Warren County Commissioner Wayne Copeland is hoping to secure enough votes to rescind a resolution that was passed in February preventing appointees to five county boards from serving consecutive terms.
The wording of the resolution does not prevent the appointee from serving again, but consecutive terms are not allowed.
The measure affects the Industrial Development Board, the Board of Equalization, and three separate boards related to the airport – the Airport Zoning Committee, the Airport Commission, and the Airport Board of Zoning Appeals.
Commissioner Dwight O’Neal presented the measure to the full Warren County Commission during its February meeting as a way to get some “new blood” involved in the community. He pointed out some people have been serving on the same boards for decades.
The resolution passed 18-3 with Commissioners Wayne Copeland, Kenneth Rogers and Les Trotman voting against it. If the measure were to be rescinded, it would take it off the books as if it never happened.
Copeland said, “I think it is a disservice to the county, especially with the Equalization Board. That board needs some level heads on it.”
While the resolution passed in February, it has yet to have any consequences since no term limits have expired since that time. However, that will change in October when two members of the Industrial Development Board will have their terms expire.
Copeland wants to get the measure on the docket in September before those terms expire.
O’Neal originally brought up the idea in a Policy and Personnel Committee meeting in early February. When he did not seem to gain support from committee members, O’Neal said he would table the resolution. However, he changed his mind and brought the resolution before the full county court.
Copeland and County Executive John Pelham believe limiting appointees to one term is not good for the community.
“For instance, the Equalization Board has five members, one is a city representative, and four are appointed by the county,” said Pelham. “Their term is a two-year term. That means we must appoint new members every two years ... four new members on a five-person board every two years.”