Dugan named commission head

During their first meeting of 2012 on January 3, the Morgan County Commission voted 3-0 to re-elect Stacy Dugan to a second year as commission president.

Dugan’s initial call for nominations was met with little discussion, so Dugan nominated herself to the post.

After some pause, Commissioner Brad Close seconded her motion. The commissioners were unanimous in affirming the selection.

Committee posts
Each commissioner serves on a variety of county boards or committees, and county officials renewed their posts during the January 3 meeting.

Commissioner Stacy Dugan will continue to serve on the Chamber of Commerce, Region 9 Planning & Development Council, Morgan County Fire Board, Local Emergency Planning Commission, and Community Criminal Justice Board.

Commissioner Brenda Hutchinson will continue to sit on the Economic Development Authority, Farmland Preservation Board, Senior Life Services, Morgan County Fair Board, Planning Commission, Eastern Panhandle Transportation Authority and the Executive Board of the Morgan County Partnership.

Commissioner Brad Close will still serve on the Parks & Recreation Board, 911 Advisory Board, Workforce Investment Board, Morgan County Emergency Medical Services, and Wage & Review Board.

2012 meetings
After much discussion, the commissioners set their meeting schedule for 2012. They will keep to a general schedule of meeting two Thursdays
per month in the morning, except during budget times and Board of Equalization sessions.

Commissioner Hutchinson opposed the final schedule, saying she was still in favor of meeting four times per month and setting at least one of their meetings later in the day.

“I still think we need to have one true evening meeting so working people can come,” said Hutchinson.

Commissioner Dugan said county officials are always willing to accommodate requests to hold meetings at night. She asked staff to make that clear on the county government website.

“If they request it and it becomes a regular request, we can make it a scheduled evening meeting,” Dugan said.