of review would go into session next month. He also noted qualifications that would keep most from serving on the board. Board member Josh Dunahee objected, saying the board of review has not provided needed documentation when cases are reviewed by the state and feeling they have not treated every person coming before them the same way. Four voted against the reappointments including Dunahee, Cody Rose, Brock Waggoner, and Jack Riley.
The board also approved the reappointment of Retired Marion County School Principal Tom Turner, Registered Nurse and Retired School Nurse Paul Strother, Attorney Keith Kessler to three-year terms and County Board Representative and Veterinarian Dr. Michael Douglas to a one-year term. Waggoner and Rose voted no.
Going forward, the board agreed to require all boards with an opening to post the opening on the county’s website 90 days ahead of the appointment date. The first 45 days will allow those interested to apply. The next 45 days will be for those on the board they want to serve to review the submitted applications. Their recommendation will then go to the county board which will make the final decision on the appointment. The system was developed so the county board was not just a ‘rubber stamp’ to appointments brought before them.
Budget Committee Chair Brock Waggoner announced the proposed budget for next year currently has a $700,000 deficit with a zero dollar increase in the tax levy. He noted the deficit could be brought down to $400,000 with a three percent increase in the tax levy.
ESDA Coordinator Sheri Barker announced ESDA will have five cars out each night through Halloween on patrols to try and curb vandalism.
Highway Engineer Alex Kreke says the department was continuing to work on end of season mowing along county highway right of way. He reported they have completed eight culvert replacement projects this year, with another eight still to be completed.
