Commissioners’ Fill Committee Positions in Their First Meeting of the New Year

JASPER, Ga. – After a COVID-19 outbreak in January, the Pickens County Board of Commissioners worked to fill several county and committee positions for the new year.

The board unanimously approved the rehiring of County Clerk Lesa Thomason, Deputy Clerk Karen Wheeler, and County Attorney Phil Landrum, III.

In a lighthearted moment, Commission Chair Kris Stancil turned to his ill-prepared colleagues concerning the appointment of a vice chair.

“The next item is going to require you guys [Commissioner Becky Denney and Jerry Barnes] to make your own choice there,” said Stancil jokingly.

After a short pause, Denney announced that she would run for the position. Wasting no time, the commission unanimously voted yes in favor of Denny as the new vice chair.

Of all the motions heard that evening, none were met with dissenting votes.

Marty Hendrix and Harold Hensley retained their seat with the county’s planning commission. As for the rest of the planning commission, Karen Benson took the third seat. She replaced Bill Cagle, who stepped down last year.

Local attorney, and son of former Mayor John Weaver, John Luke Weaver will replace Charlies Finley as the Pickens County Development Authority.

The county Board of Appeals will remain unchanged. W.A. “Red” Meaders, Don Martin, Ron Barnes, Bart Connelly, and Bill Cagle all stay put.

Commissioners appointed Jess Walker, Brian Clayhorn, and Donna Enis to the Pickens County Recreation Board. Citizens may recognize Enis from her time spent as a longtime coach, teacher, and former member of the Pickens County Board of Education.

As the only entity to go over budget for the previous year, Ed Wood, Don Boggus, Jerry Edwards, and David Johnson will spearhead the airport authority.

Stancil wanted the public to know that the county plans to implement an online application process for citizens interested in serving on a committee. Stancil added he expects the application process to be ready by March of this year.

In other news, the Commission honored Roy G. Dodds with a Resolution for his 30 years of dedicated service with Pickens County. Dobb’s started working as a tax assessor in 1991.

Presenting the Resolution to Dobb’s, Commissioner Denney thanked him for his years of service and his friendship.